Custom Broker Archives - Excelsior Worldwide Logistics Corp.

Logistics Restrictions: List of Banned Products in the Philippines

excelsior on October 8, 2024

While logistics persist to thrive in the global economy, economic growth has also arisen. Logistics plays a powerful role in the global trade industry. It ensures the seamless flow of products and services, allows international shipping and economic integration, boosts the employment rate and operation of small businesses, enables reaching broader markets, and provides essential support in varying industries.

In the Philippines, the freight and logistics market is estimated to reach USD 25.38 billion by 2028 due to the massive growth of the e-commerce sector. As more people purchase products on different platforms online, the freight forwarding industry has become more in demand, as extensive amounts of goods are needed to import or export from suppliers to consumers.

However, countries like the Philippines have laws like Republic Act No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), that restrict and ban the importation of specific items unless permitted by law or regulation.

To ensure the state of national security, order and morality, and environmental and public health protection, below is the list of some Philippines’ banned and restricted imports:

Drug Substances

The CMTA prohibits the importation of any products containing marijuana, coca leaves, opium and other illicit drugs, narcotics, nicotine or synthetic drugs, tobacco, and other smokeable products. Also, importing items such as e-cigarettes, vape brands, e-liquids, and any drug paraphernalia that is utilized for taking or injecting drugs is banned. All these prohibited and regulated products will only be allowed by the Philippine administration once authorized by the Dangerous Drugs Board for medicinal purposes.

Firearms and Weapons

Unregistered products that could cause harm, such as knives, all sorts of guns, hand weapons, bullets, firearms, explosives, and related accessories used in war, dynamite, gunpowder, explosives, and other paraphernalia that could be mistaken as firearms, are prohibited. These items can only be imported once authorized by law.

Human Remains and Live Animals

Human remains, body parts, and fluids are banned from being imported into the Philippines. Meanwhile, live animals, insects, endangered, exotic, and domesticated species, or any of their parts, are also forbidden as they must adhere to laws and regulations in animal protection.

Gambling Materials and Apparatus

CMTA also refused to import goods such as gambling materials and apparatus. These included roulette wheels, pinball machines, mechanical devices used in gambling, cigarettes, marked cards, and gambling outfits.

Goods That Pose Threat to National Security

CMTA bans the importation of any products or goods, be they printed or written, that advocate treason, insurrection, rebellion, and sedition against the Philippine government. Further, written or printed goods that contain threats in any form, such as inflicting bodily harm and taking life upon any person in the Philippines, are also not allowed.

Adulterated Goods for Human Consumption

Importing misbranded items, such as food products or medicine, meant for human consumption is also prohibited in the Philippines as it could violate relevant laws and regulations. All goods intended for human consumption shall be authorized by regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and shall secure necessary documents, permits, licenses, and clearances.

Final Thoughts

Logistics plays an integral role in businesses and the global economy. As the logistics industry in the Philippines continues to grow, Philippine laws and regulations regarding the importation and exportation of products become more rigid. Unless approved and authorized by appropriate agencies, these items will remain on the list to ensure the integrity of morality, national security, and public health and safety.

If you are exploring relevant services that offer worldwide logistics, check out Excelsior now. We are a logistics enterprise that provides shipping and logistics services.

Discover more about the freight forwarding and logistics industry by reading these articles:

10 Shipping Tips for Small Businesses

Five Money-Saving Tips for Importers

Logistics Restrictions: List of Banned Products in the Philippines! Infographic Image 44435

Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier vs Freight Forwarder: What Are the Differences?

excelsior on August 19, 2024

The global transportation of goods in the business landscape continues to pave the way to the development of the economy. Whilst breakbulk and international shipping do have complex logistics processes, the global logistics market is still forecasted to skyrocket to $18.69 billion in 2026.

Moreover, international shipping involves various services for a single transaction, including the Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) and Freight Forwarder, which are commonly mistaken to be similar in functions.

What Are NVOCCs?

NVOCC is an ocean carrier that provides transportation services to shippers without operating ships or its own vessels. Instead, NVOCC purchases space from vessel-operating common carriers and resells it to shippers. Further, NVOCC serves as the middleman in logistic services, particularly in transferring cargo.

