Customs clearance is not just filling out a declaration. It is a complex procedure, where an error in determining the UKT FEA code or an incorrectly calculated customs value can result in fines, cargo downtime in a temporary storage warehouse, or even complete confiscation of the goods.
So in this article, we will analyze why professional support from a customs broker and logistics company is often more profitable than independent clearance.
Who is a customs broker and what functions does he perform?
Customs brokers are specialists who professionally represent the interests of importers and exporters before customs authorities.
Their main task is to ensure the correct, legal and rapid passage of goods across the customs border, completing all necessary customs formalities.
What services of a customs broker are needed when importing goods?
What do customs brokers do when importing goods:
- consultations on international transportation;
- checking all documents;
- classifying goods by UKT FEA code;
- determination of customs value;
- calculation of customs payments;
- submission of customs declaration;
- representation of the interests of the importer;
- organization of passing state controls;
- support of customs inspection.
Thus, a customs broker supports the import of goods at all stages – from preparation of documents to completion of customs clearance and release of goods.
Customs clearance of goods: main stages
Customs clearance of goods is a multi-stage process that includes preparation of documents, classification of goods, determination of customs value, calculation of payments, submission of customs declaration, passing of documentary and, if necessary, physical control, payment of customs payments and release of goods into the appropriate customs regime.
Correct completion of each stage ensures the legal movement of goods across the customs border, minimizes the risk of delays and financial sanctions and contributes to the effective conduct of foreign economic activity.
How customs brokers help in international transportation
International transportation of goods is associated not only with the transportation of cargo, but also with the implementation of numerous customs, tax and administrative procedures. That is why a customs broker is one of the key participants in international logistics. He ensures the correct execution of documents, interacts with customs authorities and coordinates the process of customs clearance of cargo, which allows you to avoid delays, additional costs and violations of the law.
The main advantage of working with a customs broker is the reduction of customs clearance time, and accordingly, international transportation.
What documents are needed for customs clearance
What basic documents does a customs broker work with:
- foreign economic contract;
- invoice;
- packing list;
- waybill (CMR, bill of lading, air waybill, etc.);
- certificate of origin;
- certificate of quality;
- certificates of conformity;
- declaration of customs value (in cases provided for by law);
- customs declaration;
- permits from state authorities;
- insurance documents;
- specifications;
- payment documents.
Customs brokers are responsible for the correctness of filling out the customs declaration and the reliability of the information entered in it.
Logistics company and customs broker: what is the difference
What are the main differences between a customs broker and a transport company
| International logistics company | Customs brokers |
| Organizes international cargo transportation | Organizes customs clearance of cargo |
| Works with carriers and forwarders | Works with customs authorities |
| Responsible for logistics | Responsible for customs procedures |
| Organizes door-to-door delivery | Ensures the legal import or export of goods |
| Controls the route, terms and transportation | Controls the correctness of documents and customs payments |
How to choose a customs broker for business
What you should definitely consider when choosing customs broker services:
- Inclusion in the register of customs brokers (register of the State Customs Service);
- license/qualification certificate of a customs clearance specialist;
- experience working specifically with your product group and type of cargo;
- availability of a financial guarantee;
- cooperation exclusively by contract;
- practical experience;
- reputation.
An unreasonably low price for customs clearance can be considered a “red flag”. This may mean that the client will face “pitfalls” in the future.
Advantages of working with an international logistics company
The services of a customs broker and a logistics company provide significant advantages to businesses:
- reduce the terms of customs clearance and international transportation itself;
- avoid errors in documents;
- correctly determine the UKT foreign economic activity code and customs value;
- pay customs payments on time;
- minimize the risk of fines, surcharges and delays;
- focus on commercial activities by transferring customs procedures to a specialist.
When organizing international transportation independently, you need to interact separately and independently with carriers, forwarders, insurance companies and warehouse operators.
An international logistics company combines these processes into a single system, which simplifies communication and reduces the administrative burden on the client.
Conclusion
In most international transportation, the logistics company and the customs broker work closely together.
For example, when importing goods, the transport company organizes the delivery of goods from the supplier to the customs terminal or temporary storage warehouse, and the customs broker prepares documents, draws up a customs declaration, calculates customs payments and represents the interests of the importer before the customs authorities.
Therefore, it is more profitable and better to immediately contact international logistics companies that have an experienced customs broker on staff.
