Custom Broker Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Excelsior Worldwide Logistics Corp.

Terminal Appointment and Booking System (TABS): Problem or Solution to Faster Customs Releasing?

excelsior on May 4, 2017

Importers and exporters are very much familiar with how the final steps of importing in the Philippines should take place: they must for their imported articles to processed by customs, pay the necessary customs duties and fees, and the delivery of the imported goods to its final consignee can finally take place.

However, consignees cannot simply send their delivery trucks and trailers to the premises of Manila South Harbor and Manila International Container Terminal without booking an appointment first. And in order to do that, consignees must use the Terminal Appointment and Booking System or TABS. Went into on October 2015, this system is an electronic platform is implemented in the aforementioned ports in Manila where the majority of the importations are brought in.

The Impetus for TABS

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According to its proponents, the Asian Terminals Inc., TABS is designed to keep the movement of goods flowing at Manila’s international trade gateways. Specifically, the web-based platform serves as a platform by which brokers, forwarders, importers/exporters, and shipping line representatives to schedule the withdrawal and delivery of containers at Manila Ports based on time zones spread throughout the 24-hour period. It is also intended to be in line with the government’s truck ban, ultimately resulting in lesser road traffic and also to minimize and lessen the port congestion in such ports.

On October 22, 2015, Manila North Harbour Port Inc. CEO Richard Barclay said in a presentation at the Procurement and Supply Institute of Asia (PASIA) that TABS will benefit its stakeholders in terms of more efficient truck trips, leading to reduced cost; prioritization of cargo release and acceptance; and management of volumes, forecasting, and planning.

Criticisms Against TABS Implementation

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While many appreciate the objective of TABS to facilitate smooth flow of traffic and goods around the ports, it also received strong opposition from various groups which includes the Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc., Professional Customs Brokers Association of the Philippines, and Aduana Business Club.

According to an interview with these groups, while TABS can significantly improve the importing process, the imposition of high fees to its end users (importers/exporters, forwarders, etc.) is simply wide of the mark because “…the TABS is an inherent part of the port operators’ mandate that is supposed to enhance their service.”

Also, despite the supposed facilitation objectives under TABS, a lot of customs brokers and truckers using the system have complained of 24-hour waiting time for the trucks to enter the ports. The groups explain that “One possible reason for the long queue to the port is the rush to avoid truck ban hours and penalties, such as that there are now overlapping of truck schedules depending on which truck arrives first.”

Moreover, the said booking platform is also inherently flawed which results for customs brokers and companies to rush. According to them, TABS has some slots with booking free and some come with absolutely no charge, which is why many trucks their way to the terminal just to avail a free booking. Outside the pier, traffic still remains rampant and is a major headache not just for commuters but also to transport and delivery providers which cause them to miss their reserved time of booking.

Regardless, this situation gives rise to the problem of delays in getting in the port and being penalized. The penalty for late arrivals (trucks that come two hours after their booked slot) is P1,625. Trucks that are not able to arrive three hours or more after their appointment will be fined for P3,251. These expenses are especially painful for smaller firms and causes a delay in the target delivery of the goods.

Overall, while the intention and aim of TABS are good but is still in need of several improvements to better cater clients and to provide an excellent customer service. There might be flaws in the system but through improvements and adjustments, it could properly and effectively achieve its goals and be able to address the issues which are related to logistics services.

Ideas for More Efficient & Productive Brokerage Operation

excelsior on April 19, 2017

Efficiency and productivity are two of the most important metrics that business owners are determined to achieve both on a short and long-term basis. And this is especially true in the brokerage industry. Because of the complexity of the international trade, along with other intricacies in the industry, managing a customs brokerage firm can be really challenging sometimes.

That said, in order to provide the maximum level of service quality, customs brokers must ensure a fast and efficient process. To help you with that, consider these tips that will help boost the efficiency and productivity of your brokerage operation today.

1. Take Advantage of Digital Tools

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We’re practically living in the future, so do not fail to take advantage of the technological tools that can help streamline your business’s operations.

