# Customs service provider

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> When a shipment crosses a border, the customs service provider – commonly called a customs broker – acts as the authorised representative between the trader and the relevant customs authority.

When a shipment crosses a border, the customs service provider – commonly called a customs broker – acts as the authorised representative between the trader and the relevant customs authority. Core responsibilities include preparing and lodging customs declarations, classifying goods under the Harmonized System, calculating duties and taxes, and liaising directly with customs officials. Most jurisdictions require brokers to hold a government-issued licence, and they bear legal liability for the accuracy of their declarations. Companies with regular cross-border movements routinely outsource this function to manage compliance risk without building an in-house customs team. The role differs from that of a freight forwarder, whose primary focus is organising physical transport – though many forwarders offer brokerage services alongside.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customs_broker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customs_broker)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Customs service provider |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 117 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customs_broker |

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