GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 24, 2026
Import Broker
A shipment arrives at the port of entry, but the importer lacks the customs expertise or internal capacity to handle clearance – that is where the import broker steps in.
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Source: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/freightbroker.asp
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A shipment arrives at the port of entry, but the importer lacks the customs expertise or internal capacity to handle clearance – that is where the import broker steps in. Acting as the importer's authorised representative before customs authorities, the broker files declarations, manages trade documents, calculates applicable duties, and ensures compliance with import regulations. The role is distinct from that of a freight forwarder, whose primary focus is organising transport rather than navigating customs law. Fees are typically structured as per-shipment clearance charges, sometimes combined with a value-based component. In the United States, import brokers must hold a licence issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
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