What goes into customs clearance costs?
Customs clearance can involve duties, taxes, broker fees, handling and storage. Request your quote for actual costs; the customs broker reviews your shipment and provides the amounts.
Duties and taxes
Ask the customs broker which duties and taxes belong in your shipment’s quote. Product description, classification, origin, value and the proposed customs procedure are part of the review. Keep the invoice and origin information available so the quote is based on your goods.
Broker fees
Ask what the brokerage service covers: document review, preparation of the customs filing and coordination of the clearance. Describe one-off or recurring shipments and any special review so the scope is clear.
Handling and storage
Ask whether cargo handling, inspection-related movements or storage need to be included, and who provides those services. Describe how the goods arrive, where they will be delivered and who books transport. Ask which third-party services are included or quoted separately.
Compare the scope of the quote
Request a breakdown that separates customs charges, brokerage and other services. Ask what is included, what may change if shipment details change and who pays each item. Actual costs come from the customs broker in the quote.