` International Trade News | ABC Customs Brokers Ltd.

Friday, March 29, 2024

 

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Recent Trade News

Statement On The Passing Of Glen Todd
Mar 29, 2022


General Strike At Port Of Montreal Set To Begin Next Week
Apr 23, 2021 CSCB


Regulation Update To Pet Foods From The US
Apr 09, 2021 CFIA


Minister Ng announces Canada is ratifying the Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement
Mar 19, 2021 Global Affairs Canada


Importing Food Into Canada With A Safe Food For Canadians Licence
Mar 15, 2021 CFIA


Reminder: Importing food into Canada with a Safe Food for Canadians licence
Feb 17, 2021 CFIA


Safe Food For Canadians Licence Renewals
Jan 08, 2021 CFIA


Statement By Minister Ng On Canada’s Request For CUSMA Dispute Settlement Consultations With United States On Canadian Solar Products
Jan 07, 2021 Global Affairs Canada


Canada Announces Steps To Ensure Stability For Canada-United Kingdom Trade In Goods
Dec 22, 2020 Global Affairs Canada


Minister Ng Introduces Legislation In House Of Commons To Implement Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement
Dec 09, 2020 Global Affairs Canada


Implementation Of Chapters Of The Animal Products Import Policy Framework
Dec 02, 2020 CFIA


Canada Successfully Concludes Talks On Transitional Trade Continuity Agreement With The United Kingdom
Nov 21, 2020 Global Affairs Canada


Updated Requirements For Importing Organic Fresh Fruits And Vegetables
Oct 02, 2020 CFIA


New And Temporary Import Requirements On Romaine Lettuce
Oct 02, 2020 CFIA


U.S. Backs Down On Aluminum Tariffs
Sep 16, 2020 Pacific Customs Brokers


Canadian Tariffs On U.S. Products Coming Within Days
Sep 15, 2020 CSCB


Additional Organic Produce Import Requirements
Sep 10, 2020


Longshoremen Return To Work At The Port Of Montreal As Negotiations Continue
Aug 24, 2020


Port Of Montreal Labour Disruption – Vessel Options
Aug 19, 2020


72-Hour Strike From July 27 to 31 At Port Of Montreal
Aug 10, 2020


Canada Retaliates With New Surtaxes Imposed On Goods Imported From The U.S.
Aug 07, 2020


U.S. Imposes A 10% Duty On Canadian Aluminium Effective August 16th, 2020
Aug 06, 2020 Pacific Customs Brokers


Reduced Inspection Frequencies For Meat Imported From Australia And New Zealand
Aug 04, 2020 CFIA


Reminder On SFCR Requirements For The Manufactured Food Sector
Jul 10, 2020 Pacific Customs Brokers


Safe Food For Canadians Regulations (SFCR) Requirement For The Manufactured Food Commodities
Jun 29, 2020 CFIA

Read More News »

 

10 Questions to Ask When Selecting a Customs Broker

ABC Customs Brokers Jan 22, 2015

Whether your company has just entered into the world of international trade, or you are already there and are assessing your options regarding your service providers, you will inevitably have to make some decisions regarding your customs brokerage services. Although this would seem like a fairly simple decision, not all customs brokers provide the same services and they can play a key role in the long term success of your company. While it is true that all customs brokers facilitate the release of your goods through Customs, in many cases this is a very automated function and the extent of the service offering. As the rules and regulations of importing goods are complex and always changing, your company is best served by aligning itself with an international trade expert.

Canada Border Services Agency  and U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations clearly hold the importer of record responsible for the accuracy of their customs declarations, reporting and record keeping. Errors and omissions can be extremely costly and because of this, it is always best to look for a customs broker with expertise in international trade to be your partner. In addition to setting up the clearance/release of your goods through Customs, your customs broker should also provide information and advice relative to proper coding under the Harmonized Tariff, valuation, North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and proper record keeping to name just a few.

Guidelines to help you assess the services of a customs broker:

As you conduct your research on a potential customs broker and their service offerings, the following are some guideline questions that will help you assess a professional service provider:

  1. What are your hours and days of operation and who answers my questions outside of regular work hours?
  2. Can you provide me with information regarding NAFTA and whether or not my goods can enter duty free?
  3. Do you advise on how my company can ensure proper compliance with Customs regulations and record keeping requirements?
  4. Can you assist me with information on new product purchases to determine if there are any additional duties that I may not be aware of and/or  report to other government departments?
  5. Are you able to provide services for importing and exporting?
  6. Can you arrange transportation for my goods: air, ocean, ground, rail and/or courier?
  7. Will you review previous customs entries to determine potential exposure to additional duties and/or penalties?
  8. Can you assist with corrections, duty drawbacks  to customs entries?
  9. How do you communicate with your clients? If I call with questions, will a live person answer or will I reach an automated phone system?
  10. Do you offer Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and on-line documentation capabilities?

 

These are just a few key questions that can assist you in selecting the right customs broker for you. Ultimately, you should feel comfortable that your customs broker has the expertise your company needs to be successful in international trade.

ABC Customs Brokers specializes in Canadian & U.S. customs brokerage. We welcome your questions on this topic in our comments section below. If you are importing or exporting goods into Canada or the USA and need assistance, please contact us.