What is a Customs Broker?

Hundreds of thousands of importers bring cargo and freight into the US every year. Most rely on the services of a licensed customs broker to get their shipments cleared at the border. For each of these transactions, reams of critical business data must be generated about everything from country of origin and destinations to suppliers, tariff classifications, routings, and intended use. For many businesses this international shipping process can be tedious and overwhelming. Using the services of a customs broker can help.

Customs Brokers: Transforming Business Intelligence

Traditionally, importers relied on customs brokers to gather information and clear the goods through customs. Today, many importers are learning that customs clearance is only part of the story. Customs brokers are now helping importers leverage that information, transforming data into critical business intelligence. Customs brokers are offering a growing range of specialized services to help importers develop new product lines, explore new markets, evaluate the impact of global change, and cut costs.

Additionally regulations, laws and rules for international shipping are frequently changing. AFC International has spent 25 years learning those rules, working with Federal agencies and watching for changes that may affect your business.

Customs Brokers: Qualifications

Customs brokers must pass an examination and background check to be licensed as we are by the US Customs and Border Protection agency. Customs brokers are not federal employees, but partners with you in the customs clearing process at the port of entry. Customs brokers understand the tariff schedule and the regulations found in the Code of Federal Regulations that deal with importing of goods, Title 19. It is the customs brokers’ responsibility to alert you to specific requirements from your country of origin to ease customs clearance at Port or Border.

How AFC International Can Help

If you are importing goods into the United States of any size for commercial use or sale, AFC International can help. We are ready to guide you in the preparation of documents and/or electronic submissions, the calculation and payment of taxes, duties and excises, and facilitating communication between government authorities and importers and exporters. Allow us to put our experience and knowledge to work for you. We take care of the details so you can focus on your business.

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