Customs Brokers
What is a Customs Broker?
A Customs Broker is a licensed professional who assists businesses and individuals in navigating the complex regulations and procedures associated with importing and exporting goods across international borders. They are experts in customs law and trade compliance, ensuring that shipments adhere to the legal requirements of countries involved in the trade. Customs Brokers play a crucial role in facilitating the smooth movement of goods by preparing and submitting necessary documentation, calculating duties and taxes, and liaising with government agencies such as customs authorities. They also provide valuable advice regarding tariffs, trade agreements, and the correct classification of goods to avoid unnecessary delays and penalties. In their role, Customs Brokers help clients minimize costs and adhere to all relevant laws while ensuring that their shipments are cleared in a timely manner.
Tasks
- Prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or procedures.
- Clear goods through customs and to their destinations for clients.
- Pay, or arrange for payment of, taxes and duties on shipments.
- Calculate duty and tariff payments owed on shipments.
- Request or compile necessary import documentation, such as customs invoices, certificates of origin, and cargo-control documents.
Technology Skills
- Data base user interface and query software
- Presentation software
- Electronic mail software
- Spreadsheet software
- Optical character reader OCR or scanning software
Tools Used
- Scanners
- Special purpose telephones
- Laser fax machine
-
Desktop computers
-
Personal computers
Knowledge
-
Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
-
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
-
Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
-
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Skills
-
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
-
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
-
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
-
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
-
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Abilities
-
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
-
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
-
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
-
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
-
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
-
High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
-
Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
-
Bachelor's degree
Work Activities
-
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
-
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
-
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
-
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
-
Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Detailed Work Activities
- Coordinate logistics or other business operations.
- Oversee business processes.
- Pay charges, fees, or taxes.
- Calculate data to inform organizational operations.
- Coordinate regulatory documentation activities.
Work Interests
-
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
-
Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$43790.0 - $123710.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.