Roles of NVOCCs

NVOCCs, though offering cost-effective shipping and low freight rates, offer varying functions in shipping:
Cargo Consolidation

NVOCC delivers and receives cargo as carriers. They collect shipments from various sources to optimize container space and produce cost-efficient loads and flexible shipping options.

Documents Facilitator

NVOCCs process documents. They prepare the house bill of lading and paperwork concerning booking space for shipping lines and regulations. NVOCCs follow regulatory measures to ensure the legality of goods transportation and streamline the movement of commodities.

Rate Management

NVOCC’s other role is arranging payments for essential charges. Their company has access to international shipping routes in the global market. They set freight rates and shipping costs for shippers.

What is a Freight Forwarder?

Meanwhile, freight forwarders are experts and multi-functional operators. They facilitate the seamless movement of cargo, whether through rail, road, air, or ocean transportation. However, freight forwarders are the agents to shippers, only functions to arrange the transaction, not the ones to move the cargo.

Functions of Freight Forwarder

With the task of arranging and planning the logistics, freight forwarders have their primary roles in transportation services:

Logistics Planning

A freight forwarder plans the most cost-efficient route for shipping goods. They arrange customs clearance and cargo movements for local and international destinations and prepare documents for shipment activities. They also manage cargo consolidation by applying freight forwarding trends.

Customs Processing

Freight forwarders handle the paperwork when dealing with customs. They act as jacks of all trades, ensuring compliance with regulations and seamless shipping of international trade through proper cargo insurance and inventory management.

Handling and Negotiating of Contracts

On behalf of the exporters, they are the ones negotiating contracts with the carriers to ensure cost-efficient shipping deals. Freight forwarders can also issue the house bill of lading and facilitate their freight contract.

Main Differences Between NVOCC and Freight Forwarder

As service providers for shipping logistics, there are differences between NVOCCs and Freight Forwarders:

Relationship With Shippers

NVOCC serves as an intermediary between the shipper and vessel operator to conduct transport services. Meanwhile, freight forwarders collaborate directly with shippers to make decisions and plan the logistics process.

Primary Purpose

The exporters or importers defined NVOCC as a carrier to the shipper that works independently through third-party companies to support them. Besides, freight forwarders act as agents to shippers; they may also function as NVOCC’s agents.

Mode of Transportation

NVOCCs are mainly assigned for ocean transportation, which differs from freight forwarders, as the latter can offer different modes of freight transportation, whether through air, land, or ocean, for the buyers to monitor and control the commodities.

NVOCCs vs. Freight Forwarder: Choosing the Best Service Provider

To select the best service provider for transporting goods, whether it is an NVOCC or international freight forwarding company, it is essential to consider the following:

Level Of Service

Selecting between NVOCC and freight forwarder depends on the shipper’s needed service. For instance, there is only a need to book the transfer of goods in an ocean vessel, so NVOCC is an excellent choice for cost efficiency. Therefore, if a shipper needs guidance to identify the best route and rate for shipment as well, it is better to select a freight forwarder.

Best Freight Rates

When it comes to freight rates, it is recommended to choose NVOCC when there is a money constraint, as a shipper could save more fees. Compared to a freight forwarder, this agent will assist with the entire logistics process and services, which could be costly.

Conclusion
Understanding the concept of different logistics services like NVOCC and freight forwarders is vital, especially when a shipper looks forward to streamlined commodity shipping. Both services may differ in crucial aspects but can ensure smooth and cost-efficient customs brokerage service for a positive logistics experience.

If you are looking for relevant services that offer freight forwarding and worldwide logistics, visit Excelsior, a logistics corporation that offers reliable shipping services.

Read these informative articles to learn more:

Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier vs Freight Forwarder: What Are the Differences? Infographic Image 0000099

How to Import to the Philippines?

excelsior on October 14, 2022

The Philippines is a strategic trading location as it shares maritime borders with many different countries, including China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, and Palau. Its top import partners aren’t limited to its neighbors as it also imports goods from Korea and the United States. Because the Philippines continues to comply with ASEAN-wide economic integration, the opportunities for both importers and exporters will only continue to grow.

Importers and exporters will need to rely on experts knowledgeable on the latest updates in the shipping scene. For example, if any crises affect trade routes, customs brokers will be critical to ensure that products can still be imported and exported promptly.