New digital tools such as track and trace apps, web reporting, document imaging, electronic billing, etc., make it easier to submit documents to your clients, track the movements of goods, manage paperwork more efficiently, and stay up to date with the latest news in the international trade.

Though they require significant upfront investment, equipping your business with digital tools will surely pay off in the long run.

2. Find Ways to Lower Import Cost

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As a broker, it is not only your job to get the shipments on their final destination legally, but also give your clients more chance save significant money in the shipping process. You should always seek ways to legally reduce the import cost.

For example, you need to be aware of certain goods that may qualify for preferential access, granted under Preferential Trade Agreements. In this circumstance, import tariffs are significantly reduced, helping your client to reduce their importing expenses.

3. Keep Your Records Up-to-Date

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Brokerage companies must always keep a well-maintained record of all shipments, from procurement to payment for seven years. This includes documents such as invoices, shipping records, proof of origin, markings, value adjustments, and others.

4. Choose a Niche to Specialize In

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Selecting a niche to focus on will help you develop a specific domain expertise that your competitors won’t have. A niche can be a country or region, a specific industry like automotive or garment, a specific mode of transportation like ocean or trucking, or specific service levels like high interaction, high compliance or lowest cost. It could also be the size of clients you want to have business with.

5. Stop Working with Carriers that Under-Perform

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For sure, all brokerage company will encounter a few occasion problems on their operations, but it is when the failure of the service become chronic that you have to consider dropping the carrier from your timetable.

Carriers who don’t deliver on their promise will not only affect your reputation but will also keep you from having loyal customers. While it’s one thing to give them a second chance, you need to draw the line before the problems affect your own business.

6. Outline the Scope of Your Service

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To avoid disputes with your clients, you need to clearly outline your duties and responsibilities as a broker. In doing so, you also give them a clear idea of the scope of your service. For instance, when they ask for your expertise about a very specific case, you must tell them outright if the cost of such services (consulting) is already included in the regular brokerage fee or if they are charged additionally.

7. Stay Updated

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International trade is always changing. So, to avoid accidental non-compliance, you must keep up with the latest rulings, trade news, regulatory changes, and cross-border issues which can impact your and your client’s business. It is also advisable if you attend educational events such as compliance and risk management seminars regularly. These events will not only help you improve your knowledge but also give you the chance to expand your network.

8. Be Responsible and Trustworthy

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As a broker, you are tasked to represent your client to the best of your abilities – and this includes full adherence to applicable customs laws. If you fail to observe these laws while doing business on behalf of your clients, it can result in irreversible damages, delays and revenue losses. Worse, it can damage the reputation of your brokerage firm and of your client.

You must know your scope of authority, make effort to improve your skills and conduct internal audits to improve operational efficiency. An honest broker also provides accurate data and discloses any false or misleading information to their client.

These are just some of the ways to ensure that the productivity and efficiency of your brokerage firm are always at the optimum level. Need a helping hand on starting your import and export business today? Contact Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics Corp. and let us help you in your journey in the import-export industry this 2017 and beyond. Call us at (+632) 525-9775 or email us at wecare@excelsior.ph.

Import Facts: What Are the Benefits If Your Customs Broker and Forwarder is Efficient?

excelsior on January 11, 2017

Cost-efficiency is one of the primary goals of many businesses, and the same holds true in import and export business. As such, choosing the right customs broker and freight forwarder is extremely important to make this goal a reality.

In this infographic, we will discuss how an efficient customs brokerage and freight forwarder firm can help your import and export business grow and keep the cost low in the long run.

1. Your Business Will Reach New Markets

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A successful small business needs to put its product in front of customers, even if those customers are in the other countries. An efficient customs broker that provides intercontinental coverage is imperative to helping your goods reach those customers quickly and efficiently.

And if you’re importing parts and components, a broker with locations at all major ports and border crossings can help ensure your goods get to you in a timely manner. Ask your broker about their coverage and what services they can offer to help you reach new markets.

