For business owners who are planning to expand their enterprise and market through importing or exporting, it is important to know the significant role that a customs broker will play. Sending shipment abroad is a crucial task, and handling all the requirements for clearance takes a lot of effort and time. For someone without a customs broker experience, this could be troublesome.
Customs brokers are basically your representatives in international borders. They serve as liaisons for international government authorities. They are experts in the field of international laws regarding the entry and exit of shipments. Simply put, they make sure your shipment gets cleared by the Customs department, no matter where you choose to take the items and no matter how the regulations change. Some brokerage companies also offer assistance with freight forwarding, documentation, and cargo transport.
The ultimate goal of hiring a customs broker is to make the task of shipping goods easy and hassle-free. Experienced customs brokers in the Philippines and other countries facilitate all the processes involved in the shipment of products. They make four essential processes easier: logistics, communications, documentation, and reaching the destination of shipments in time.
Below is an elaborate list of how a customs broker makes these four things easier.
1. Logistics
A customs broker monitors every phase of the shipment. International laws regarding the transfer of goods change constantly, and it is the responsibility of a customs broker to be aware of these changes at all times. In doing so, it is guaranteed that the shipment process is consistent with the rules and regulations, no matter how often this may change. Hiring a customs broker will save business owners the trouble of having to deal with the change of laws. They ensure the timeliness of the process and operations.
2. Communication
When importing or exporting goods, business owners may encounter the dilemma of a language barrier. Customs brokers may also serve as translators, so they could be relied on to communicate with suppliers and/or importers. Since they're also your representatives in international government agencies that deal with customs clearing, your customs broker can directly communicate with their authorities regarding your shipment.
3. Documentation
The documents that government agencies require from business owners concerning their shipments are by no means simple or few. Depending on the shipment, the number of requirements varies, and so do the taxes and tariff rates. Hiring a customs broker will solve this problem because they can prepare the necessary documents required for clearance. They assess these documents to confirm that they comply with international rules and regulations. The customs broker will also ensure that your shipment is classified correctly to be sure that the right amount of taxes are paid.
4. Opening your business to international markets
With a skilled customs broker, your international shipment reaches its destination on time and with right coordination. When your products reach their destination so fast, it may potentially bring more awareness and attention to your products; therefore, opening the possibility of new importers. Sending more shipments abroad will be hassle-free with a trusted customs broker.
The assistance of a highly-skilled customs broker will keep business owners at ease, knowing that their shipments are handled professionally without encountering major problems. When customs brokers take on this difficult responsibility in compliance with all rules and regulations, the shipment process will ultimately lead to a clearing.
