Customs Brokers: who they are, what they do, and how to choose a trusted specialist

Customs brokers are essential players in international logistics, ensuring the lawful and uninterrupted movement of goods across borders. Their role is particularly important when it comes to navigating complex customs procedures, tax regulations, and ever-changing compliance requirements.
As international shipping involves crossing multiple borders, effective customs clearance is critical. This is where customs brokers come in—minimizing delays and helping businesses reduce costs through efficient, compliant operations.
Kosimbek Abdurakhimov, Head of Business Development at Dunyo Cargo, shares his insights into the work of customs brokers.

A customs broker represents the interests of importers and exporters during the customs clearance process, ensuring that goods comply with local and international regulations. Their responsibilities include filing documents, paying duties and taxes, and ensuring correct classification and valuation of goods.
"Customs brokers serve as intermediaries between businesses and customs authorities, helping to ensure full legal compliance when goods are imported, exported, or moved in transit," says Kosimbek Abdurakhimov.
When shipments pass through multiple countries or use multiple modes of transportation, brokers coordinate customs clearance at each step. Their role becomes even more critical in multimodal transport, where seamless integration of customs procedures is essential.

Key Responsibilities of a Customs Broker

1. Documentation Preparation and Submission:

• Filing customs declarations and supporting paperwork
• Arranging necessary permits and certificates (sanitary, phytosanitary, conformity, etc.)
• Preparing documents for duties, taxes, and fees

• Classifying goods under HS codes
• Determining customs value of shipments
• Calculating and verifying customs payments

3. Client Consultation:

• Interpreting customs laws and procedures
• Advising on cost-effective clearance strategies
• Identifying risks and optimizing compliance workflows

• Representing clients during inspections and inquiries
• Resolving disputes and clearing delays
• Ensuring full adherence to regulatory formalities

• Coordinating customs procedures for shipments that cross several countries or transport modes
• Preparing transit declarations and transport-specific documentation

• Advising clients on the permits needed based on cargo type
• Reviewing documents before submission
• Submitting applications to relevant government bodies
• Managing timely approvals

Mistakes in customs documentation or violations of procedures can lead to fines, penalties, and costly delays. When choosing a broker, consider the following:

• Experience and Reputation: Select companies with a proven track record in the field.
• Membership in Professional Associations: Affiliations with organizations like the International Federation of Customs Brokers Associations (IFCBA) indicate professionalism and reliability.
• Licensing and Certification: Brokers should be officially certified and employ qualified specialists trained in customs regulations.
• Without proper customs clearance, businesses may face additional costs, delays, and even confiscation of goods. A qualified customs broker ensures compliance and helps reduce risks.

• Full-service customs solutions with end-to-end handling
• Support for international collaboration with carriers and suppliers
• Assistance in preparing and submitting certification and compliance documents
• HS code classification and accurate duty calculation
• Efficient dispute resolution and direct interaction with customs officials
• Choosing Dunyo Cargo as your customs broker means minimizing delays, eliminating compliance risks, and optimizing cross-border logistics costs.