These Brokers Should Preferably Be In The Same Country Or Place As Your Designated Destination; If Not, They Should Have Had Experience In Conducting Customs Transactions There. A Preferred Customs Broker Should Be Someone Who Can Ensure Your Goods Will Have No Problem With The Customs Upon Entry, And At The Same Time Minimize Your Costs On Duties And Taxes. In Dealing With These Brokers, Ask For The Details On The Services They Provide And The Fees That They Are Charging You.In International Shipping, Brokers And Customs Charge Their Fees According To The Value Of Your Goods As Shown In The Commercial Invoice. Remember That You Are The One Declaring This Value, Thus, It Is Wise Not To Overestimate Its Value, As You May Be Paying For More Than Is Necessary. More So, At Each Point Of Entry, You Will Be Charged Again According To The Customs Policies There, And Again By Your Broker.Common Problems Encountered With International Shipping Is The Paperwork Errors, And With Your Customs Broker Not Having The Necessary Information Of Your Items. The Most Important Document Being, The Commercial Invoice, Which Is A Legal Document That The Customs Office Will Officially Honor. This Document Contains Your Declaration Of The Items You Are Sending, The Country Of Manufacture And Its Declared Value.Another Consideration In International Shipping Is Having A Reliable Freight Forwarder. These Forwarders Provide One With The Flexibility To Cater To Your Specific Needs, As They Can Choose From A Variety Of Carriers That Best Fits Your Requirements. It Is Thus Necessary That You Choose A Freight Forwarder That Has Been Known For The Quality Of Service It Provides With Just The Right Level Of Fees Charged To Their Customers.In International Shipping, The Relationship You Have With Your Freight Forwarder Is Defined By The Declarations And The Agreements In The Bill Of Lading. This Will Show The Details Of Your Items For Shipment, Its Destination, And When It Should Reach There. While It Lists The Accountabilities Agreed On Each Side, It Also More Usually Than Not, Limit The Carriers Liability To Any Problems With Regards To Your Items During Shipment. Be Sure You Are Aware Of Such, And Play Safe By Getting Your Shipments Insured. International Shipping Has Risks And It Would Always Pay Off If You Will Be On The Safe Side.
