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Request or compile necessary import documentation, such as customs invoices, certificates of origin, and cargo-control documents.
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Contract with freight forwarders for destination services.
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Confer with officials in various agencies to facilitate clearance of goods through customs and quarantine.
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Insure cargo against loss, damage, or pilferage.
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Inform importers and exporters of steps to reduce duties and taxes.
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Stay abreast of changes in import or export laws or regulations by reading current literature, attending meetings or conferences, or conferring with colleagues.
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Monitor or trace the location of goods.
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Advise customers on import and export restrictions, tariff systems, insurance requirements, quotas, or other customs-related matters.
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Sign documents on behalf of clients, using powers of attorney.
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Apply for tariff concessions or for duty drawbacks and other refunds.
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Obtain line releases for frequent shippers of low-risk commodities, high-volume entries, or multiple-container loads.
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Calculate duty and tariff payments owed on shipments.
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Provide advice on transportation options, types of carriers, or shipping routes.
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Quote duty and tax rates on goods to be imported, based on federal tariffs and excise taxes.
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Clear goods through customs and to their destinations for clients.
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Suggest best methods of packaging or labeling products.
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Post bonds for the products being imported or assist clients in obtaining bonds.
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Pay, or arrange for payment of, taxes and duties on shipments.
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Classify goods according to tariff coding system.
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Prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or procedures.
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Arrange for transportation, warehousing, or product distribution of imported or exported products.
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Prepare papers for shippers to appeal duty charges.
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Maintain relationships with customs brokers in other ports to expedite clearing of cargo.