7 Reasons to Hire an Licensed Customs Broker in Canada

If you are thinking of importing goods into Canada, you might be wondering whether you need an import broker or not. An import broker is a professional who can help you with the complex process of customs clearance, documentation, compliance, and logistics. Here are some of the benefits of hiring an import broker in Canada for your business.

1. Save time and money.

Importing goods into Canada can be time-consuming and costly if you don’t know the rules and regulations. An import broker can help you avoid delays, penalties, and extra fees by ensuring that your shipment meets all the requirements and is properly declared and classified. An import broker can also help you find the best shipping options and rates for your goods.

2. Avoid mistakes and errors.

Importing goods into Canada involves a lot of paperwork and details that can be easily overlooked or misunderstood. An import broker can help you avoid costly mistakes and errors by filling out the necessary forms, obtaining the required permits and licenses, and verifying the accuracy of the information. An import broker can also help you resolve any issues or disputes that may arise during the customs process.

3. Stay updated and informed.

Importing goods into Canada is subject to constant changes and updates in the laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. An import broker can help you stay updated and informed about the latest changes and developments that may affect your shipment. An import broker can also advise you on the best practices and strategies for importing goods into Canada.

4. Access specialized knowledge and expertise.

Importing goods into Canada requires specialized knowledge and expertise in various areas, such as tariff classification, valuation, origin, duty relief, trade agreements, tax exemptions, and more. An import broker can provide you with the necessary knowledge and expertise to ensure that your shipment complies with all the applicable rules and regulations. An import broker can also help you optimize your import operations and maximize your savings.

5. Simplify communication and coordination.

Importing goods into Canada involves multiple parties and agencies, such as carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, customs officers, warehouse operators, and more. An import broker can help you simplify communication and coordination among all these parties and agencies by acting as a single point of contact for your shipment. An import broker can also handle any inquiries or requests that may come from the customs authorities or other parties.

6. Reduce risks and liabilities.

Importing goods into Canada exposes you to various risks and liabilities, such as fines, penalties, seizures, audits, inspections, lawsuits, and more. An import broker can help you reduce these risks and liabilities by ensuring that your shipment complies with all the relevant laws and regulations. An import broker can also help you protect your interests and rights in case of any disputes or claims that may arise from your shipment.

7. Enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Importing goods into Canada can affect your customer satisfaction and loyalty by influencing factors such as delivery time, quality, price, availability, and service. An import broker can help you enhance your customer satisfaction and loyalty by ensuring that your shipment arrives on time, in good condition, at a competitive price, and with minimal hassle. An import broker can also help you provide better service to your customers by answering their questions, addressing their concerns, and resolving their issues.

The Demand for Licensed Customs Brokers in Canada

Canada is one of the world’s largest trading nations, with a total merchandise trade value of over $1 trillion in 2020. As a result, there is a high demand for professionals who can facilitate the movement of goods across the border and ensure compliance with customs regulations. Licensed customs brokers are among these professionals, who act as agents for importers and exporters and handle the release and accounting of goods with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

According to the CBSA, only a licensed customs broker may account for goods and pay duties under Section 32 of the Customs Act as an agent of an importer or owner. To become a licensed customs broker, one must pass the Customs Brokers Professional Examination, which is held once a year by the CBSA. The exam covers topics such as tariff classification, valuation, origin, trade agreements, special import measures, excise taxes, and administrative monetary penalties.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Customs Brokerage Industry

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the global trade and customs brokerage industry. According to Statistics Canada, Canada’s merchandise trade declined by 12.4% in 2020 compared to 2019, due to the disruptions caused by lockdowns, travel restrictions, and supply chain issues. The pandemic also affected the customs brokers’ work environment, as they had to adapt to remote work arrangements, increased health and safety measures, and changes in CBSA procedures and policies.

However, the pandemic also created some opportunities for the customs brokerage industry. For instance, some sectors such as e-commerce, medical supplies, and personal protective equipment saw an increase in demand and trade volume during the pandemic. Moreover, the pandemic highlighted the importance of digitalization and innovation in the customs brokerage industry, as customs brokers had to leverage technology to streamline their processes, enhance their communication with clients and authorities, and provide value-added services.

The Future Outlook for Licensed Customs Brokers in Canada

The future outlook for licensed customs brokers in Canada is positive, as global trade is expected to recover from the pandemic and grow in the coming years. According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), global trade is projected to increase by 8% in 2021 and 4% in 2022, after contracting by 5.3% in 2020. Canada’s trade is also expected to rebound, as the country benefits from its diversified trading partners, its participation in various trade agreements, and its strong export sectors such as agriculture, energy, and technology.

Licensed customs brokers will play a key role in facilitating Canada’s trade and ensuring compliance with customs regulations. They will also face some challenges and opportunities in their industry, such as:

The implementation of new trade agreements, such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement (TCA), which will create new rules and opportunities for trade.
The advancement of technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and cloud computing, which will enable customs brokers to automate some tasks, improve their efficiency and accuracy, and offer new services to their clients.
The emergence of new trends and issues in global trade, such as sustainability, e-commerce, security, and trade facilitation, which will require customs brokers to update their knowledge and skills and adapt to changing customer needs.

References:

http://cbic.gov.in/resources//htdocs-cbec/customs/cs-act/formatted-htmls/Customs-Brokers-Licensing-Regulations-english.pdf

https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-418?language=en_US

http://www.cscb.ca/

https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/start

https://www.wto.org/