Why use a Customs Broker?

If you’re looking at exporting or importing goods into Australia, chances are you’ll need to use a customs broker. Customs brokers act as intermediaries between government agencies and importers and exporters, calculating appropriate duties and taxes and collecting them on behalf of the government.

Licensed by the Australian Border Force to act on the behalf of importers and exporters, customs brokers play a crucial role in ensuring goods entering or leaving Australia are correctly documented. This protects the community from dangerous goods and also safeguards Commonwealth revenue, ensuring correct duties and tariffs are paid.

Customs brokers act on your behalf to facilitate full customs clearance, undertaking a number of important roles. They ensure all goods are declared accurately, prepare relevant documentation, identify appropriate tariff classifications, manage quarantine processes and electronically lodge import declarations.

Just as customs brokers have many roles in the customs clearance process, there are just as many reasons you should use a customs broker when exporting or importing goods into Australia. Here are 5 reasons to use a customs broker when navigating the customs clearance process.

5 Reasons to Use a Customs Broker

Help Navigate Complex Regulations

With rules and regulations constantly changing, it’s a full-time job keeping up-to-date with complex customs legislation. Then you have to deal with the varied fees and deadlines of freight carriers, not to mention other costs and regulations imposed by terminals. Customs clearance is a complex business and licensed customs brokers are the key to helping you safely navigate the process. Customs brokers have the knowledge, experience, networks and partnerships to help you meet your legal obligations when exporting or importing goods into Australia.

Minimise Delays in the Release of Goods

The customs clearance process can take time, especially with so many stakeholders and regulations involved. This is where customs brokers can assist, using their extensive networks and knowledge of the clearance process to address issues and keep the process moving. Brokers can identify potential issues before they become a problem, suggest compliant solutions and smooth the way forward to ensure your goods are cleared in the shortest possible time. Minimise the risk of costly delays to your business by using a licensed customs broker.

Calculate Correct Duties Payable

Customs brokers play an important role in correctly classifying goods so they are aligned to the appropriate tariff code for the calculation of taxes and duties. Using an incorrect code could see you pay more fees than necessary, impacting your bottom line. Customs brokers have the expertise to assess your goods and apply the appropriate code, saving you unnecessary cost and potential fines for making an incorrect declaration. Brokers also collect duties payable on behalf of the government, taking care of the entire customs clearance process for you.

Reduce the Risk of Non-Compliance

The customs clearance process poses many risks for those unfamiliar with the workings of the system. Whatever the size of your shipment or consignment, exporters and importers have a legal obligation to lodge accurate declarations and pay the correct amount of duties and taxes. There are heavy fines and penalties for non-compliance which is why engaging a customs broker is vital. Don’t risk high fees, your cargo being detained or potential seizure and destruction of your goods. Always use a licensed customs broker to ensure full compliance.

Experts in Customs Clearance

Customs brokers are licensed by the Australia Border Force to manage customs clearance processes. They can undertake customs valuation and tariff classification, assist with appeals and dispute settlement, facilitate refunds, drawbacks and remission of duties, advise on quarantine and biosecurity measures and provide advice to importers on every aspect of the customs clearance process. With so much knowledge, expertise and experience to draw on, it makes sense to use the services of a customs broker when importing goods into Australia.

PJ’s is here to expertly manage your customs clearance requirements with our very experienced and fully licensed Brokers.. If you’re an importer in need of customs advice email us at logistics@pjscustoms.com.au or give us a call on 1300 395 760.