B-1-9- The licensed customs agent for transport


A company seeking to ship goods abroad should have maritime or air transport capabilities and be able to carry out all customs formalities. To facilitate this type of operation, a company can only use one interlocutor, the licensed customs agent.

1-9-1- The forwarding agent: definition and general

The forwarding agent is a freight forwarder whose role is to organize the transport of goods. The principals of the forwarding agent can be both exporters and/or importers. The agent serves as an intermediary.

1-9-2- The licensed customs agent: definition

The major difference between the forwarding agent and the licensed customs agent is that the forwarding agent has obtained customs approval. The licensed customs agent is authorized to carry out customs clearance procedures (declaration and formalities). The agent also acts as a counsel. The agent pays customs duties and taxes. The agent has an approval number written on each declaration issued.

1-9-3- Two types of services

There are two types of services, or representation, that a licensed customs agent can offer: The word "representation" is used to refer to the manner in which the licensed customs agent represents the client and the services carried out. Service or representation can either direct or indirect. The difference lies in the type of procedures the licensed customs agent carries out. The licensed customs agent is authorized to:
  • act on behalf and under the name its client company,
  • act on behalf the client, but under the name of the licensed customs agent.

The responsibilities associated with the two types of service or representation:
  • With direct representation, the declarer is responsible for customs duties and taxes.
  • With indirect representation, it is both the licensed customs agent and the declarer who pay the customs duties and taxes. The second solution places risk on the licensed customs agent.

1-9-4- Payment of the fees to licensed customs agents

The company pays the customs agent negotiable fees and taxes in addition to the duties incurred by the exporter from the customs administration.