Customs brokerage is the professional service of helping importers and exporters clear goods through customs. A customs broker prepares and submits customs entries, classifies products, calculates duties and taxes, reviews documentation, coordinates with government agencies, and helps ensure shipments comply with import and export regulations. Customs brokerage is important because mistakes in valuation, origin, tariff classification, permits, or documentation can delay cargo, increase costs, or create compliance penalties.
Customs brokerage refers to the professional service of preparing, filing, and managing customs documentation and compliance on behalf of importers and exporters. Customs brokerage firms employ licensed brokers and support staff to handle all aspects of the clearance process.
- Filing formal and informal entries with CBP
- HTS classification and duty calculation
- Coordinating with FDA, USDA, CPSC, and other agencies on regulated imports
- Managing compliance programs and responding to CBP audits
- Advising clients on duty savings, FTA utilization, and import risk management
Choosing an experienced customs brokerage firm with expertise in your product category reduces compliance risk and clearance delays.
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on Customs Broker, Customs Entry, CBP, and Importer of Record.
