Four common misconceptions in the relationship between importers and customs brokers

Peter Mitchell
Peter Mitchell
Customs and Trade Consultant, Peter L. Mitchell Professional Corporation Chartered Professional Accountant (Canada), Canada
Published 16 Jun 2022
Four common misconceptions in the relationship between importers and customs brokers
Image by Florian Godfroid from Pixabay
Topic spotlight
Profession
Importers often try to avoid customs clearance processes, relying entirely on the customs broker. On the one hand, the broker is a customs expert, possesses relevant experience and, ultimately, receives a commission for his/her work. It seems that the importer should not be involved in the processes managed by the customs broker. On the other hand, such self-exclusion can result in very unpleasant financial and reputational consequences. This article considers the most common misconceptions of importers in cooperation with customs brokers, which cause losses for both sides.

Related content

Beyond the EU Data Hub: harmonising customs knowledge

Beyond the EU Data Hub: harmonising customs knowledge

Enrika Naujokė
Enrika Naujokė
23 Jul 2026

The EU is building a single Customs Data Hub - but harmonised data and harmonised law will not, on their own, produce consistent customs decisions across twenty-seven member states. This…

Profession
Perspective
EU customs compliance in a digital age: the future of customs professionals

EU customs compliance in a digital age: the future of customs professionals

Elena Lalova
Elena Lalova
29 Jun 2026

A short reflection by Elena, Chairman of the Bulgarian National Organization of Customs Agents, on how the EU customs reform and rising automation are reshaping the customs representative profession -…

Profession
Stability in times of uncertainty: PIFFA’s perspective on the future of logistics in Europe

Stability in times of uncertainty: PIFFA’s perspective on the future of logistics in Europe

Marek  Tarczynski
Marek Tarczynski
10 Feb 2026

The interview underlines the increasing complexity of trade and customs compliance for the logistics sector, driven by sanctions regimes, environmental regulations, tighter border controls and ongoing EU Customs Code reforms.…

Profession
Perspective
Work smarter: tools and techniques to boost productivity

Work smarter: tools and techniques to boost productivity

16 Apr 2026

One of the major technology companies has recently published a document on preparing for superintelligence, emphasising the importance of keeping people at the centre of technological development. Although there is…

Profession
Topic spotlight
Structural shifts in customs functions: practitioner's perspective

Structural shifts in customs functions: practitioner's perspective

Walter Van der Meiren
Walter Van der Meiren
27 Jan 2026

A practitioner's perspective on how the customs function is changing inside organisations, presented by Walter Van der Meiren, Customs Brokerage Director at UPS, drawing on experience processing thousands of customs…

Profession
Poland’s logistics sector and its role in European customs and trade

Poland’s logistics sector and its role in European customs and trade

Marek  Tarczynski
Marek Tarczynski
22 Jan 2026

In this post-conference reflection interview, Marek Tarczynski, Chairman of the Council at Polska Izba Spedycji i Logistyki (PISiL), discusses Poland's role as a growing logistics hub and the challenges facing…

Profession