Toll Free 1-877-644-9992
There was an error. Please try again.
This page is already listed in your guide. Please choose a different page to add.
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:
Interest in co-ordinating information to arrange for payment of duties, taxes, storage and transportation of imported goods, and of bonds to cover duty goods
Interest in speaking with people to quote duty and tax rates on commodities
Interest in signing import/export documents on behalf of clients, using power of attorney
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Customs brokers act on behalf of importers to move goods through customs. They understand laws related to trade and advise clients.
Some customs brokers are also freight forwarders or consultants. In general, customs brokers:
help clients when they are audited by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or other government departments or agencies.
Customs brokers work in urban offices or at border crossings. They usually work a 40-hour week. Offices are open 24 hours every day.
Customs brokers need to possess:
They should enjoy talking to people, making decisions and having clear rules and organized methods for their work.
There are no minimum educational requirements in this occupation. However, employers prefer to hire people who have:
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no legislation regulating this occupation. For information about the voluntary Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) or Certified Trade Compliance Specialist (CTCS) designations, see the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers (CSCB) website.
Customs brokers work for:
Newly hired employees in customs brokerage firms may start out as data entry clerks. When they have learned enough about the business they may advance to other positions.
Advancement in this occupation usually takes the form of pay increases and more complex responsibilities. Over time, customs brokers may become supervisors or managers. They also may become consultants.
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:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, the 1315: Customs, ship and other brokers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Salaries for customs brokers vary according to the complexity of their responsibilities.
Canadian Society of Customs Brokers website: www.cscb.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 15, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.