Customs Broker

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Customs Brokers (1236.1) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Customs, Ship and Other Brokers (B116) 
• 2011 NOC: Customs, ship and other brokers (1315) 

Customs brokers use their knowledge of trade related laws and regulations to move shipments through Canada Customs as quickly and efficiently as possible. They also may act as freight forwarders, consultants or legal agents for organizations such as importers, wholesalers and manufacturers.

In general, customs brokers:

• prepare and process import and export documents and other forms in accordance with customs regulations, laws and procedures
• arrange to pay duties, taxes, storage and transportation charges, as well as bonds to cover dutiable goods
• monitor and trace the location of goods
• arrange storage or transportation of imported goods
• provide advice about duty and tax rates on commodities, export and import restrictions, tariff classification systems, letters of credit, insurance requirements and other import and export related matters (for example, shipping requirements for domestic and foreign transportation services)
• provide audit services to help importers comply with Canada Border Services Agency, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada, Industry Canada, Health Canada, Transport Canada as well as other government agencies requirements
• troubleshoot problems when they arise
• represent clients before administrative tribunals or in other dealings with government officials.

Customs brokers work in offices located in urban centres or at border crossing locations. They usually work a standard 40 hour week but may have to be on hand evenings or weekends to meet scheduled shipments. Those employed in frontier or border offices often work shifts to provide 24 hour service for clients.

Customs brokers need the following characteristics:

• the ability to keep up with ever-changing computer systems, trade and customs procedures, laws and regulations
• good oral and written communication skills 
• the ability to work well both alone and with other people
• the ability to evaluate shipments quickly and handle many details in a short time
• the ability to work well under pressure when problems arise.

They should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods for their work, talking to people and making decisions.

Customs brokers are employed by:

• customs brokerage firms
• freight forwarders
• importers
• exporters
• manufacturers.

Advancement in this occupation usually takes the form of pay increases and increasingly complex responsibilities. Over time, customs brokers may advance into supervisory, management or consulting roles.

Customs brokers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 1315: Customs, Ship and Other Brokers. In Alberta, most people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Transportation and Warehousing (PDF)
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Canadian Society of Customs Brokers website: www.cscb.ca

Careers in Transportation website: www.transpocity.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.