The party who moves it through.
WHAT THEY DO
Prepare and lodge declarations Deal with customs and agencies Arrange inspections Arrange release and delivery
WHY YOU NEED ONE
The process requires licensing and familiarity.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE ENGAGING
Whether they are licensed Experience with your product category What they charge, itemised What is included and what is not
WHAT TO ASK FOR
References from businesses importing similar goods.
WHAT TO PROVIDE THEM
Complete, accurate documentation Precise product information Funds, promptly
WHY PROMPT FUNDS
Delays produce storage charges that dwarf any saving.
WHAT TO AGREE
Their fee, separately from disbursements.
WHY SEPARATELY
It makes the actual cost visible.
WHAT TO REQUIRE
Official receipts for every payment made on your behalf.
WHY
Payments without receipts cannot be verified or accounted for.
WHAT TO BE CAUTIOUS OF
Agents suggesting undervaluation or misdeclaration Vague charges with no breakdown Reluctance to provide receipts
WHY THAT FIRST POINT MATTERS MOST
The liability is yours, not theirs.
WHAT TO TRACK
Each shipment's status, daily during clearance.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Who to contact, and how quickly they respond.
WHAT TO KEEP
Every document and receipt.
WHAT TO REVIEW
Their performance across shipments: time, cost, problems.
