Customs Broker UK
This page covers the following questions:
What is the difference between a customs broker and a customs clearance agent?
What does a customs broker do?
Does a customs broker file your customs declarations?
Top tips to find a Customs Broker
Should I use a customs brokerage or freight forwarder for my customs declarations?
What is the difference between a customs broker and a customs clearance agent?
This is one of our most frequently asked questions, especially when people come to ChamberCustoms looking for a company to take care of their customs clearance.
The simple answer to the question is - there is no difference between a ‘customs broker’ and a ‘customs clearance agent’ - the terms tend to be used interchangeably when people discuss import and export goods and activities.
People are often concerned that a customs broker will not complete customs declarations and other transit documentation (T1 transit document) in house and that they will find a third party to perform the service. This is not always the case, but it's a good question to ask! A customs broker should be able to make import and export declarations on behalf of businesses.
Furthermore, depending on the services offered, customs brokers should be able to help businesses to apply for licences and Certificates of Origin.
Unlike other industries, where brokers simply get you the best deal and do not deliver the work; finance brokers, insurance brokers and shipping brokers, for example, the customs broker you select, will take care of all the complicated paperwork for you, with no outsourcing.
Customs brokers have extensive knowledge of the tariffs relating to a wide range of products, and the corresponding import duties and VAT payable when importing.
At ChamberCustoms, all declarations are handled in-house with our trusted customs agents.
Please note: Some companies, like freight forwarders, may outsource customs declarations.
What does a customs broker do? Do they file your customs declarations?
A customs broker will guide you through the whole customs declaration process.
They will be available to discuss whether your tariff code is correct
They will be available to advise on the proper Customs Procedure to apply, depending on if goods are being imported on a permanent or temporary basis
They will inform you of the amount of duty and VAT payable
They will deal with the cargo clearance with the port/airports and operate on your behalf with any border agencies where inspections or documentary checks are required.
They will help you avoid common pitfalls and unearth any opportunities for your business with efficiencies and savings.
A customs broker or customs clearance agent will be able to file your customs declarations on your behalf with the information you provide them with. Alternatively, your freight forwarder may be able to file your customs declarations for you.
First and foremost, a customs broker/customs clearance agent can make import and export declarations on behalf of businesses. That’s their core expertise. Furthermore, customs brokers can help businesses apply for licences and Certificates of Origin.
Top Tips for finding a customs broker:
Here we have outlined some of the key considerations you’ll want to keep in mind when you are looking for a customs broker for your business:
1. DO THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED STAFF?
A good customs broker or customs clearance agent should have an experienced team who know the answers to your questions, however complicated they may be. The advice can cover anything from particular documentation to specific licenses you may need (but you are not aware of).
2. ARE THEY ABLE TO IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES
A customs broker should help you unearth optimisations you may not have considered previously. For example, customs agents can find duties optimisations, help you understand Rules of Origin, customs unions and the latest trade deals in depth.
ChamberCustoms agents, based in Chambers of Commerce around the UK, have lengthy careers in international trade, with a strong network behind them to provide support and advice. A key reason to use a customs broker/customs clearance agent should be the in-depth expertise and experience they add to your team.
3. Can they save you money?
Value for money should be at the heart of your decision. The key is not in the cost of a single transaction but in the long-term savings you can achieve by getting it right the first time. A customs broker can help you avoid overpaying duty, incurring fines, doing the work twice, or incurring delays. ChamberCustoms aims to be your trusted expert customs clearance broker, guiding you through international trade.
4. Can they help you become, and stay, HMRC compliant?
The rules are simple: your responsibility is to ensure your customs documentation is correct. A good customs broker should be able to ask you all the relevant questions and provide the appropriate advice to ensure that you remain compliant with the relevant agencies through the movement of goods and serving your customers.
Do I need a customs broker?
Are there any instances where I might submit my own customs declarations for my business rather than hiring a professional customs broker?
Customs Declarations and Transit Documents are legal undertakings with HMRC. Naturally, companies trading internationally can do this in-house.
It is important to note that from January 2022, the end of staged-customs easements means that all imports into the UK require an import declaration. All exports out of the UK require an export clearance declaration and other paperwork and transit documentation.
ChamberCustoms can offer a variety of remote and online training courses in Import, Export, and CDS Customs Overview through to our 4-day CDS Customs Clearance Agent Training Course.
Our international trade consultants provide bespoke advice for customs, import and export
At ChamberCustoms, we offer bespoke advice for your business with our customs consultants; industry experts with decades of experience.
Advice and insights from our experts will be specific to your business. They may save you time, money, enhance your processes, and identify opportunities while helping you overcome your specific challenges.
We are on top of the ever-changing international trading environment and global economy. We can keep you compliant.