Why You Need a Customs Consultant

A Customs Consultant can add significant value to your business’s import activities as well as your supply chain. Let a Customs Consultant streamline your processes for you and simplify the intricacies of customs compliance procedures. The more emphasis put on customs compliance, the more you will reduce your level of risk and in turn, save your business time, money, and headaches.

Some of the benefits of hiring a Customs Consultant are:

In-Depth Knowledge and Expertise

Customs clearance goes beyond simply selecting a tariff classification for imported goods and clearing it through customs at the time of arrival. It involves understanding Rules of Origin, free trade agreements (e.g. CETA, CUSMA), product restrictions (e.g. steel, dairy, etc.), accounting and reporting requirements, and much more.

Customs Consultants are highly knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced in customs laws and regulations and stay on top of changing policies and procedures. Although you may be familiar with Canadians customs and their processes, a customs consultant can provide valuable advice and simple explanations to ensure you fully understand the procedures, have checked every box for compliance, received every benefit or advantage possible, and have established the most efficient importation process for your business.

Increased Saved Time

Customs contraventions result from failure to comply with requirements identified in the Customs Act, Customs Tariff, and related regulations which can cause delays in shipments and penalties. In 2023, the Government of Canada issued over 18 million dollars in penalties alone to importers in the country. Ensuring that your shipping activities meet full customs compliance regulations means that your goods don’t get held at the border causing disruptions to your supply chain. A Customs Consultant can review your business’s shipments and processes and identify risks, vulnerabilities, or deficiencies before they are able to cause a larger issue.

Outsourcing your customs clearance process can also free up your time and resources needed to understand customs legislation and deal with government officials. Allowing a Customs Consultant to deal with the complexities of legislation can let you get back to what’s important and focusing on your business’s success.

Increased Monetary Savings

Both overpaying and underpaying your duty and taxes when importing may be detrimental to your business, especially when the later can result in fines, audits, or seizures of your goods. A Customs Consultant can help you classify your goods according to the Harmonized System (HS) code – a universal system of product identification used by customs authorities. HS codes determine the applicable duty rate and other import requirements for your goods and can help you from over or under paying.

Customs Consultants can also apply on your behalf for any exemptions, refunds, or preferential treatments that you or your business may be eligible for. In general, the amount of savings and lowered risk that can be achieved by a Customs Consultant highly outweighs the fees charged for a quick and efficient consultation.

Improved Customer Satisfaction

It goes without saying that if your imports are delayed, expensive, or don’t show up at all, your customer loyalty is going to take a hit. A Customs Consultant can help you deliver your goods to your customers, faster, cheaper, and more reliably, while keeping your reputation intact. Customs Consultants handle issues that arise during the clearance process such as inspections or disputes, and keep your goods moving. Customer satisfaction is contingent on your service and a Customs Consultant can help you to provide the best service possible.

Avoiding Mistakes

Completing documentation for importing and exporting can be cumbersome, time-consuming, and difficult to avoid making mistakes. Customs Consultants assist in preparing your documentation and decrease the likelihood of unwanted mistakes that may result in penalties or delays. Utilizing their detailed and industry-specific knowledge, Customs Consultants can avoid mistakes or misinformation that can be common when completing documentation or forms yourself.

Unparalleled Support & Guidance

Customs Consultants are advocates for your business and its success. They bridge the gap between you as the importer and endless international trade regulations that can be difficult to keep track of. Customs Consultants handle the negotiating and quote processes and advocate on best practices to maximize trade compliance to guarantee peace-of-mind when importing or exporting.

Customs Consultants often have access to privileged information that is not available to the general public which may allow them to help your business redeem benefits you may not be aware of.

No stone is left unturned when you hire a Customs Consultant to improve your import processes! They will always look for the best option for you and your business.