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Customs Brokerage
What is a customs broker?
[in Canada] Licensed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), a customs broker may act as an agent for commercial businesses importing product to Canada in order for a shipment to be released by Canada Customs and 9 participating government agencies (PGA’s), such as Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Health Canada or Transport Canada, all of which may require forms and documents to be supplied to them. A Harmonized System Tariff classification number must be applied to each product imported. This code determines the rate of duties and taxes that must be paid to CBSA.
[in U.S.] A customs broker is licensed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to conduct CBP business on behalf of importers who give the broker power of attorney to act as an agent for their commercial businesses importing product into the USA. This includes, but is not limited to, government agencies such as CBP, FDA, NHTSA, EPA, USDA and USFWS. All required documents and forms must be supplied to these agencies with a Harmonized System Tariff classification number for each product imported. This code determines the rate of duties and taxes that must be paid to the U.S. Treasury department through CBP.
With all the changing rules and regulations in cross-border transactions, it makes good business sense to use a customs broker
What is the advantage of using a customs broker?
Can we import our goods without the services of a customs broker?
Do I need a customs broker for personal goods?
What does it cost to use a customs broker?
If our company uses the services of a competing customs broker, what steps are involved with switching to use Cole International?
What paperwork is required?
How do I pay Duties and Taxes?
What makes Cole International stand above other customs brokers and logistics companies?
Can a shipper / exporter from Canada take responsibility for all the fees associated when goods are exported from Canada?
Can a shipper / exporter into Canada take responsibility for all the fees associated when goods are imported into Canada?
Should our company use several different customs brokers, depending on the mode of transportation or the location of the entry?
When shipping goods by courier, is it recommended that we use the customs brokerage services provided by that of a courier even though we use a different customs broker for our truck, air and sea freight shipments?
At which Customs ports can Cole International clear goods?
When shipping goods by courier, is it recommended that we use the customs brokerage services provided by that of a courier even though we use a different customs broker for our truck, air and sea freight shipments?
Are there restrictions on what items can be brought into Canada?
Can Cole International review my entries done by other customs brokers to ensure compliance?
What if my current customs broker mis-classifies my goods?
Is Cole International able to assist with the exporting of goods out of Canada?
Can Cole assist in making transportation arrangements for our goods?
Can Cole International educate my staff and I on responsibilities, documentation requirements and regulations of customs procedures?
Freight Forwarding
Why use Cole’s freight forwarding services?
Cole employs industry professionals in the various modes of transportation including: air, ocean, truck and rail. This industry experience allows us to have market and carrier knowledge, and to have volume purchasing strength that an individual shipper cannot often achieve.
Why use a freight forwarder rather than booking directly with a carrier?
Can Cole assist with non-standard transportation requirements?
What are Incoterms?