Online customs brokers have revolutionized the way businesses navigate international trade by simplifying the process and reducing complexities.
With the help of online customs brokers, companies can now easily comply with regulations and avoid costly delays.
These online platforms provide a user-friendly interface that guides importers and exporters through the customs clearance process.
They also offer real-time tracking and updates, allowing businesses to stay on top of their shipments and make informed decisions.
By leveraging technology, online customs brokers have streamlined the customs clearance process, saving businesses time and money.
Benefits of Using a Customs Broker
Using a customs broker can significantly speed up the clearance of shipments, thanks to the Flexport Platform that they work with.
Your customs broker can clear shipments faster by using the Flexport Platform. This platform combines data from various sources, including inventory, commercial invoices, and other documents.
By feeding data into the Flexport Platform, your customs broker can reveal key business metrics, such as landed costs and historical price comparisons. This level of insight can help you make more informed decisions about your business.
Broker Led, Data Driven
Using a customs broker can be a game-changer for your business, especially when it comes to navigating the complexities of international trade. By leveraging the Flexport Platform, your broker can work more efficiently to clear shipments faster.
Data from various sources, including inventory, commercial invoices, and documents, is combined to provide valuable insights into landed costs, historical price comparisons, and other key business metrics.
This data-driven approach enables your broker to make informed decisions and identify opportunities for improvement. With access to real-time data, you can also stay on top of your supply chain and make adjustments as needed.
The Flexport Platform is designed to simplify the customs clearance process, reducing the need for manual documentation and emails. This streamlined approach helps to eliminate bottlenecks and delays, ensuring that your goods are cleared quickly and efficiently.
Here are some key benefits of using a customs broker with access to the Flexport Platform:
- Landed cost analysis and historical price comparisons
- Real-time data on inventory and supply chain activity
- Streamlined customs clearance process
- Reduced need for manual documentation and emails
By partnering with a customs broker who is informed by data, you can gain a competitive edge in the market and improve your overall trade compliance.
Brokers Facilitate International Trade
Importers can choose to work with customs brokers who can handle tasks on their behalf, such as preparing and submitting release and accounting documentation.
A customs broker can register for a Business Number (BN), Importer/Exporter Account, and provide assistance in cases involving the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA).
Importers who use a broker are still responsible for the accuracy and completeness of import and export transactions, including any AMPS penalties that may be issued for non-compliance.
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.
Customs brokers can work with importers to prepare release (interim accounting) documentation, prepare final accounting documentation, and remit payment of duties and taxes to the Receiver General of Canada.
Agents are required to obtain written authorization from their clients in order to transact business on their behalf, and importers remain liable for all duties owing until either the importer or the agent pays them.
A customs broker can also assist in submitting refund/adjustment requests (B2) and provide assistance in cases involving the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA).
Here are some examples of tasks that a customs broker can perform on behalf of an importer:
- Registering for a Business Number (BN), Importer/Exporter Account
- Providing assistance in cases involving the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA)
- Submitting refund/adjustment requests (B2)
- Preparing release (interim accounting) documentation
- Preparing final accounting documentation
- Remitting payment of duties and taxes to the Receiver General of Canada
Supply Chain Management
Having a reliable online customs broker can make all the difference in managing your supply chain. The Flexport Platform tracks your inventory in motion, making customs exceptions more timely and actionable.
With the Flexport Platform, you can eliminate the need for multiple emails and reduce bottlenecks in documentation for customs clearance. This is a game-changer for businesses like Resident Home UK, who have seen improvements in customs predictability.
Digitizing your supply chain can provide a single source of truth for your product-level data, giving you visibility and control from end to end. This is particularly useful for businesses that want to make better decisions and gain timely business analytics.
Calculating landed costs for your SKUs can be a challenge, but the Flexport Platform makes it easy by structuring customs entry data, duties, and other logistics spends. Quick search functionality also allows you to find what you need in any customs document.
A Product Library is a secure central source of truth that enables you and your customs broker to tackle exceptions immediately. This is especially useful for businesses that want to simplify clearances and reduce time lost bouncing between systems.
Here are some benefits of using a reliable online customs broker:
- Timely and actionable customs exceptions
- Reduced bottlenecks in documentation
- Single source of truth for product-level data
- Easy calculation of landed costs
- Quick search functionality
- Simplified clearances
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a broker to clear customs?
No, you don't need a broker to clear customs, but hiring one can save time and hassle. Learn more about the benefits of working with a licensed Customs Broker
How do I find a good customs broker?
Find a good customs broker by using online platforms, asking for referrals from other importers, or attending trade shows and conferences, and also check the Customs and Border Protection website for a list of licensed brokers. Researching and verifying a broker's credentials and services can help ensure a smooth and compliant import process
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