What is a licenced broker?

• Under the Customs Act an owner of goods can authorise an agent to act on their behalf for the purposes of importing and exporting goods. 
• Customs brokers are required to be licenced under the Customs Act. A list of licensed custom brokers can be found here: http://www.customs.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/LicensedCustomsBrokeragesbyStateDec13.pdf.
• Customs brokers can assist with large or small shipments. Some may specialise in certain types of merchandise or certain forms of transport.
• Customs brokers are professionals who spend most of their time preparing documents to comply with the stringent requirements of Customs. They are required to know the applicable regulations and guidelines and to keep informed of changes. The matters they can advise and assist you with include:
  • duties and taxes;
  • quarantine requirements;
  • classification and valuation issues; and
  • all your import and export needs.
• Using a customs broker can eliminate expensive shipping delays and the confiscation of goods by Customs.