Job description Customs Broker in the Windsor-Sarnia Region

Find out what work is like for a customs broker in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Customs, ship and other brokers (NOC 13200).

Customs, ship and other brokers

Description

Customs brokers clear goods through customs and to their destination on behalf of importer and exporter clients. Shipbrokers buy and sell cargo space on ships and buy and sell ships, yachts and other watercraft on behalf of clients. This unit group also includes other brokers who negotiate commercial transactions, logistics or other services between parties on behalf of clients. They are employed by customs, ship or other brokerage establishments or may be self-employed.

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Customs, ship and other brokers have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • 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.

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 13200), and a list of similar occupations:

  • cargo broker
  • chartered shipbroker
  • customs broker
  • gas broker
  • licensed customs broker
  • shipbroker

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Customs, ship and other brokers in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
Date modified: