Shipping goods internationally can be a long and challenging process. The terminology, documents, rules and processes are different. Having someone in your corner who knows what they’re doing can really help make things go smoothly. That’s where customs brokers come in. Customs brokers are a part of the international supply chain who help companies move their goods through customs procedures and ensure they comply with regulations in every single country their goods are shipped to or from.
Getting your shipments through customs procedures can be a real struggle if you just rely on your own knowledge, or you don’t have a trusted partner to help you through the process. You need to know what you’re doing and pay attention to detail. This is why it’s so important to have someone who knows what they’re doing as your customs broker.
A good customs broker will help with all aspects of getting your shipment through smoothly, including:
Keeping track of all paperwork related to importing goods into Australia and organizing documents such as invoices and receipts into one place where they can easily be accessed later on by customs officials at the border crossing point. Here, they are processed into their database system and it makes them easier for inspectors at checkpoint locations along borders between countries’ borders (e.g., Australia/New Zealand).
They will manage your shipment according to regulations that you may not even be fully aware of. Customs brokers are experts in international trade regulations, and they help companies move their goods through customs procedures and ensure they comply with regulations in every single country their goods are shipped to or from. This means that if you decide to rent a warehouse or store your inventory somewhere overseas, you’ll want somebody who understands how import/export rules work so that your shipment will be as quick and hassle-free as possible during its passage through customs channels around the world.
They can handle multiple shipments efficiently. Customs brokers are a part of the international supply chain who help companies move their goods through customs procedures and ensure they comply with regulations in every single country their goods are shipped to or from. They can be helpful when you have multiple shipments coming in, as they can provide an overview of all your shipments at once.
Customs brokers can also help you find the right shipping company, partner, carrier and logistics provider. They will know whom to ask for advice on what kind of services they offer. The best thing about having a customs broker is that they have contacts with all these companies and can tell you their rates more accurately than any other channel would be able to do so.
Customs brokers can help you with all of the necessary paperwork. They will make sure that your shipment meets all relevant documentation requirements, including import license and permit applications, commercial invoices or bills of lading for shipments that are sent through mail or courier services (as opposed to airfreight), packing lists and consignment notes for shipments that are sent by road/rail/sea transport etc., clearances from local authorities at entry ports of exit points.
Customs brokers also provide advice on how to fill out customs documents correctly. You will not have to experience any delays at border crossings due to errors in paperwork submitted by importers/exporters/shippers respectively. It is therefore important for importers/exporters/shippers who want smooth passage through customs checkpoints during transit journeys into different countries not only to provide accurate information on their goods but also to follow up regularly in order not to miss any deadlines associated with these processes
Customs brokers are a great way to get your shipments through customs, but they’re not the only method. They can also help with other aspects of international trade, from filing import documents and obtaining permits to handling paperwork at ports of entry. And if you want more information about how this process works, our team is here for you!
ICS Global Logistics can be your perfect customs partner in Melbourne, Australia, assisting you in navigating the tricky customs process smoothly!