Without the right expert guidance, importing goods into Canada can be a complicated process and potentially expose your company to unnecessary fines, lengthy delays, and compliance issues. The products that your company imports are subject to unique classifications, duty and GST amounts that need to be accurately reported and paid to the authorities.
This is why all importers should partner with a customs broker that not only has a solid track record and a robust quality control process in place, but also a proactive mindset with your best interest at heart at all times.
Here are the top 5 questions that every importer should ask their customs broker:

1. Who will take care of me?

Ideally, your customs broker should dedicate a customs clearance representative (CCR) specifically to your account – a representative that is CCS certified, that can become intimately familiar with all of your products, your many vendors, and your company.
This dedicated resource needs to manage all of the intricacies of your customs clearances from A to Z, ensuring your shipments clear on time and in a fully compliant manner. You want a customs broker that can act as an extension of your business, taking accountability, and working tirelessly to ensure your customs declarations are done accurately and that the correct rates of duty and taxes are applied. A good customs broker should be proactively identifying scenarios where additional documentation can save your company money – such as if you provide a NAFTA certificate, your product can be imported duty free.
When it comes to dedicated and personalized service, there is undoubtedly a clear advantage to working with a small to mid size customs broker.

2. Do you have experience with my product?

Ask if your broker knows exactly what is required to import your specific goods. Your broker should know if there are any restrictions on bringing your products into Canada, and they should also know if there are any Canada Border Services Agency programs that can help relieve duties on your imports, which could save your company significant amounts of money.
Your customs broker should not only make the import and clearance process easy, but also guide you through potential compliance issues and proactively look for ways to save you time and money while remaining fully compliant.

3. What if the regulations change?

Staying on top of the constantly changing regulations will avoid unforeseen penalties and fines. Your customs broker should explain to you how they stay abreast of the current regulations. Furthermore, they should be proactive about letting your company know as soon as regulations change that can affect your operation, your bottom line, and in certain instances your complete global distribution strategy.

4. Can I track my shipments 24/7?

Your shipments are the life blood of your company and having access to 24/7 support is key for you to manage your business appropriately. Whether you prefer picking up the phone or sending an email, your customs broker should have the capability to reply to your needs right away. Fast and flexible is what you need to succeed.
Additionally, do not hesitate to ask your broker if they can provide customized reports and online tracking tools. In today’s world, logistics is intimately linked with technology, and these online tools should be made available to you.

5. How will you help my company succeed?

A good customs broker should become an extension of your company as well as a trusted advisor and consultant to your business. Partner with a provider that continuously works on better understanding your business and proactively searches for ways to cut your costs through ever changing regulations. Your broker should share the same goal of seeing you succeed while being 100% compliant.
Additionally, if you are tired of dealing with too many different companies to ship and manage the flow of your goods around the world, save time and money by finding out if your customs broker can also satisfy your international freight forwarding needs. No need to work through many different third parties when you can work through one source to satisfy all of your logistics needs and challenges.
In what seems like a complicated world haunted by ever changing regulations, choosing the right customs broker that can also fulfill your logistics needs is the most efficient way to avoid potentially large penalties and additional expenses that can hurt your business. By asking these five key questions, you are bound to partner with a company that can properly support your operation and that always has your interests at heart.