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