Who is the customs agent?
What does a customs agent do? It is a person who is responsible for conducting customs clearance - for importer and exporter accounts. It is an agent in the sphere of:
- customs duties,
- taxes on goods,
- services in foreign trade,
- excise duties,
- statistical declarations.
He is also a professional consultant on the law and procedures applicable to the international movement of goods. He knows the requirements that cargo must meet in terms of:
- sanitary,
- veterinary,
- pharmaceutical,
- technical,
- market protection,
- quantitative quotas.
A customs agent, by holding such an important position in international trade, must meet high qualifications and also present a great deal of substantive knowledge. Applying to the office and certifying the experience and education allows such a person to be included in the official list of customs agents, as well as legally conduct the business of this type. This is an important person in the advisory process, which many times comes in handy for shipping companies. It is the best intermediary between customs and entrepreneurs.
Customs agent - what is the exam like?
Customs agent - how to become one and how to get on the official state list? The issue of working as a customs agent in Poland is regulated by the Act of 9 May 2014 on regulated professions. Under it, the profession of customs agent is officially deregulated and it is no longer necessary to pass an official state exam. What do you need to do to become listed as a customs agent? You need to apply in person to the office or do it by mail. Each candidate must have full legal capacity, relevant experience, as well as a degree in one of the economic fields of study. The qualifications and studies gained in the EU member states also allow you to be included on the Polish customs agents list.
List of customs agents - when can someone not be included on the list? When a person will not be able to certify not only his economic education but also his work experience related to the customs industry. It is also obvious that a person with a final conviction not only for a fiscal offense but also for other offenses does not have the slightest chance to work in this position. A customs agent must not only represent a high level of expertise but also have a good reputation. Deregulation of the profession makes it much easier to get a job as there is no need to take an official state examination. However, this does not mean that everyone can become a customs agent. You need to be educated and have some experience.
Customs agent - what are the requirements?
Customs agent - are the requirements high? This is a very important function. A person in this position is a mediator between customs officers and carriers. Therefore, such a person must have a high level of professional talent as well as a good reputation. All professional experience and education must be confirmed by documents - the Tax Chamber is responsible for verification. The director of the chamber has 120 days to make a decision, and the application for entry on the list of customs agents is free of charge. If the candidate is not satisfied with the director's decision, he/she can always appeal within 14 days from the date of the application. It is worth noting that you can lose your authorization when you exceed your authority or commit a fiscal offense.
Customs agent - what documents do I need to submit? To become an official customs agent, you need to submit:
- an application for inclusion in the list of customs agents, which can be downloaded from the website of the Tax Chamber,
- a document confirming the completion of postgraduate studies - these must be original certificates from a university-related to economic sciences,
- a document confirming experience in the customs industry - at least 3 years and must have been gained not earlier than 5 years ago,
- certificate of a clean criminal record.
Finished documents should be sent by mail or go in person to the Tax Chamber. It is worth remembering that experience and learning in a member country of the European Community also confirm the qualifications of the candidate.