Written below are the top things to keep in mind when importing products. Knowing how to import to the Philippines will ensure that businesses will have smooth customs clearances.

How can New Importers Start?

New importers will need first to submit the following relevant documents, as listed by the Bureau of Customs, to be accredited:

Duly notarized accomplished Application Form and signed by the owner, for Sole Proprietorship, Responsible Officer, for Corporations, the Chairman, for Cooperatives, or authorized partner, for Partnerships
Bureau of Customs Official Receipt or BCOR showing proof of payment of the Php1,000.00 processing fee
Corporate Secretary Certificate for Corporations / Affidavit for Sole Proprietorship / Partnership Resolution for Partnerships / BOD Resolution for Cooperatives designating its authorized signatories in the import entries
Two (2) valid government-issued IDs of Applicant, President, and Responsible Officers
- Passport
- Driver’s License
- SSS ID
- UMID Card
- For aliens, Alien Certificate of Registration and Alien Employment Permit
Applicant’s NBI Clearance, issued within three (3) months preceding the application
Photocopy of either DTI Registration or SEC Registration / Articles of Partnership and Latest General Information Sheet or Cooperative Development Authority Registration and latest Cooperative Annual Progress Report
Applicant’s, President’s, and Responsible Officers’ Personal Profile
Proof of Lawful Occupancy of Warehoouse and Office Address
Updated Lease Contract under the Corporation or Proprietor’s name
Affidavit of Consent from the owner and the Title of the Property under their name

In case of Sublease, certification from the Lessor or Owner allowing the sharing of office
Printed Client Profile Registration System or CPRS of the Company and updated notification of “STORED” status
BIR Form 2303 or Certificate of Registration
If applicable, Income Tax Return or ITR for the past three (3) years duly received by the BIR
Valid Mayor’s Permit certified by the Bureau of Permits and Licensing Office
Proof of Financial capacity to import
Bank Certificate or other financial certification
The Top 1,000 Taxpayers and those under SGL Companies are exempt
If applicable, endorsement from the District Collector
Detailed sketch map ofthe office and warehouse address
Company Profile with geotagged pictures of the office with proper and permanent signage and pictures of warehouse or storage area

After getting accredited, businesses can start importing products to the Philippines.

Documents Required when Importing Products

Businesses importing products must provide the following required import documents, as shown here, once their goods arrive:

Duly endorsed Airway Bill or Bill of Lading, or certification by the carrier or agent of the vessel or aircraft,
Commercial Invoice or any other verifiable commercial document proving payment if there is no sale for export
Packing list
Duly notarized Supplemental Declaration on Valuation or SDV
Certain documents as may be required by certain rules and regulations, including:
Import Permit or Clearance
Authority to Release Imported Goods or ATRIG
Proof of Origin for Free Trade Agreements or FTAs
Copy of an Advance Ruling, if the ruling was used in the goods declaration
Load Port Survey Reports or Discharge Port Survey Reports for bulk or break-bulk importations
Document evidencing exemption from duties and taxes
Other relevant documents like a Tax Credit Certificate or TCC or Tax Debit Memo or TDM

When importing animals, plants, food, medicine, or chemicals, importers must also obtain a Certificate of Product Registration from the Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration.

Not all items can be imported into the Philippines. For more information, see this list of prohibited and restricted items.

Conclusion

Knowing how to import to the Philippines involves plenty of technical know-how that reliable licensed customs brokers should know. Businesses must look for a reliable customs broker in the Philippines to ensure that their shipments will arrive on time without difficulty.

When importing goods to the Philippines, you’ll need to rely on a reputable international freight forwarding company and licensed customs broker. Let Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics help you handle both on your behalf.

Why are Customs Brokers Critical in Crises?

excelsior on September 15, 2022

The COVID-19 crisis and the Ukraine War heavily disrupted various supply lines worldwide. Different countries already had different laws and regulations in place that usually changed frequently, and the pandemic brought with it more regulations that customs brokers needed to navigate through. The war in Ukraine made things worse thanks to sanctions and the closure of air, sea, and land routes, among others, that disrupted shipping costs and the overall shipping process.

Even if crises are occurring anywhere in the world, businesses still need to import and export products to continue their operations, and it’s the customs broker’s job to ensure that the shipments get to their target destinations.

