If you currently want to start foreign trade operations in Mexico, importing or exporting goods of any kind so that your company can grow, position itself in the market and optimize its internal procedures, hiring a customs broker will undoubtedly help you develop the strategies needed to meet these objectives.
What is a customs broker?
A customs broker is a professional specialized in international commercial transactions who is authorized, under a legal license (patente) issued by the country's Tax Administration Service (SAT), to represent individuals and companies in the procedures required before the country's various customs authorities and regimes to import and export goods of different kinds.
But a customs broker does not focus only on this activity; they are also qualified to advise any organization that requires it in this area, prepare customs entries (pedimentos), carry out tariff classifications, pay third-party duties and taxes, determine the type of regime for a foreign trade transaction, and perform many other functions inherent to this field.
Obtaining a customs broker license is extremely difficult, which is why only those who achieve it are truly qualified to provide these services. Those who do not hold this license but work for customs agencies operate under the direction of a legally established broker who monitors each of their activities.
Can I do the work of a customs broker myself?
Although some individuals and companies do not consider the service provided by a customs broker useful, it is important to stress that, if they want to carry out import and export operations themselves, they must take the following aspects into account:
What benefits will I get from hiring a customs broker?
If, on the other hand, you are one of those who see the value of the services of a customs agency with a team of professionals who will fully meet your company's requirements, here are some additional benefits you will obtain with your choice.
You will greatly reduce costs
Doing everything yourself will not be cheaper. On the contrary, you will spend a great deal of time, money and effort preparing the right conditions for just one shipment, and every foreign trade transaction is completely different from the next. Hiring a customs broker will give you access to a wide range of previously established commercial agreements that will make your import and export operations faster, more accessible and more effective.
Your company will become more competitive
The time it would take you to carry out a single process is the same as three international transactions with a customs broker. Outsourcing this service will allow you to focus your attention and resources on other areas that need to grow. This service will also optimize some of the company's sales and production areas, reducing internal costs through this automation.
You will save on human talent
Even if you decided to do it yourself, some of the processes involved in importing and exporting goods must be carried out by a specialized professional whom you would have to hire. If you choose a customs agency, you will avoid the high salary of an in-house foreign trade professional who would not be able to perform all the functions of a customs broker licensed by the Mexican state.
It will guarantee the security of your transaction
Besides the high cost, carrying out the transaction yourself will not guarantee the same security as hiring a customs broker. These professionals already have quality-certified alliances and a broad portfolio of satisfied clients. They will also ensure the success and legality of each transaction, from the start of operations to the end, by constantly monitoring each stage and each company handling the goods along the way.
You will be able to operate at different customs offices in the country
Although a customs broker is only authorized for three customs offices, they generally form companies or partnerships with other licensed professionals to increase the territorial reach of the business. When you hire their services, no matter which city you are in, you will be able to extend your business operations nationwide.
You will have access to the international market
As a client of a customs broker, they will undoubtedly facilitate other transactions that give you access to a wide range of products and services abroad, so that goods or raw materials you used to buy at a certain cost can be obtained from foreign suppliers at a lower cost and higher quality.
When you contact a foreign trade professional, make sure that both they and their company keep their legal standing up to date. You should also check with other business owners you know about the organization's reputation and results, so that those references help you make a concrete decision and know what services the customs broker will offer you.
Hiring these services from a third party will simplify many complicated procedures and save the time you would have to spend doing it yourself. It will also broaden your company's coverage and make it easier to expand into the international market, to the point where you can guarantee your suppliers or clients complete peace of mind that their transaction is in the hands of the best customs broker.
