Customs Brokerage Service

Clear imported goods through customs on behalf of importers

Startup Cost
$15,000-$75,000
Difficulty
Advanced
Time to Profit
8-18 months
Profit Potential
$12,000-$125,000/month

Overview

Customs brokers charge $75-$300+ per shipment or percentage of value.

Processing 500-5,000 shipments annually generates $150,000-$1,500,000 with 60-80% margins.

In 2025, customs complexity requires broker expertise.

Revenue from customs entry filing fees ($75-$300 per entry), duty and tax payment processing, customs bonds and insurance, additional services (FDA, USDA filings), consulting on duty classifications and compliance, and continuous bonds and retainer clients.

Successful brokers obtain customs broker license (challenging CBP exam), stay current on customs regulations and trade agreements, classify products accurately for duty rates, communicate proactively with importers, and clear shipments quickly to avoid detention.

Importers of all sizes as clients.

Marketing through freight forwarder partnerships, importer referrals, port and logistics presence, trade associations, and customs broker licensing.

Required Skills

  • Customs Regulations
  • HTS Classification
  • CBP Processes
  • Customs Software (ACE)
  • Importer Compliance
  • Detail Orientation

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Every import requires customs broker or self-filing
  • Recurring shipment revenue from active importers
  • Licensed profession with barriers to entry
  • Can add value-added customs services
  • Growing import volumes

Cons

  • Difficult customs broker license exam (low pass rate)
  • High liability for classification and compliance errors
  • Customs software and surety bond costs
  • 24/7 availability for shipment clearance
  • Competitive customs brokerage market

How to Get Started

  1. Pass US Customs Broker License exam
  2. Get customs broker permit and surety bond
  3. Invest in customs software and ACE access
  4. Build relationships with importers and freight forwarders
  5. File customs entries and clear shipments
  6. Provide compliance consulting and support
  7. Build importer client base and retention

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