Pre-loader
Log In Register
March 6, 2022, admin

Customs Clearing Agent (CCA) | CUSTOMS ACRONYMS & GLOSSARY

Introduction

A clearing agent is simply an agent who is responsible for the business’s customs clearance.

 

Each country has its own set of regulatory requirements for customs. However, many countries share one condition that the clearing agent or customs broker (as they are referred to in a few countries) must be accredited with the local customs authorities, border agencies, port, and other authorities involved in shipment goods.

 

They should possess a valid clearing licence when they clear the customer’s goods. A few nations have stringent licencing criteria that are evaluated regularly, and agents who do not adhere to them risk having their licences withdrawn.

 

Clearing agents write examinations in several countries. They may deal as a clearing agent in that country only after completing this exam.

The overall functions of a clearing agent include the following:

  • CCA is a company accredited with the local customs authorities, border agencies, port etc

  • arranges to pass the relevant documents at customs

  • has in-depth knowledge of the HS Codes, the calculation of Duty and VAT

  • organises payment on the duty and VAT applicable

  • assists customers with duty drawbacks etc

  • does not negotiate freight rates with carriers on their own or on behalf of the client

  • does not issue own bills of lading in their capacity as a clearing agent

  • maybe appointed by a freight forwarder or by the customer (exporter or importer)

CCA vs. Freight Forwarder

In contrast to a freight forwarder, a clearing agent is more country-specific, as they interact directly and extensively with local customs authorities and are familiar with local procedures. Freight forwarders have a greater worldwide reach than clearing agents or customs brokers, who are typically more localised.

We value your feedback, and if you have any comments, suggestions or anything else that you would like to highlight to us, we will be delighted to hear from you and incorporate your feedback into our content.

Note: While we have made every attempt to ensure that the information contained in this Site has been obtained from reliable sources, Customs Declarations UK is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information in this Site is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Nothing herein shall to any extent substitute for the independent investigations and the sound technical and business judgment of the reader. In no event will Customs Declarations UK, or its partners, employees or agents, be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this Site or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. Certain links in this Site connect to other Web Sites maintained by third parties over whom Customs Declarations UK has no control. Customs Declarations UK makes no representations as to the accuracy or any other aspect of information contained in other Web Sites.

Content Source: HMRC , GOV.UK