Customs brokers are vital parts of a supply line, and the following are some of the reasons why they’re critical in crises:

They are Knowledgeable about the Changes in Shipping

The COVID-19 pandemic changed freight requirements and regulations in line with the closing of borders and other changes in line with the pandemic. Because of this, customs brokers had to keep up with the changing rules and ensure that the shipments were delivered and received in compliance with regulations.

The war in Ukraine further negatively affected shipping, on top of the already difficult situation with the ongoing pandemic. Not only did fuel costs increase, but fast and efficient shipping corridors were also no longer safe for shipping, so international freight forwarding companies had to use other routes through other countries to ship cargo. New routes mean new regulations to keep in mind and a few new challenges.

Customs brokers must stay on top of changing regulations and new challenges as they adapt to new language barriers and document processing procedures to ensure that cargo and freight get to their target destinations. They can offer different transport options to ensure the timely arrival of shipments. Without customs brokers, freight forwarding companies and shipping lines will have difficulty with their shipments.

They can Handle the Documentation Process

The documentation process has always been a necessary pain to deal with for shipments. Many business owners had already had a stressful experience dealing with the required documentation before the pandemic started, and the war in Ukraine practically redrew route maps. The process is even more stressful now because previously established processes have changed.

Businesses can rely on reliable customs brokerage services to handle documentation. A licensed and reliable customs broker is versatile and can help open new opportunities because they know how to handle the documentation process. This also guarantees that shipments will arrive on time and businesses won’t miss deadlines.

They can Keep Costs Down

Customs brokers can help businesses reduce import costs basically by doing the following:

Save time on paperwork
Reduce errors on customs documentation
Handle duty payments

Customs brokers already kept costs down before the pandemic started, and they still do so to this day. Without customs brokers, businesses will have difficulty with their imports and exports. Customs brokers can also more readily adapt to the changes in the documentation process because they know all the necessary documents and the most efficient ways to prepare them.

Conclusion

Customs brokers are critical to keeping businesses from wasting money with missed deadlines to other costs resulting from the difficulties that sprung up from different crises. The world still hasn’t recovered from COVID-19, and the ongoing war in Ukraine made logistics worse as different shipments continue to sit in ports for weeks or months, so reliable customs brokers and freight forwarders, by extension, are necessary to keep the supply line up and running.

Without customs brokers, businesses will have difficulty importing and exporting products. Let Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics help you handle the following customs services on your behalf:

Prepare important shipping documents
Filing & processing customs entry
Expedite delivery of imported cargo to clients

Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics conducts free orientation for anyone willing to learn about import and export. It is our advocacy to share our knowledge & experience of more than 17 years in the business. Visit our website today at www.excelsior.ph to learn more about our service.

Filipino Customs Brokerage 101

excelsior on April 15, 2021

Hiring a Licensed Broker for Your Business and Country

If you want to take advantage of the benefits of economic expansion or if you just want to expand your business operations, one of the smartest moves you can make is to hire a customs broker.

What is a Customs Broker?

A customs broker, as an individual or a company, is responsible for ensuring that the shipment of your items will reach its target customers in the safest possible manner. Licensed customs brokers are highly skilled logistics experts who provide that each shipment meets all international standards, rules, and laws.

Brokers also work closely with auditing authorities and law enforcement agencies to ensure that your shipments comply with local and national laws. With the assistance of a customs broker in the Philippines, you can enjoy the benefits of free-shipment services while enjoying the unique advantages of experiencing firsthand experience with their expert knowledge of Philippine customs.

A custom broker in the Philippines is an excellent choice if you want to enjoy the benefits of free or subsidized import services. Because tariffs are much lower on imported goods in the Philippines than in other countries worldwide, you can enjoy significant savings when it comes to shipping and transportation costs. Since import/export customs requirements are strictly followed, you can enjoy even faster processing and delivery of your products, making it easy to meet your deadline for delivery.

Here are ways of how a licensed broker in the Philippines can help upscale your business and the overall economy of the country:

Less Worry in Complying with the Necessary Documents for Shipping

All the paperwork involved in hiring a Filipino employee is already prepared for you. Brokers usually have documents on file from the government that you will need in order to hire your Filipino employee. Brokers also have agents abroad who will represent you before the immigration authorities. They are well-versed with how to talk to immigration officers to make sure that everything goes smoothly. They will also ensure that you have the documents needed to enable you to leave the country if required.