2. Your Business Process Will Improve

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While you keep your efforts focused on your business, you can look to your broker for expert advice on moving goods across the border. Your broker should be able to offer guidance on customs regulations, tariffs, valuation, classification and more – advice that can help you reduce shipping times and save money.

To provide this advice, your broker must have licensed or certified customs professionals available who can answer questions about the customs process – all you need to do is ask. Don’t hesitate to inquire and take advantage of any guidance or services your broker provides that can improve your processes, help with your record keeping and prepare you for customs audits.

3. Save Time and Money

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Technology and automation have had a huge impact on business in the 21st century. All brokers are required to have, at a minimum, automated systems that exchange shipment data with U.S. and Canada Customs.

Many brokers offer additional technology tools and/or use specific systems in-house that can help you increase your efficiency, control your costs, and reduce your risk of non-compliance. These include proprietary imaging solutions, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) solutions, e-billing options, File Transfer Protocol (FTP) tools and more.

These solutions can reduce paperwork, simplify your accounting and help keep your business in good standing with Customs. Check with your broker about the technology offerings they have at hand and how they can help you improve efficiency and reduce costs.

4. Better Manageability

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Manageability and organization are incredibly important for businesses which need a sense of control over their supply chain and can recover quickly in the event of a loss. Many third-party logistics companies may be too bulky to offer the transparency and personal touch that international shippers need. If a shipment is lost it could take multiple departments, phone calls, and repeated questions to get the answers you need. On the other hand, freight forwarders utilize their wide-ranging networks to quickly trace the problem directly to its source, enacting immediate solutions.

5. Freedom from Contracts

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In our natural quest for reliability, we often insist on contracts and binding documentation that guarantees a certain level or quantity of service. But the shipping industry is full of moving parts (both literally and figuratively) and it could actually hurt your business to stay tied to one carrier for a year or more. Freight forwarders give you a lot more freedom to do what is best for your business, and the awareness that you could switch firms at any time drives them to keep you constantly satisfied.

6. Timely Arrival of Shipments

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Freight forwarders offer unique versatility which can come in handy for meeting tight deadlines or when dealing with unforeseen obstacles. A seasoned forwarder has the resources to handle unfortunate circumstances like rerouted shipments or delays at sea.

Imagine you’re shipping goods to Panama from China, Europe, and the United States, and one of your shipments is diverted to another port due to stormy seas. How prepared are you to react and handle that smoothly? To a freight forwarder, situations like this are just another day at the office.

As a business owner, having the right customs broker and freight forwarder to help you with your shipment is a wise business decision that will help you and your business remarkably. It is not only practical but also time and cost-efficient.

At Excelsior, we value your business and your time. This is why we want to offer you a customs brokerage service that is efficient, professional, and ethical. For more information about our customs brokerage services, call us at (+632) 525-9775 or email us at wecare@excelsior.ph.

Customs Audit: How Will It Affect Your Importation?

excelsior on December 29, 2016

Customs Audit is one of the most critical parts of the importation process. In May 2001, the Philippine Congress passed the Republic Act 9135 establishing the Port Entry Audit (PEA) System. This was shortly followed by the Customs Administrative Order No. 5-2001, which allows for the system to be fully implemented all over the country. The procedure was strengthen by the new passed law in the Congress and Senate last September 2015, the R.A 10863 also known as a Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

What is Customs Audit?

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The law designates power on the Bureau of Customs to conduct a Post Clearance Audit of imports for three years from the date of importations (Final payment of duties or customs clearances). Operationally, customs audit means that the importer is obliged to open its import and business records specified in the said law and give full & free access to customs officer authorized by Bureau of Customs for purpose of authenticating the accuracy of the information declared in the corresponding import entries covered by the audit period..

What are the Consequences of Noncompliance?

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Noncompliance with laws and regulations may result in very stiff penalties. Any person who, after being subjected to post clearance audit and examination is found to have incurred deficiencies in duties and taxes paid for imported goods, shall be penalized according to two degrees of culpability.

