Broker

Broker (Customs Broker): In US import/customs compliance, a broker is a licensed individual or firm authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to act on an importer’s behalf to prepare and file entry documentation, classify goods under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, determine and pay duties and fees, and coordinate compliance with CBP and other agencies (e.g., FDA, USDA) using systems such as the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). For example, when a California company imports electronic components from Taiwan, a customs broker will submit the entry via ACE, advise on the correct HTS codes and duty rates, provide supporting documentation to resolve an FDA query, and arrange duty payment so the shipment can be released.