Break the Language Barrier

Another one benefit of a customs broker in the Philippines is that you will not have to deal with the language barrier. Almost all communication skills are learned during the training period. As a result, you and your agent will get along very well. In fact, you may even learn to converse in Tagalog or Filipino. In addition, you will not have to bother yourself with the process of teaching your new employee how to use the local language properly.

Support Local Filipino Workforce

You can get almost anything you need when hiring Filipino laborers. There are many factories in the Philippines that need help with their production lines and can get almost anything that you need when you are hiring brokers. For example, you can find a lot of good workers for your business in the Philippines if you are hiring directly from the factories. This way, you can give priority to the welfare of the Filipino workers.

Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics conducts free orientation for those who are willing to learn. It is our advocacy to share our knowledge & experience worth more than a decade in the business. Visit our website today at www.excelsior.ph to learn more about our service.

Why Your Business Needs a Licensed customs broker?-Infographic

excelsior on February 28, 2021

In terms of importing goods into the country, one of the most important things you need to consider is hiring a licensed customs broker. The Philippine government requires its citizens to have a valid entry permit for imports and exports. Without this permit, these people are not entitled to import or export goods, and it can be a lot of hassle trying to acquire one if you don’t know what you’re doing. Hiring a licensed customs broker in the Philippines is also a great way to obtain one because they are experienced in acquiring and processing all sorts of export applications.

If you are planning to expand your target market abroad, here are the other reasons why hiring a licensed customs broker in the Philippines is beneficial for your business:

Versatile and Fast Export/Import Process

Hiring a broker in the Philippines is an excellent option because these brokers in the country are specialized in all

sorts of export-related matters. These include importing and exporting automobiles, electrical equipment, textiles, clothing, and other types of products. A broker in the Philippines can help you get things done fast, regardless of your business. You’ll have to be prepared to shell out some extra cash for their services. However, rest assured that you will get the best deal out of your money soon.

Establish Rapport with the Government

Dealing with customs requirements is not an easy task, with a bunch of documents that must be processed in order to legally transport your goods from one country to another. As the liaison between the business owner and the local authorities, a licensed customs broker’s knowledge about clearing customs requirements will help streamline your logistics needs.

More Transport Options

A licensed customs broker can also be your most essential asset in getting better deals with carrier companies. They can

even expand your choices by keeping in touch with multiple carriers via air, sea, and land. These services are often categorized by freight, sea, and truck freight services.

Opens New Opportunities

A licensed customs broker can open new opportunities for your business with a quick and efficient service by reaching new target markets. This, in turn, increases your customers, which ultimately leads to more sales.

Finding the best licensed customs broker in the Philippines

There are a few things that you need to look for when choosing a broker in the Philippines. First, ensure that they have experience in dealing with your type of goods. Most importantly, check on the firm’s background and reputation. As a client, you should be able to find out whether a company has a good reputation or not. Ask around, browse through the internet and read reviews about the various brokers in the country. It’s also a good idea to ask for a sample of the services they provide so you can really see how their services work.

Why Hiring a Reliable Licensed Customs Broker is Important?

excelsior on February 25, 2021

The primary reason why people in the Philippines seek out the services of a licensed customs broker is that they do not have access to information regarding tariffs and customs duties that they may need to pay when importing or exporting goods. A customs broker in the Philippines can provide a wealth of knowledge to individuals that are either exporters themselves or are looking to expand their business into the Philippine market.

Licensed customs brokers are an invaluable asset to companies that are unsure of the requirement and regulations that they need to comply within the country. For instance, a company that is considering exporting vehicles from the Philippines needs to be aware of all the applicable laws and requirements that it will need to procure a vehicle. Without a proper understanding of these regulations, it is unlikely that the shipment will make it through the borders and into the hands of its intended destination.

