Customs Broker
Customs procedures play a critical role in international trade and transactions, requiring meticulous paperwork due to the high demand for accuracy and professionalism when working with customs authorities at seaports, airports, border gates, and more. To save time and costs, optimize financial operations, and minimize financial impacts in international import-export activities, businesses often opt for comprehensive logistics services, customs declaration services, or customs agency services—especially if they lack experience in handling customs procedures independently.
So, what exactly is a Customs Agency Service? Which entities are qualified to act as customs agents? Join N.T.D Global as we explore this topic in detail through this article!
1. What is a Customs Agent?
A customs agent, or customs procedure agent, refers to companies specializing in providing customs services under an agency contract. They act as representatives on customs declarations, signing and affixing their company seal in the "declarant" section (using ECUS4 software) or using their digital signature to submit declarations (via ECUS5 - VNACCS).
Customs agents operate based on an authorization contract with the cargo owner (importer/exporter) and are responsible within the scope of their delegated authority.
2. Differences Between a Customs Agent and a Customs Declaration Service Provider
While both provide customs clearance services, there are fundamental differences between a customs declaration service provider and a customs agent:
- Customs Agents must list their name on the declaration as the agent, using their signature and company seal to complete the declaration process.
- Customs Declaration Service Providers, on the other hand, use an introduction letter from the cargo owner to perform customs procedures. They do not appear on any documents in the customs dossier, and to the customs authority, they are essentially acting as the cargo owner’s representative.
For example, if Company A provides customs agency services, it might only send an employee with the client’s introduction letter and customs dossier to handle procedures—customs authorities would not recognize Company A’s involvement.
In terms of responsibility, customs agents bear a higher level of accountability since their seal appears on the declaration. These businesses are also evaluated by customs authorities based on the declarations they process.
Customs agents must have trained staff (known as agency personnel) certified by the General Department of Customs. Meanwhile, a declaration service provider can be anyone with basic knowledge of customs procedures, hired by the cargo owner to perform the service.
3. Why Should Cargo Owners Use Customs Agency Services?
Hiring a customs agent offers several advantages:
- No need to use your own digital signature for remote approval or submit blank documents as in the past—agents use their own digital signatures to declare and submit forms.
- Agents provide higher responsibility and capability compared to declaration service providers.
However, both cargo owners and agents often hesitate to sign agency contracts or appear on customs declarations. This reluctance stems from complex tax and import-export policies, raising legal concerns—especially without an established Customs Agents Association. This issue is expected to improve in the future as the customs sector has implemented the VNACCS system and is promoting the development of customs agency services.
4. Requirements to Become a Customs Agent
To qualify as a customs agent, a service company must meet the following conditions:
- Have at least one employee trained and certified in customs declaration procedures. This employee must complete a training course as stipulated in Circular No. 12/2015/TT-BTC dated January 30, 2015, issued by the Ministry of Finance, at institutions authorized by the General Department of Customs (e.g., Academy of Finance, Customs Finance College, University of Finance – Marketing, etc.).
- The course includes four modules, lasting 8-10 weeks, followed by an exam administered by the General Department of Customs. A score of 5 or higher in all modules is required to obtain the certificate.
Article 20, Clause 1 of the Customs Law specifies the conditions for becoming a customs agent:
a) Possession of a Business Registration Certificate or Enterprise Registration Certificate with a registered business line in cargo forwarding or customs agency services;
b) Employment of customs agency staff;
c) Adequate IT infrastructure to perform electronic customs declarations and meet other regulatory requirements.
In recent years, the General Department of Customs has continuously updated and standardized legal regulations to enhance import-export management in line with economic development. Numerous regulations have been tightened and made transparent to improve the business environment, particularly in the import-export sector. Examples include Decree 187/2013/ND-CP, Decree 154/ND-CP, Decree 08/2015/ND-CP, Circular 39/2015/TT-BTC, Circular 22/2014/TT-BTC, and hundreds of other legal documents. Additional changes include requirements for electronic customs declarations, document verification via digital signatures, and the National Single Window portal. These developments have posed significant challenges for businesses, whose resources are often focused on production and operations rather than building specialized teams for import-export and customs declarations.
5. Benefits of Partnering with N.T.D Global
By choosing N.T.D Global, you gain more than just transportation services—you gain a strategic partner dedicated to your business growth. We assist you with:
- Optimized Logistics Costs: Reducing expenses while maintaining top-tier service quality.
- Minimized Risks: Ensuring on-time delivery and maximum cargo safety.
- Transparency and Clarity: Providing clear processes and communication at every stage.
With extensive experience and a commitment to excellence in every detail, N.T.D Global is the optimal choice for all your ocean freight needs. We are not just a service provider but a trusted partner, helping you overcome barriers in international trade.
Let N.T.D Global accompany you on your journey to conquer global markets. Contact us today to experience premier ocean freight services and discover the exceptional value we bring!
