Customs Brokers — Tasks

Task statements

• Pay, or arrange for payment of, taxes and duties on shipments.
• Classify goods according to tariff coding system.
• Clear goods through customs and to their destinations for clients.
• Prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or procedures.
• Stay abreast of changes in import or export laws or regulations by reading current literature, attending meetings or conferences, or conferring with colleagues.
• Calculate duty and tariff payments owed on shipments.
• Confer with officials in various agencies to facilitate clearance of goods through customs and quarantine.
• Obtain line releases for frequent shippers of low-risk commodities, high-volume entries, or multiple-container loads.
• Request or compile necessary import documentation, such as customs invoices, certificates of origin, and cargo-control documents.
• Advise customers on import and export restrictions, tariff systems, insurance requirements, quotas, or other customs-related matters.
• Sign documents on behalf of clients, using powers of attorney.
• Post bonds for the products being imported or assist clients in obtaining bonds.
• Prepare papers for shippers to appeal duty charges.
• Quote duty and tax rates on goods to be imported, based on federal tariffs and excise taxes.
• Inform importers and exporters of steps to reduce duties and taxes.
• Arrange for transportation, warehousing, or product distribution of imported or exported products.
• Apply for tariff concessions or for duty drawbacks and other refunds.
• Contract with freight forwarders for destination services.
• Monitor or trace the location of goods.
• Suggest best methods of packaging or labeling products.
• Provide advice on transportation options, types of carriers, or shipping routes.
• Insure cargo against loss, damage, or pilferage.
• Maintain relationships with customs brokers in other ports to expedite clearing of cargo.