How to Become a Customs Broker in Australia

You must study an approved customs brokers training course.

Customs brokers in Australia must be licensed by the Australian Customs Service and undergo a demanding training program. In addition, their operational skills are assessed in the National Examination and they are required to attend regular professional development sessions to maintain and improve their skills and to ensure that they keep up-to-date with government regulations and changes in industry practice. The Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia Inc., the CBFCA, represents its members in their dealings with the Customs Service and is one of the bodies which runs training courses and assists customs brokers with their continuing professional development.

Things You'll Need

• Accredited customs brokers course
• Required textbook
• Certificate of Graduation

Instructions

Obtaining The Right Qualifications

1. Find a customs brokers training course which is specifically accredited by the Customs Service. The CBFCA offers the National Customs Brokers Course, called the NCBC, which is an approved course of study delivered via the Internet using virtual classrooms. Other accredited courses are available at selected technical and further education institutes. A list of TAFE institutes which offer the course can be found on the website of the Customs Service.

2. Buy the required textbook for the course, which is available from the CBFCA or your course provider. The book is entitled "International Trade - A Practical Introduction," 3rd Edition.

3. Complete an approved training course which has 11 units and lasts for 150 weeks with a study load of between two and three study units per semester. Each year consists of two semesters, the first begins in February and the second in July.

4. 

   Your Certificate of Graduation allows you to progress to the next stage.

   Obtain your Certificate of Graduation, which you will need to show the Australian Customs Service that you have completed the prescribed course of study. Your certificate allows you to access the next stage, the National Examination, which you must pass to become a licensed customs broker.

5. Prove your competency by sitting and passing the National Examination, which is held every October, under strict exam conditions. The exam lasts three hours, carries a 70 percent passing grade and tests candidates on a range of complex skills that customs brokers are required to deal with.

6. Demonstrate you are a 'person of integrity' by proving that you have not been convicted under the Customs Act, that you have not convicted any offense which is punishable by imprisonment of one year or longer and that you do not have an undischarged bankruptcy.

7. Apply to the Broker Licensing Section of the Customs Service to become a licensed customs broker. Your application will be considered by the National Customs Brokers Licensing Advisory Committee. If the committee decides that you possess all the necessary skills, knowledge and qualities to become a successful customs broker, they will make a recommendation to the Customs Service that you become licensed.

References

• Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia Inc.: Fact Sheet: Becoming a Customs Broker in Australia
• Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia Inc.: About The Council
• Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia Inc.: Customs Brokers Course
• Australian Customs Service: Customs Broker Licensing -- Approved Courses of Study
• Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia Inc.: National Customs Brokers Course: Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

• Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia Inc.: National Customs Brokers Course