First when negligence committed and found guilty for deficiency results from an offenders failure to exercise reasonable care and competence in ensuring that a statement/declaration made is correct, shall be penalized with a fine equivalent to 125% of the revenue loss.

Worst, When the customs officers found out that there is fraud involved (committed knowingly, voluntarily and intentionally) the auditee if found guilty is subject to a separate investigation and may further be liable to criminal prosecution aside from the penalty of not more than six times the revenue loss.

How to Avoid Noncompliance

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Certainly, post clearance audit greatly impacts the way importers will be doing business with customs. Corporate officials are also expected to be aware that violations of the post clearance audit law make them liable to civil- or worst, criminal prosecution. To avoid this, here are the three things that a responsible corporate official should consider to ensure compliance with the new law:

1. Determine as to what office or who within the organization should be responsible for the storage and retrieval of relevant documents and information needed for customs audit.

2. Provide to the Customs Officer the correct information when the same is required or asked during post clearance audit at any time for that matter.

3. The storage and retrieval pertain to a system of keeping these records, whether manually or electronically.
It is very important to systematically keep the records.. A disorganized record-keeping system is highly associated with negligence, which is one factor that can affect the importer’s level of customs compliance.

What to Do If You Are Audited

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Should your company receive notice of an audit, contact a person (Licensed Customs Broker) who is familiar with customs compliance to help you prepare for the audit.

To prepare for a post-entry audit, consider the following:

Prepare your in-house procedures and controls in such areas as record-keeping, classification, and valuation by making sure they are in writing and that your company’s transactions are well documented
Be sure that your documentation shows all corrective actions that have been implemented
Review the audit questionnaire and prepare your response in advance

Some of the import and business documents that are reviewed by Customs in an audit include:

Customs entry records (both manual records and electronic records)
General ledger accounts
Foreign vendor payments
Inventory and disbursement records
Correspondence with foreign suppliers

Understanding how the audit procedure works and how the results can affect a business are very important as violating the law may have a severe business and personal ramifications. With a sensible approach, companies can avoid potentially disastrous results.

Avoid any discrepancies in customs audit by partnering with an honest and capable customs broker today.
Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics Corp. provides services that can improve your import process, help you with your recordkeeping and prepare you for the customs audits as well. Call us at (+632) 525-9775 or email us at wecare@excelsior.ph.

Why Should You Pay the Correct Customs Duty and Tax?

excelsior on November 30, 2016

In the importing industry, paying the right customs duties and taxes does not only ensure a smooth flow of importation but also saves you from a lot of headaches in the long run. Going back to the basics, all goods coming from a foreign country needs to be declared, such as their description, quantity, and their value which will be the basis for assessment of duties and taxes.

Import duty can also be ad valorem – based on the value of the goods, or specific – based on weight, dimensions, or other units of measure. In the Philippines, the dutiable value of a cargo is the sum of the actual value of the goods, plus the insurance and transport/freight/shipping cost. It will then be multiplied by the rate of duty which may vary according to the type of goods being shipped.

To arrive at Value Added Tax, the dutiable value is combined with customs duty, brokerage fee, and other charges (customs documentary stamp, import processing fee, and BIR documentary stamp) then multiplied to 12% Expanded Value Added Tax rate.

Cutting off the chase, what really are the benefits of paying the correct customs duty and tax? In this post, we will discuss the reasons why paying the correct customs duty and taxes is not only beneficial to you and your business but to the society as well.

Peace of Mind

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Being reviewed by the Bureau of Customs may cause a high amount of stress especially to a taxpayer who intentionally or illegally, decreases their tax payments. Sometimes it can affect even your personal life which gives you sleepless nights and anxieties.

If you pay the right amount of tax, you can eliminate these stress and anxieties. You will have more peace of mind and you can focus on growing your business.

Honest Income Tax Return

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Some importers, who do not file the correct amount of tax, encounters a problem when they need to generate an Income Tax Return for purposes of loan applications. As such, they resort to preparing inaccurate income tax returns in order to produce the said requirements. Producing an inaccurate tax return is extremely risky because if the agency verifies it to the BIR, it might cause a lot of trouble.

