Will “Customs Broker” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

Job Description

Prepare customs documentation and ensure that shipments meet all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods. Determine and track duties and taxes payable and process payments on behalf of client. Sign documents under a power of attorney. Represent clients in meetings with customs officials and apply for duty refunds and tariff reclassifications. Coordinate transportation and storage of imported goods.

Job Details

• The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 13-1199.03

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Customs Brokers”.

Also Known As…

• Customs Brokers
• Import Manager
• Customs Compliance Director
• Customs Broker
• Trade Facilitator
• Ocean Import Representative
• Ocean Export Agent
• Ocean Export Account Manager
• Licensed Customs Broker
• International Trade Specialist
• Importer Exporter
• Importer
• Import/Export Specialist
• Import/Export Agent
• Import/Export Administrator
• Import-Export Agent
• Import Export Manager
• Import Customer Service Manager
• Import Coordinator
• Exporter
• Export Manager
• Export Agent
• Export Administrator
• Customs House Broker
• Customs Entry Writer
• Customs Consultant
• Customs Compliance Manager
• Customs Compliance Analyst
• Customs Brokerage Agent
• Customs Agent
• Cargo Broker
• Air Export Operations Agent
• Air Export Agent

Tasks for “Customs Broker”

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

Related Technology & Tools

• Computer data input scanners
• Laser facsimile machines
• Tablet computers
• Multiline telephone systems
• Desktop computers
• Personal computers

• Electronic data interchange EDI software
• Microsoft Word
• Automated system for customs data ASYCUDA
• SAP
• Web browser software
• Materials requirement planning MRP software
• Parts classification databases
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Outlook
• Automated commercial environment software ACE
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Access
• Tariff databases
• Optical character reader OCR software
• Microsoft Excel
• SAP Customs Management
• Customs records databases