GlossaryCustoms and trade
Customs broker
A licensed professional or company that prepares and files customs entries and pays duties on behalf of importers.
A customs broker handles the paperwork and filings needed to clear goods through customs. In the United States, customs brokers are licensed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and act on behalf of the importer of record.
Brokers classify goods, file the entry, calculate and pay duties and fees, and respond to customs questions or holds. Express carriers such as UPS, FedEx and DHL Express act as brokers for most of the parcels they carry, which is why their duty bills can include a brokerage or disbursement fee.
Freight shipments and higher-value or regulated goods usually involve a dedicated broker chosen by the importer.
Learn more in our Cross-border shipping articles.
Buy, print and track shipping labels and customs documents across carriers from one place.