Customs Brokers

Corporate Licensed Broker

Customs Broker

What is a Customs Broker?

A Customs Broker is a licensed professional who assists businesses and individuals in navigating the complex regulations and procedures associated with importing and exporting goods across international borders. They are experts in customs law and trade compliance, ensuring that shipments adhere to the legal requirements of countries involved in the trade. Customs Brokers play a crucial role in facilitating the smooth movement of goods by preparing and submitting necessary documentation, calculating duties and taxes, and liaising with government agencies such as customs authorities. They also provide valuable advice regarding tariffs, trade agreements, and the correct classification of goods to avoid unnecessary delays and penalties. In their role, Customs Brokers help clients minimize costs and adhere to all relevant laws while ensuring that their shipments are cleared in a timely manner.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$43790.0 - $123710.0

New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or procedures.
Clear goods through customs and to their destinations for clients.
Pay, or arrange for payment of, taxes and duties on shipments.
Calculate duty and tariff payments owed on shipments.
Request or compile necessary import documentation, such as customs invoices, certificates of origin, and cargo-control documents.

Technology Skills

Data base user interface and query software
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint 365
Electronic mail software
- IBM Sterling B2B Integrator
- Microsoft Outlook 365
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel 365
Optical character reader OCR or scanning software
- ABBYY FineReader

Tools Used

Scanners
- Computer data input scanners
Special purpose telephones
- Multiline telephone systems
Laser fax machine
- Laser facsimile machines
Desktop computers
Personal computers

Knowledge

Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

42 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R22,548pm

Determining Your Readiness: A Guide to Becoming a Customs Broker in South Africa

The logistics and international trade sector remains a cornerstone of the South African economy. Currently, there are 42 active jobs in the market, with an average monthly salary of R22,548pm. Recent market data indicates a significant upward trend in compensation, with entry-level and mid-market rates growing steadily from approximately R19,842 in early 2024 to reaching over R24,800 by year-end. This growth reflects the critical need for skilled professionals who can navigate the complexities of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and international trade laws.

Is a Career as a Customs Broker Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before committing to this career path, it is essential to assess whether your natural disposition aligns with the rigorous demands of the industry. Ask yourself if you possess the following traits:

Meticulous Attention to Detail: Do you have the patience to scrutinise hundreds of lines of data for a single digit error in a Harmonised System (HS) code?
High Ethical Integrity: Customs brokerage involves strict legal compliance. Are you committed to maintaining honesty and transparency with SARS and port authorities?
Strong Analytical Thinking: Can you interpret complex trade agreements, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and apply them to specific shipments?
Resilience Under Pressure: The industry is driven by tight deadlines and port turn-around times. Can you remain calm when a shipment is flagged for an unexpected inspection?
Effective Communication: Are you comfortable liaising between diverse stakeholders, including freight forwarders, clearing agents, and government officials?

A Day in the Life of a South African Customs Broker

In the South African context, your day typically begins early, synchronising with the operations at major hubs like the Port of Durban, City Deep, or OR Tambo International Airport. You aren’t just "moving boxes"; you are a legal representative for importers and exporters.

A typical morning involves logging into the SARS eFiling or EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) systems to submit declarations and monitor the status of pending clearances. You will spend time classifying goods according to the Customs and Excise Act, ensuring that the correct duties and VAT are calculated. Much of your day is spent problem-solving—perhaps a client’s permit hasn't arrived from the Department of Agriculture, or you need to justify a specific valuation to a Customs Officer. It is a fast-paced environment where your expertise directly prevents costly delays for South African businesses.

Education & Upskilling: Building Your Foundation

To succeed in this field, a blend of formal education and specialised technical training is non-negotiable.

Formal Degrees and Diplomas: Most employers look for a National Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or International Trade from a recognised South African University or TVET College. These programmes provide the theoretical framework for understanding global commerce and maritime law.

Short Courses and Certifications: Beyond a degree, you must pursue specific "Customs Clearing and Forwarding" certificates, often accredited by TETA (Transport Education Training Authority). Courses focusing on the "Rules of Origin," "Incoterms® 2020," and "Tariff Classification" are essential for practical readiness.

The Importance of Continuous Learning: The South African trade landscape is constantly evolving. Whether it is a change in the Customs and Excise Act or a new SARS external policy, you must commit to lifelong learning. Staying stagnant is not an option; regular attendance at industry seminars and workshops is required to maintain your edge and ensure your clients remain compliant.

Next Steps

Becoming a Customs Broker is a rewarding choice for those who enjoy a blend of legal theory, data precision, and real-world logistics. If you have the temperament for high-stakes compliance and the drive to facilitate South Africa’s global trade, you are heading toward a stable and lucrative career. To move from curiosity to action, we recommend evaluating your current skill set against industry standards. Test your readiness now by taking our professional career assessment to see if you are truly prepared to step into the world of South African Customs.

Skills

Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Abilities

Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

High school diploma or equivalent

45 %

or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Post-secondary certificate

20 %

Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Bachelor's degree

20 %

Work Activities

Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Detailed Work Activities

Coordinate logistics or other business operations.
Oversee business processes.
Pay charges, fees, or taxes.
Calculate data to inform organizational operations.
Coordinate regulatory documentation activities.

Work Interests

Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.