However, in order to provide the best services, one essential characteristic that a licensed customs broker must have is reliability. A reliable customs broker enables any business owner to get rid of all of the worries brought by the complexities of international shipping

Below are the following reasons that make it worth the investment of hiring a licensed customs broker:

They can Ensure the Timely Arrival of Your Shipment

Time is a crucial factor when shipping products abroad. Apart from unexpected events like natural disasters (which are beyond our control), problems with the customs authorities of the receiving country might arise, resulting in unwanted delays. Licensed reliable customs brokers can help you prevent such issues as the core of their job revolves around applying their knowledge when it comes to complying with different customs regulations.

They can Lessen Your Expenses

Working on customs responsibilities typically requires some software or hardware that can automate several parts of the process. These programs might already cost a lot, especially in terms of maintenance alone. A competitive and licensed customs broker is capable of saving you the trouble of paying for these expenses as their service entitles them to use the latest technology to make your shipping more seamless and hassle-free.

They Never Hesitate to Tell You Their Specialization

Companies or agencies offering customs brokerage services often hire professionals that can do their job regardless of the type of product that must be transported. Nevertheless, asking the specialization of a customs broker can be an advantage as the licensed ones are usually endowed with enough experience and knowledge in shipping a particular type of product. Reliable customs brokers are always ready to provide an honest answer to this kind of question.

They can Accomplish Their Duties with Your Company Goals in Mind

Another sign of a reliable customs broker is that aside from clearing your shipment from customs authorities, they also have the initiative to study the goals of your business operations, as well as your company as a whole. With your company goals in mind, it is possible for the customs broker to formulate a more efficient and personalized strategy in legally shipping your products.

Jumpstart Your Shipment Needs with the Best Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers in Manila

At Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistic and Excelsior Customs Brokerage, we ensure that your shipments will be able to cross international borders safely and efficiently. And because we strongly believe that your time is a critical element in your business strategy, we want to offer you a customs brokerage service that is well-grounded on professionalism, integrity, and efficiency. To know more about Excelsior, visit http://www.excelsior.ph.

How Customs Brokerage Firms Help the Philippine Economy

excelsior on April 15, 2020

There are several factors that affect the economy of a country. From the total population, natural resources, to technological growth, it is highly essential for such a massive social unit to thrive and make efforts to enhance and develop its own economy.

In the Philippines, one particular industry is becoming more renowned as a great contributor to the country’s economic growth. Customs brokerage refers to the profession of rendering services to an organization, usually an exporter or importer, to assist them in clearing customs requirements and processes so that they can transfer their products in different locations without facing any legal issues.

The Bureau of Customs, the Philippine government’s agency that facilitates the nation’s trade through an effective customs system, had been touted local customs brokerage firms to be their partners in maintaining the economy. Why did the government say so?

Customs Brokers Helps the Government to Fight Corruption

Customs brokers, as licensed professionals, spent considerable time studying different customs regulations, as well as the most effective ways of negotiating with the authorities. This means that they are well educated on how the government agency operates. Since customs brokers are always dealing with them, it can be easy to spot and report any irregularities committed by any customs authority.

Customs Brokers Aid in Encouraging Investors in the Country

The Philippine government raises funds from taxes. Greater portions of taxes came from businesses. Customs brokers, in a way, encourage investors to do business in the country hence augmenting the country’s economic growth and providing the government with more funds more developing many projects such as infrastructure, public facilities, and combating poverty.

Customs Brokers Can Help Create More Jobs

This is inlined with the profession’s capability to trigger a chain of events that leads to attracting more people to invest in the Philippines. More businesses result in increased job demands, reducing the unemployment rate. This is perhaps one of the best benefits that are often neglected, as many people thought customs brokers only affects what’s going on within the field of the trade itself.

Customs Brokers as an Integral Profession

The Philippine government is currently in full support of the continuous rise of customs brokerage firms. As it was stated in the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), one of the state’s ruling policies is that a priority and support must be given “to professionalizing the practice of customs brokers profession in the Philippines which will be beneficial to the country in general and to the economy in particular.” This further highlights the integrity of customs brokers as key players in maintaining the stability and growth of the Philippine economy in general.

Traits of a Reliable Customs Clearance Service Provider – Infographic

excelsior on March 31, 2020

Dealing with customs authorities for shipping your products is one of the most time-consuming and stressful parts of running an export or import business. Apart from hiring a reliable freight forwarder, getting a customs broker in the Philippines is also essential towards clearing your transported goods and keeping your supply chain in stable condition. But not all agents can be considered as “reliable” and “trustworthy.”

