Customs Broker

Tasks & duties

Customs brokers may do some or all of the following:

• check import/export documents to find out details of cargo contents
• prepare documents for goods to be exported or imported
• advise clients on the best methods and routes for transporting goods
• classify goods into different tariff groups by using an international tariff coding system
• negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies
• calculate duty and GST payments
• work with border agencies
• write applications to the Ministry of Economic Development to minimise the duties on imported goods, that do not compete with locally manufactured products
• advise on methods of payment
• arrange insurance cover for goods
• assist exporters to find, track and value goods
• deal with claims for loss or damage

Depending on the company, some customs brokers may also work as freight forwarders. However, only customs brokers classify goods according to the international tariff coding system.

Specialisations

Most customs brokers specialise in either importing or exporting.

Skills & knowledge

Customs brokers need to have:

• knowledge of customs regulations and procedures
• knowledge of relevant Acts of parliament such as the Customs and Excise Act (1996)
• knowledge of insurance law and carriage of goods laws, including dangerous goods regulations
• knowledge of international laws and standards regarding the transport of goods such as those set down by the International Air Transport Association (IATA)
• knowledge of transport systems and rates
• knowledge of methods of packing and stowing goods
• analytical skills for deciding the best method and price for transporting goods
• people skills
• organisational skills
• excellent communication skills

Entry requirements

To become a customs broker you need to pass Pin Courses run by the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation of New Zealand Inc (CBAFF). These courses allow you to sign import and export entries.

It is also preferable to have a driver's licence and your own car, and you must not have any criminal convictions.

Secondary education

At least four years of secondary education is needed to enter tertiary training. Useful subjects include maths, geography, English and computing.

Training on the job

Customs brokers gain skills on the job.

People often work as trainee customs brokers and may do short courses, such as dangerous goods handling, cargo stowage and cargo classification, run by the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation of New Zealand Inc.

Useful experience

Useful experience for customs brokers includes:

• work in a customs agency with a licensed customs broker
• work in freight forwarding doing importing/exporting

Related courses

Economics
International Business

For more information, please refer to Career Services.