Your No-Nonsense Guide For Selecting A Customs Broker In Canada!

On Mar 11, 2019

Importing goods and vehicles into Canada is no easy business. If you are an entrepreneur who’s excited about international trade, you should know that regulatory compliance is a must, and in addition, you must spend considerable time and effort maintaining records and keeping up with other requirements. For example, if you are importing a vehicle, you need to stay compliant with the regulations of Canada Border Services Agency, but must also satisfy the requirements of Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Transport Canada.

It is easy to understand why companies and individuals hire Customs brokers for handling the process. To hire a Customs broker, you have to give them the required authority to act as your agents, and before you ask, their role is a valid one. In fact, all Customs brokers in Canada must get their license from Canada Border Services Agency for operation. If you are working with companies like Clearit importing, the process is simple, but we still recommend the following steps for selecting a Customs broker.

Ask the right questions

First and foremost, not all Customs brokers are same, so some initial research is always handy. Start out by asking some of the basic questions.

What are your working hours?
Do you deal in all kinds of imports?
Will you help in vehicle imports?
How much of the process can be completed online?
How much do you know about NAFTA?
Can my business benefit from NAFTA?
Can you handle record keeping?
How much do you charge?
Do you help with exports, as well?
Can you arrange transportation, if and when required?
Will I have a real agent working for my needs?
How do you help clients in claiming refunds?
Is your website functional?
Can you provide references?
Do you offer consultation for businesses?

Final word

Think of your Customs broker as an arm of your business. They should offer necessary expertise and solutions when required, but at the same time, they should be able to handle requirements of imports on a regular basis. It is always a good idea to evaluate the reputation of a company before moving ahead, and as mentioned earlier, ask for references. Find more on the range of clients they deal with, if they have good reviews online, and if their team is accessible as required, which may be beyond the working hours. With a good service, you can focus on what matters the most – Your business!