Commercial importing can be a lucrative venture, but dealing in international trade has its hassles. Besides cross-border laws, there are numerous country-specific regulations, and compliance is one aspect that you cannot afford to ignore. No matter whether you need help with free trade agreements or need to request a Canada ITN number to import a car, working with a customs broker is always a wise idea. We know people have questions, and we have answered some common questions about hiring customs brokers in Canada.
What is a customs broker?
True to the name, customs brokers work as a bridge between your business and the Customs. All brokers in Canada are licensed by the Canada Border Services Agency and know everything related to getting commercial shipments into the country. Their role is to ensure that clients can focus on other key aspects of their business as the customs broker tackles importing tasks like documentation and classification of goods. You may come across shipping companies that promise free customs brokerage services, but these companies do not have the same expertise as licensed customs brokers.
What documents should you share with a customs broker?
Your customs broker will ask for the Canada Customs invoice for your shipment at the least. The invoice typically contains all details, including details of the shipper, quantity and type of goods, country of origin, and how the goods were paid for. If you don’t know to complete the invoice with your vendor, you can talk to your customs broker. They will also need a Bill of Lading along with eManifest. Seek help if you don’t understand the documentation needs.
How quickly can a customs broker clear your shipment?
This depends largely on how the goods were shipped. Thanks to the eManifest system, you can expect shipments via land to get cleared at the earliest. If you are importing by air, the customs broker will ask for the airway bill, and you can expect the goods to be cleared before being available for delivery. Ocean freight usually takes the longest time to clearance.
Do you need to sign a Power of Attorney?
Yes, it is mandatory to sign a Power of Attorney to engage a customs broker. You can complete the process online.
Many customs brokers have a presence across the country, but they don’t need to be physically present to clear your shipments. If you still have questions, contact a reliable firm today.