However, if you are diligently filing and paying the right amount of tax, it’s easy to produce accurate income tax return without any risk.

Good Investor Reputation

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To grow your business, at some point, you will need people or institutions with money that are willing to invest in your company. These investors will aspect into your financial and tax records to support their investment decisions.

Maintaining a truthful and accurate accounting and tax records will boost the confidence of investors. On the other hand, fraudulent and inaccurate will create an impression that the company is not trustworthy to invest with.

Social Responsibility and Contribution to the Country

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Paying the right amount of duty and tax is a social responsibility to the country. The duties we pay from importing goods has the purpose of protecting our country’s economy, residents, local jobs, environment and so on. The taxes we pay will go to the government funds that will be used in developing and improving the government facilities and life of our countrymen, inside and outside our country.

Overall, as a responsible importer, paying the correct customs duty and tax will ultimately benefit your business as it will make your name more credible in the eyes of the authorities, to your stakeholders, and ultimately, to your clients.

Let Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics Corp. help you throughout the whole importing and exporting process. Call us at (+632) 525-9775 or email us at wecare@excelsior.ph.

Advantages of Having an Honest Customs Broker

excelsior on September 26, 2016

Advantages of Having an Honest Customs Broker

Professionalism and Integrity have always been an imperative aspect in every industry. In trading business, it is an utmost priority to choose an honest and capable customs brokerage firm to ensure that the import and export operations are done diligently and legitimately. Likewise, getting your shipments abroad or on the local shores without worrying about legal and ethical dilemmas is the core purpose of why customs brokerage are here to be present.

Check our thoughts below and see why a truthful and straight to the point customs brokerage company is going to be your greatest ally in your import and/or export business.

They Will Take Proper Care of Shipping All Your Products

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A genuine customs broker makes sure that all of your freights will arrive at your local warehouse on-time and with no legal requirements bypassed. A legitimate customs brokerage firm ensures that you are complying with various Customs Regulations. If these regulations are neglected or avoided, it may cause time delay on delivering the shipments, or worst, get the shipments confiscated by customs authorities.

If you leave your customs responsibilities to a non-seasoned and incapable customs broker, you might just be surprised to see your products all piled up in the port- seized by authorities, and you ending up paying a large sum of penalties or even face criminal liabilities, which can taint the reputation of your company.

An honest customs broker, aside from assisting you with all legal requirements, will give you advice on additional up-to-date Customs compliance on constantly changing trade rules and security requirements- thus protecting your business against costly penalties and customs audits.

They Allow Your Company to Retain More Money Than Losing It.

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Basically, doing the customs responsibilities in-house requires having various hardware and software to carry out the task. In addition, these installations will also incur periodical maintenance cost and other associated overhead related to having an in-house Customs expert. A customs broker firm who is dedicated to serving its clients truthfully and to the full extent is equipped with various programs and technology to help you perform your import and export task or communicate with Customs officials.

Also, although it is the basic duty of a customs broker to steer your company clear of shipments problems, they will also seek out and take advantage of applicable trade agreements opportunities. Trade agreements like ASEAN, JPEPA, and EFTA free trade agreement can reduce shipping duties and taxes, allowing your company to retain more money.

An Honest Customs Broker Will Tell You Which Goods They Specializes In

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Truth to be told, some customs brokerage companies today doesn’t mind the type of product that your company is shipping. Having said that, it is important to get an honest customs broker that will tell what kind of products they specialize in or is at least familiar with the goods you’re shipping. For instance, if you’re shipping electronic components for export, you don’t want a broker a broker that mostly handles household commodities.

If your customs broker is honest with you, they will tell you right ahead that they are not yet capable handling the product you want to ship, but given that a professional relationship has been established, they will give you the best options on how you can ship your products with without worrying too much about its safety. Of course, this includes trust, formal agreements, and other arrangements that will ensure that your goods are handled properly.

They Understand Your Goals and Reason for Shipping.

