GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Customs Agent
Unlike a general freight forwarder who organizes and coordinates transport, a customs agent – known as a customs broker in North American usage – specializes exclusively in customs compliance on behalf of importers and exporters.
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Source: https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/business/customs-procedures/customs-brokers_en
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Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system
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Definition & Explanation
Unlike a general freight forwarder who organizes and coordinates transport, a customs agent – known as a customs broker in North American usage – specializes exclusively in customs compliance on behalf of importers and exporters. Core responsibilities include preparing and filing customs declarations, classifying goods under the correct tariff codes, calculating and settling duties and import taxes, and handling all regulatory submissions with the customs authority. In many jurisdictions, practising as a customs agent requires an official licence or a recognized professional qualification. Companies typically engage customs agents when in-house expertise is lacking for complex customs procedures or when destination-country regulations demand specialist knowledge. The customs agent should not be confused with an in-house customs declarant, who performs equivalent functions as an employee rather than as an external service provider.
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⚡ Current 2026
Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system
Passar replaces E-dec and NCTS. Passar 1.0 (export) is live, Passar 2.0 (import) starts from Q2 2026. Roadmap, ePortal registration, deadlines and FAQ — all on one page.
Passar 1.0Passar 2.0 → Q2 2026Passar 3.0 → Q2 2027
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