Occupation · SOC 13-1041.08
Customs Brokers
Prepare customs documentation and ensure that shipments meet all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods. Determine and track duties and taxes payable and process payments on behalf of client. Sign documents under a power of attorney. Represent clients in meetings with customs officials and apply for duty refunds and tariff reclassifications. Coordinate transportation and storage of imported goods.
Median wage
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Projected growth
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Annual openings
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per year
Employed (US)
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Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
447 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningReading ComprehensionWritingSpeakingCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingMonitoringService Orientation
Knowledge areas
TransportationEnglish LanguageAdministrativeLaw and GovernmentCustomer and Personal Service
Technology & tools
Data base user interface and query softwareCompliance softwareElectronic mail softwareMaterials requirements planning logistics and supply chain softwareSpreadsheet software
Representative tasks
Prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or proceClear goods through customs and to their destinations for clients.Pay, or arrange for payment of, taxes and duties on shipments.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Import and export documentation — prepare and submit under direct supervision using established customs forms and agency checklists.Tariff coding system — apply basic classification rules to straightforward goods under the guidance of a senior customs broker.Duty and tariff calculations — perform arithmetic calculations on shipment values using provided rate tables and spreadsheet software.Customs invoices and certificates of origin — compile and organize required import documentation from client-supplied materials.Cargo-control documents — identify, sort, and cross-check against shipment records to ensure completeness before filing.Compliance software and database tools — enter shipment data and retrieve basic records under structured on-the-job instruction.Customs regulations — read and summarize current regulatory guidance with support from supervisors to identify applicable rules.Client communications — respond to routine inquiries about shipment status using clear written and verbal explanations.Payment arrangements for duties and taxes — initiate standard payment requests by following established agency procedures.Regulatory updates — monitor assigned information sources such as trade bulletins and flag relevant changes to supervising brokers.
developing
Import and export documentation — prepare and process complete filing packages independently for routine shipment types across common trade lanes.Goods clearance process — coordinate with customs authorities and carriers to move shipments through clearance checkpoints with limited oversight.Duty and tariff payments — calculate owed amounts and arrange payment on behalf of clients by applying current HTS rates and preferential trade agreements.Tariff classification — assign accurate HTS codes to moderately complex goods by applying General Rules of Interpretation with occasional peer review.Powers of attorney — execute and maintain client authorization documents and sign standard filings on behalf of clients within established scope.Compliance software and supply-chain systems — configure and use logistics and compliance platforms to track shipments and generate required reports.Import regulations and trade law — interpret regulatory changes from CBP and other agencies and apply them to active client files without supervisory prompting.Client service orientation — manage a portfolio of client accounts by proactively communicating clearance timelines, holds, and documentation deficiencies.Problem resolution — identify and resolve common customs holds or documentation discrepancies by coordinating with government officials and clients.Time management across shipments — prioritize competing filing deadlines for multiple concurrent entries to avoid demurrage or penalty exposure.
proficient
Complex import and export entries — prepare and process multi-line, high-value, or restricted-commodity filings autonomously across diverse regulatory environments.Advanced tariff classification — determine correct HTS codes for technically complex or ambiguous goods by applying binding ruling research and CBP guidance.Non-routine duty scenarios — calculate duties for anti-dumping, countervailing, and Section 301 tariffs and advise clients on cost mitigation strategies.End-to-end goods clearance — manage full clearance cycles including FDA, USDA, and other partner-agency requirements without supervisory review.Regulatory compliance audits — review client import histories for classification accuracy and valuation compliance and produce written findings and corrective plans.Trade agreement optimization — analyze eligibility for preferential tariff programs such as USMCA or GSP and implement qualifying documentation workflows.Critical judgment under uncertainty — resolve atypical or contested customs decisions by drawing on deductive reasoning, regulatory precedent, and agency liaison.Client negotiation and advocacy — represent client interests in penalty mitigation, prior disclosure submissions, and informal hearings with customs authorities.Knowledge management — monitor legislative, regulatory, and judicial developments and translate implications into actionable guidance for client accounts.Mentorship of junior staff — review and provide structured feedback on entries prepared by emerging and developing brokers to build team competency.
advanced
Organizational compliance strategy — design and implement enterprise-wide import and export compliance frameworks aligned with evolving CBP, BIS, and OFAC requirements.Tariff classification policy — establish firm-wide classification standards and escalation procedures to ensure consistency and defensibility across all entries.Trade cost architecture — lead strategic duty-optimization programs including FTZ utilization, first-sale valuation, and tariff engineering for major client accounts.Regulatory change leadership — interpret and communicate the business impact of new trade legislation and rulings to executive clients and internal teams at an organizational scale.Client relationship development — cultivate and retain high-value client partnerships by positioning the brokerage as a trusted strategic advisor on international trade operations.Workforce development — design training curricula and mentorship programs that accelerate broker license attainment and professional growth across all experience levels.Technology and systems governance — evaluate, select, and oversee implementation of compliance and logistics technology platforms to increase accuracy and operational efficiency.Risk and liability management — assess organizational exposure from enforcement trends, audits, and penalty actions and direct corrective measures to reduce legal risk.Industry representation — present at trade conferences, contribute to industry comment letters, and engage with government agencies to shape regulatory outcomes.Performance and quality standards — establish measurable KPIs for entry accuracy, clearance speed, and client satisfaction and lead continuous improvement initiatives firm-wide.
Also known as
49 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Importer ExporterCustoms Compliance AnalystCustoms AgentInternational Trade SpecialistLicensed Customs BrokerCorporate Licensed BrokerCustoms Entry WriterAir Import AgentImport/Export SpecialistCustoms Brokerage Entry WriterCustoms AnalystImport CoordinatorOcean Import RepresentativeCargo BrokerCargo AgentBoarding AgentAir Export Operations AgentOcean Export AgentCustoms and Border Patrol Agent (CBP Agent)Customs Brokerage RepresentativeCustoms Brokerage CoordinatorCustoms SpecialistCustoms CoordinatorExporterCustoms Entry SpecialistOcean Import SpecialistTrade FacilitatorCustoms House BrokerImport-Export AgentForeign Trade ManagerExport AdministratorCustoms Compliance SpecialistImport AgentImport/Export AgentExport AgentCustoms ConsultantExport Operations AgentOperations AssistantEntry WriterAir Export Agent