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) 
• 2016 NOC: Customs, ship and other brokers (1315) 

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:

• know and follow all related regulations, laws and procedures
• prepare and process import and export documents
• arrange to pay duties, taxes and other import-related charges
• keep track of and trace the location of goods
• arrange storage or transport of imported goods
• provide advice on duty and tax rates on goods, import and export restrictions and tariff classifications

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:

• a willingness to keep up with changing laws, procedures and technology
• good oral and written communication skills
• the ability to work well on their own and with others
• the ability to work well under pressure.

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

Customs brokers work for:

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

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:

• Transportation and Warehousing [pdf]
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services [pdf].

The employment outlook [pdf] 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

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.