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Customs Broker

Customs brokers, acting under licences issued by the Australian Border Force, provide professional assistance and advice about customs, quarantine and import and export matters.

Customs brokers provide advice to clients about a range of international trade matters including customs clearance, quarantine and biosecurity restrictions, trade mark requirements, indirect tax obligations and other import and export matters.

Customs brokers in small agencies may handle all aspects of the work, while in large agencies they may specialise in a specific area such as imports, exports or classifying.

Customs brokers have a lot of contact with the public.

TASKS

Customs brokers may perform the following tasks:

provide information to importers about customs tariffs, including rates of duty and the methods of goods clearance
receive, prepare and process import documents
make reservations with shipping or airline companies for freight to be exported and arrange for the clearance of cargo (export declaration)
work with the Australian Border Force and other government authorities on the correct clearance of goods through customs and quarantine
advise on tariff classifications, tariff concessions, appraisals and overseas trade enquiries

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

good communication skills
good at mathematics
good memory
high standard of personal integrity
aptitude for working with computers
good character, with no record of bankruptcy or criminal activity

Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Freight Forwarder - administers the carriage of goods on behalf of a shipping company. Their duties include arranging cargo space on a vessel, providing documentation and arranging customs clearance.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a licensed customs broker you usually have to complete an accredited course in customs broking and be able to demonstrate adequate work experience in the customs broking industry.

Entry to these courses usually requires Year 12. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

On completion of the course you will need to apply to the National Customs Brokers Licensing Advisory Committee (NCBLAC) for recommendation to the Australian Border Force for a customs brokers licence.

Additional Information

The Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia (CBFCA) run a national industry examination that may assist to demonstrate industry experience. Visit their website for further information.

In order to obtain a customs broker's licence, applicants must meet integrity requirements outlined in the Customs Act.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Customs brokers are employed by customs brokerages, freight forwarders, couriers and other companies involved in the import and export of goods in and out of Australia. With experience, some customs brokers become partners or start their own businesses. Others move into management jobs or freight transport. Customs brokers are usually based at major receiving ports.

Demand for customs brokers can fluctuate with the level of overseas trade (imports and exports).