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How a customs broker can help your business
The success of your business working with foreign companies depends on clear working relationships with customs. For example, if you don't fully understand how much duty you will pay, you are unlikely to be able to properly calculate the cost of imported goods. Who is a customs broker, what is his role in foreign economic activity, how to choose a customs broker. These questions have been discussed in the SinkraNova blog.
A customs broker is a company or an individual entrepreneur who is authorised to provide customs clearance services. A customs broker is regulated by the Customs Code and various regulations. Brokers work with special software that enables them to compile documents for goods into a cargo declaration and send it to the customs authorities. This means that the documents are not simply submitted. There are certain algorithms and software products that are officially used by Customs. They are linked to the tax authorities, the National Bank and other bodies for quick and successful management of payments and statistics.
A customs broker is a company or an individual entrepreneur who is authorised to provide customs clearance services. A customs broker is regulated by the Customs Code and various regulations. Brokers work with special software that enables them to compile documents for goods into a cargo declaration and send it to the customs authorities. This means that the documents are not simply submitted. There are certain algorithms and software products that are officially used by Customs. They are linked to the tax authorities, the National Bank and other bodies for quick and successful management of payments and statistics.
What services does a customs broker provide to a company?
Let's take a look at the services that a customs broker typically provides to companies involved in foreign trade.
Let's take a look at the services that a customs broker typically provides to companies involved in foreign trade.
- The broker advises whether the export/import of certain goods is possible. With one consultation, the broker will save the businessman a lot of money that he might pay for goods that cannot be imported into the country.
- Calculates payments, and in advance. This means that your goods are still abroad, but you already know how much you will pay in taxes and duties at customs.
- the broker issues permits, certificates of origin, certificates of conformity, expert opinions, etc. Depending on the nature of the goods, the law requires many different documents, without which your cargo will be held up at customs.
- Represents your interests before the customs authorities, prepares a cargo declaration, participates in the customs inspection, takes samples of the goods.
- Broker saves your time and nerves.
How to choose a customs broker
This is a question that needs to be approached very responsibly. Unfortunately, not all brokers are professionals and not all are qualified.
In Ukraine, until 2012, a broker had to obtain a licence to operate. They had to take exams every few years to confirm their qualifications. But with the adoption of the new version of the Customs Code, this issue has become much simpler. It is now possible to become a broker in a matter of minutes with no experience, knowledge or training. It is enough to have a company or FLP with a certain code of foreign economic activity, submit an electronic application for registration in the Register of Customs Brokers and purchase software.
When choosing a customs broker, you should pay attention to the following aspects
This is a question that needs to be approached very responsibly. Unfortunately, not all brokers are professionals and not all are qualified.
In Ukraine, until 2012, a broker had to obtain a licence to operate. They had to take exams every few years to confirm their qualifications. But with the adoption of the new version of the Customs Code, this issue has become much simpler. It is now possible to become a broker in a matter of minutes with no experience, knowledge or training. It is enough to have a company or FLP with a certain code of foreign economic activity, submit an electronic application for registration in the Register of Customs Brokers and purchase software.
When choosing a customs broker, you should pay attention to the following aspects
- Check the name of the company in the register of customs brokers: the older the date of registration of the authorisation, the more experience the broker has, the more competent and reliable he is.
- Pay attention to the type of goods your potential broker deals with, don't hesitate to ask them directly. For example, the broker only clears vehicles, but you want to import food. While he or she works out the nuances of customs clearance, you'll suffer financially from the downtime of your goods at the border.
- Work with companies that have at least three employees. This will protect you from goods being held up because the broker is sick, busy or simply on holiday. A company with a large staff is set up so that employees are interchangeable and your business runs smoothly.