Customs, ship and other brokers

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

• Customs brokers

• Prepare and process import/export documents and other forms on behalf of clients according to customs regulations, laws and procedures

• Sign import/export documents on behalf of client, using power of attorney

• Arrange for payment of duties, taxes, storage and transportation of imported goods and bonds to cover duty goods

• Quote duty and tax rates on commodities for clients

• Provide advice to clients on export and import restrictions, tariff systems, letters of credit, insurance requirements and other custom related matters

• May represent client before administrative tribunals or in other dealings with government officials.

• Shipbrokers

• Buy and sell cargo space on ships on behalf of individuals, companies and governments

• Consult trade publications and other sources to provide information to clients on available cargo space, destinations, rates and departure locations and times, and arrange ship charters for clients

• Negotiate rates and terms and prepare contracts and other papers

• Buy and sell ships, yachts and other watercraft on behalf of clients

• Inspect vessels, explain features and negotiate price when purchasing or selling for clients

• Arrange for insurance coverage for cargo or for ships

• Arrange for registration and licensing of ships.

• Completion of secondary school, and some post-secondary education in commerce or a related field is required.

• Customs brokers require several years of on-the-job training and completion of a customs brokers training program through the International Federation of Customs Brokers Association.

• A customs broker licence, issued by the Canada Border Services Agency, is required for an individual or company to operate a customs brokerage business.

• There is no mobility between the different types of brokers in this unit group.