Skills, Education, and Experience

Customs Brokers

• Completion of secondary school is required
• Some post-secondary education in commerce or a related field may be required
• Customs brokers require several years of on-the-job training and completion of a customs brokers training program through the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers
• A customs broker licence, issued by the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, is required for an individual or company to operate a customs brokerage business.

Source: WorkBC

Freight Forwarders

• Completion of secondary school is required
• A university degree or completion of a college or other program may be required
• Experience in sales or in an occupation related to the product or service is usually required
• Fluency in a foreign language and/or foreign country work or travel experience may be required for employment with companies that import or export goods or services
• Voluntary certification is available from the Canadian Professional Sales Association.

Source: WorkBC

Licensing Requirements for a Customs Broker

Customs brokers who open their own brokerage business must be licensed by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA).

While in most cases any authorized agent may transact business with the CBSA on behalf of clients, only a licensed customs broker may account for goods and pay duties under Section 32 of the Customs Act as an agent of an importer or owner.

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