Custom Brokerage In Nigeria: Things To Know

Importing and exporting is a complex process that involves different entities handling different aspects of the shipping and cargo business. However, customs brokerage reduces these complexities by providing professional services that direct the entire cargo and shipping process. Customs brokerage makes sure that the shipment will comply with any customs policies, regulations, and standards that may affect it. The good customs brokers work out to be very useful for import as well as export shipments. Your business depends on the whole freight movement of your goods from the time you place an order for a shipment to its delivery at the destination.

Who is a customs broker?

A customs broker is a person that has been registered by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to act as an agent in customs clearance and/or other transactions. A Customs Broker is a person who has been licensed to provide customs clearing services to importers and exporters. He or she acts on behalf of the importer or exporter in all matters relating to the importation or exportation of goods into or out of Nigeria, including but not limited to: the submission of documents required for importation/exportation; procuring a license from relevant authorities; advising clients on ways and means of avoiding delays during clearance at ports of entry; provisioning documentation for release from bonded warehouses, etc.

How to choose a customs broker

Choosing a customs broker is a process that may take some time, but it can be well worth the effort. You should:

• Check the broker’s experience. They should have experience in international trade.
• Check their reputation and track record. These will tell you how successful they’ve been in their work with other clients in your area of business, and whether any complaints have been lodged against them.
• Make sure that your chosen broker carries adequate insurance coverage for damage or loss caused by shipping delays, pilferage, or similar events while goods are being stored at ports/airports/terminals etcetera because these businesses might not always be responsible for losses incurred during such processes so make sure this is covered as well!

Customs brokers partake in the global exchange activities and they include:

• Check the classification and valuation of your goods, and make sure you use the right commodity codes.
• Explaining the necessary exchange records.
• Presenting the data to Customs Administration.
• Organizing the payment of duties.

The benefits of using a customs broker in logistics are numerous. Here are five of the most significant:

1. Cost savings

Brokers have access to multiple carriers and can choose the best carrier based on price, service level, and other factors. Because they deal with all carriers, they can negotiate better rates than you could on your own. Brokers also have expertise in logistics that can help you optimize your supply chain.

2. Experience and expertise

A broker has the experience to know what questions to ask when negotiating rates with carriers, which can save time and money in the long run. They also know which routes are best for certain products and how to get them there quickly. This saves time by taking much of the guesswork out of logistics planning for you. For example, if you’re shipping electronics parts from Asia to Europe, it’s best to use air freight because it’s faster and more secure than ocean freight — but this isn’t something most customers would know without experience or research into their product category first-hand over time.

3. Accessibility

Custom brokers have access to information about all carriers’ services, so they can find the perfect solution for any customer regardless of size or location — no matter where they’re located or how big their business is.

4. You’ll enjoy peace of mind

When your goods are handled properly by professionals, there’s less chance of damage occurring during transit. This means fewer claims against your insurance policy and reduced costs associated with replacing damaged goods or re-supplying products that were lost during transit. 

5. Flexibility

A customs broker will work with you to find the best shipping carrier for your needs, whether it be air, truck, rail, or sea. They can also help you find the right vehicle depending on what you’re shipping. For example, if you’re shipping a large load, your customs broker may recommend using a flatbed trailer or a dry van. If you’re shipping something fragile, they may suggest using an enclosed trailer instead.

What TGL Offers 

At TGL, we handle customs clearance for cargo efficiently, by making sure shipments are flawlessly transported across borders. We understand the significant custom programs that can help you keep your business on the leading edge in worldwide exchange. At TGL, you will clearly discover an exceptional team ready to use their high level of expertise to bring to the table a firm promise to provide a reliable platform for end-to-end logistics solutions for B2B and B2C businesses give solutions in support to your business.

Get in touch with our Experts to discuss your Logistics requirements

Email: info@tgl.ng