To make the most out of a customs brokerage service, one must be able to identify an agent or company that can provide the highest quality of service, with a considerable amount of experience and knowledge in the field.

Here are some signs that a customs broker is definitely a worthy investment for your business

A Reliable Customs Broker Is a Licensed Professional

Every country has its own laws that regulate the individuals that practice customs brokerage. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines is the one that issues information regarding accreditation guidelines for customs brokers. With a licensed customs broker, expect that you will experience a seamless and trustworthy service that keeps your shipping goals on the right track.

A Reliable Customs Broker Possess Excellent Organizational Skills

With a plethora of documents and requirements that must be cleared, being organized must always be a staple trait of every customs broker. The client will be the one to suffer in case something during the shipping process goes wrong, so a reliable customs broker should be able to prevent unnecessary errors and ensure that the goods will be able to arrive at its destination without delays.

A Reliable Customs Broker Must Be Well-Educated and Trained

Similar to other professions, customs brokers should spend a significant amount of time for training and keeping an ample amount of knowledge on different topics such as logistics and laws that concern product transportation. Being a reliable customs broker in the Philippines requires familiarization of laws and regulations, including trade-related information, and basically everything about customs processes and requirements for clearing shipments.

A Reliable Customs Broker Must Be Always Updated With Any Recent Changes in Customs Policies and Freight Forwarding Process

One of the reasons why many businesses today are more inclined to hiring freight forwarders and customs brokers in the Philippines is that requirements for clearing shipments can change at any given moment. Customs brokerage service providers that are top-notch in the industry tend to experience lesser problems when complying with the requirements because they always keep themselves updated with everything that is going on, especially in customs and freight forwarding policies.

A Reliable Customs Broker Must Have Adequate Knowledge about Your Business

It is highly beneficial for your business if your chosen customs broker is equipped with enough knowledge regarding the nature of your shipment. This way, you can get expert advice that can make save you a lot of resources when transporting your goods in the future.

Why You Need a Licensed Customs Broker in the Philippines

excelsior on March 16, 2020

Commercial businesses in the Philippines, especially those that specialize in importing and exporting, are always facing challenges that are often involved with shipping and customs processes. Transporting products in and out of the country requires an enterprise to comply with specific rules and regulations that can be complex and time-consuming. This became the reason why customs brokerage has become an ever-growing business trend as hiring a licensed customs broker can save a business owner from getting worried about preparing the necessary documents.

Are you planning to run an import/export business in the country? Then you better know more about how customs brokers and why you need to hire one:

Reason #1: To Establish Effective Communication with the Government Authorities

Dealing with government authorities to ship your products can be a tedious process that requires technical knowledge in the existing laws and regulations. For your shipment to be released by Philippine Customs and other government bodies, you will have to submit a number of documents and fill-out forms. Failure to effectively communicate while complying with such requirements can result in wrong shipment information and further delay in your supply chain.

Customs brokers can get rid of this problem because they are well-connected with those in authority, speeding up the clearing process and avoid any problems usually associated with customs requirements.

Reason #2: To Help You Focus More on Other Areas of Your Business

With a trusted customs broker taking care of your shipment tasks that you were supposed to do, you will find yourself in a more convenient situation. More time means more opportunity for addressing other important areas of your business, such as managing your employees, daily operations, etc.

Reason #3: To Prevent Unnecessary Expenses

There are some businesses today who gets fallen on the trap of clearing shipments themselves because they thought that it would save them more money. This is a clear misconception because the rules and regulations in cross-border transactions can fluctuate at any given moment, making it easy for know-it-all companies to experience delays, and others unwittingly commit violations that could prompt them to spend more money in the long run.

Reason #4: To Save Time and Effort

Time, as a precious resource for an import/export business. Depending on the nature of your products, ensuring that it will arrive at its destination on time is a must. Customs brokers in the Philippines are trained and skilled enough to work in a way that can optimize the flow of your overall supply chain, especially in the aspect of product shipping.

Reason #5: To Help You Find the Best Option for Shipping

A customs broker can serve as a guide for your shipping options. By considering several factors, customs brokers can recommend the best carrier, be it via air, ocean freight, or truck freight.