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Another thing that makes an honest customs broker investment worthy is that they analyze your goals and reason for merchandising such product. This not only enables them to form a much stronger partnership with you but also giving them the foundation for the proper distribution strategy that they have to employ.

A professional broker will take an interest in learning the mechanics of your business and asks questions about your business model- giving an outside yet fresh perspective and insights subsequently. To achieve this, a two-way communication must exist first, and a thorough understanding of your company’s key strengths and weaknesses must be established during the negotiation stage.

They Are Willing to Correct Mistakes and Prompt for What’s Missing.

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If you want to seek the help of a customs broker, you must first provide all the necessary paperwork to them. And because you are ultimately responsible for the filing and paying taxes and duties, you should look for a reliable and a sincere customs broker who are willing to correct mistakes and is quick in notifying you for missing important details. If it is your first time to ship products, an honest customs broker should recognize that you are right after you talk to them. They will assist on every aspect of customs along the way, and wouldn’t wait for you to give them what they need.
They are proactive, and will provide it because it is part of the relationship. Given that you have checked their credibility- some unique situations wherein they were able to help other companies on certain issues or their level of emphasis on details, accuracy, and compliance- it is guaranteed that a synergetic type of relationship will ensue between your chosen broker and your company.

In conclusion, a reliable and ethical customs broker should give you the peace of mind and confidence in every importing and/or export endeavors. At Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistic and Excelsior Customs Brokerage, we ensure that your shipments will be able to cross international borders in a safe and efficient way. 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.

What Is a Customs Broker and Why Do You Need One?

excelsior on September 2, 2016

Importing and exporting are two strategies currently being used in business expansion. In exporting, a business grows by tapping into international markets
and establishing international contacts. In importing, a business is able to provide
solutions to existing problems, as well as supply existing needs, through granting
access to products needed locally but only available elsewhere.

In the process of importing and exporting, the shipment will have to come in
contact with the customs, a government agency that manages and regulates the
flow of goods in and out of any country.

This is where a customs broker plays an important role.

A customs broker is a licensed individual or firm that ushers all shipment,
whether imported or exported, through customs. It is the broker who represents
the shipper when it comes to any dealings with the customs authorities, and
prepares the necessary documents for the shipment. A customs broker also
ensures that every phase of the shipment is consistent with the set rules and
regulations of goods transfers, which are unique, and not to mention constantly
changing, in every country.

Customs brokers also provide assistance when it comes to the classification, valuation, and entry protocols of goods, while making sure that all details and
necessary procedures associated are ironed out. Customs brokers also ensure
correct information with regard to taxes and tariffs, all in an effort to usher goods
towards its destination in an efficient and timely manner. The timely and efficient
ushering of shipment is critical because any form of delay in customs clearance
will cost a significant amount of time and money.

It is also important to note that communicating with different countries is no mean
feat, especially if there is a language barrier. In this sense, the customs broker
also serves as a translator, thereby ensuring that communication lines are not
broken or unduly diverted.

All in all, a customs broker performs all technical coordination functions relating
to importation, exportation, and overall goods transfers.

Because of the laborious nature of the processes involved in international trade,
as well as the technical requirements associated with importation, exportation,
and customs transactions, it is highly advisable for any business to avail of the
professional service offered by customs brokers. This way, businesses will have
the confidence and peace of mind that their shipments will be able to cross
international borders in a safe and efficient way. Furthermore, the services that
customs brokers provide enables business owners and staff to focus exactly on
what they need to focus on: managing their business.

As a business owner, getting a customs broker to help you with your shipment is
a wise business decision that will help you and your business remarkably. It is
not only practical, but also time and cost-efficient.

At Excelsior, we value your business and your time. This is why we want to offer
you a customs brokerage service that is efficient, professional, and ethical.

Allow Excelsior to assist you in the movement of your shipment, meet all of the
importation and exportation requirements on your behalf, and fulfill all
international trade and customs rules and regulations, all for a successful and
hassle-free shipment for you and your business.

To know more about Excelsior, visit http://www.excelsior.ph/.