Skip to content
English - Canada
Contact us
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Do I Need a Customs Broker for International Shipping?

Whether you need to arrange your own customs broker depends on the type of shipment you are creating.

For most international courier shipments booked through ShipTime, you do not need to provide your own customs broker. The courier will generally handle the customs-clearance process for the shipment. ShipTime Canada Inc.

For international LTL freight shipments, you are required to have your own customs broker. ShipTime Canada Inc.

What does a customs broker do?

A customs broker helps facilitate the import or export of goods across international borders.

Depending on the shipment, a broker may assist with:

  • preparing or submitting customs-entry information
  • communicating with customs authorities
  • determining applicable duties and taxes
  • helping ensure required import documentation is provided
  • coordinating clearance between the shipper, recipient, carrier, and customs authorities

Using a broker does not eliminate applicable duties, taxes, or government fees.

Do I need a broker for international courier shipments?

Usually, no.

For most parcel shipments created through ShipTime, the selected courier will arrange customs clearance as part of its international shipping process. ShipTime Canada Inc.

However, customs clearance being provided does not necessarily mean there will be no additional charges.

Depending on the carrier, service, destination, shipment value, and type of customs entry, you may still see charges such as:

  • duties and taxes
  • clearance or brokerage fees
  • disbursement fees
  • government processing fees
  • other customs-related charges

For example, FedEx states that customs clearance is included with its Express international services, while additional customs-related charges may still apply depending on the shipment. FedEx

Can I use my own broker for a courier shipment?

Broker options vary by carrier and service, and not every broker-selection option offered directly by a courier is necessarily available when booking through ShipTime.

If you need a specific customs broker for a parcel shipment, contact our Heroic Support™ team before creating the shipment so we can confirm whether the requested setup is supported.

Do I need my own broker for LTL shipments?

Yes.

For international LTL shipments through ShipTime, you must arrange your own customs broker. ShipTime currently supports cross-border LTL shipments between Canada and the United States, and a broker is required for international freight clearance. ShipTime Canada Inc.

Make sure your broker is able to handle the applicable customs clearance for the direction in which you are shipping.

Is a customs broker the same as paying duties and taxes?

No.

A customs broker assists with the customs-clearance process. Duties and taxes are charges assessed according to the importing country’s customs and tax rules.

Brokerage or clearance fees can also be separate from government-assessed duties and taxes.

For more information, see How Do Duties and Taxes Work in ShipTime?

Need help before shipping internationally?

If you are unsure whether your shipment requires a customs broker or whether a particular broker arrangement is supported, contact our Heroic Support™ team before creating the shipment.

Not using ShipTime yet? Create your free ShipTime account to access discounted rates from leading couriers, all in one platform.