​

Hiring a Customs Broker can be a very confusing process for an importer, especially if they are new

to international trade.  When participating in international trade, most companies rely on their customs broker to guide them through the process and help them avoid the pitfalls. Although this relationship becomes very important to the success of your company, many businesses don't properly vet their broker during the hiring process. This can lead to difficulty throughout the importing process and ultimately end up costing a company more money.

​

The following are three important questions to ask your Customs Broker.

​

. How will you help my company ensure proper compliance with Customs regulations?

  When selecting a Customs Broker for your business, you want to make sure that they have a finger on the pulse of the      U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Get the details behind how they are monitoring new compliance protocols being        released by CBP and if they are part of any key trade compliance organizations.  For example, National Customs                Brokers   & Forwards Association of America (NCBFAA) or International Customs Professionals Associations (ICPA)

​

.Do you have any pending lawsuits, violations, and/or have been sanctioned by Customs?                                 As you can imagine you probably wouldn't want to work with a Customs Broker who has pending lawsuits       or violations.  Additionally, if they have ever been sanctioned by Customs and Border Protection that means

   they  have to make cash deposits to CBP which effectively eliminates payment by other means and                   continues to follow them throughout the years. Remember that when you work with a Customs Broker,you

   give them a lot of control over your business practices. So being extra sure that they have a clean record         and are not in the middle of any legal proceedings is the best way for you to protect your business.

​

​

.How much do you cost?

   This may seem like an obvious one, but it is important to know much your Customs Broker is going to charge you and,        specifically, asking for a breakdown of fees. Understanding all the line items included on as Broker's invoice can be            overwhelming, so try to establish an understanding of what the invoice will include before it is time to pay. The                    following are a few things you may see on an invoice:

 

    o  ISF Filing

 

    o  Entry Filing

 

    o  Warehouse Entry

   

    o  Partner Government Agency (PGA) Entry

 

    o U.S. Customs Bond