Customs broker fees typically range from $125-$350 per entry for standard imports. However, your broker invoice also includes government charges, duties, and taxes that the broker collects on behalf of customs authorities.
Understanding the difference between what your broker charges and what they pass through helps you evaluate whether you are getting a fair deal.
This guide breaks down a typical broker invoice so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Broker Fees vs Government Charges
A customs broker invoice contains two types of charges:
- Broker fees - What the broker keeps for their services (clearance, documentation, communication)
- Pass-through charges - Government duties, taxes, and fees that the broker pays on your behalf
When comparing brokers, focus on the broker fees. The pass-through charges are the same regardless of which broker you use.
Why It Matters
A $400 broker invoice might only include $150 in broker fees, with the rest being duties and government charges. Comparing total invoice amounts between brokers without separating these is misleading.
What Brokers Actually Charge
Here are the common fee categories you will see on broker invoices:
Customs Clearance Fee
The base fee for processing your import entry with customs. This covers:
- Preparing and lodging the customs entry
- Classifying goods under the correct HS codes
- Calculating duty and taxes
- Communicating with customs authorities
Typical range: $125-$250 per entry
Simple entries with standard goods cost less. Complex entries with multiple tariff codes, special regulations (FDA, PGA, quarantine), or unusual products cost more.
Documentation Fee
Covers preparing, reviewing, and filing documents required for your import:
- Commercial invoice verification
- Packing list review
- Bill of lading processing
- Certificate of origin (if required)
- ISF filing (US imports)
Typical range: $25-$75 per shipment
Some brokers bundle this into the clearance fee; others itemize it separately.
Communication/Handling Fee
A catch-all fee for administrative work:
- Coordinating with freight forwarders
- Arranging cargo release
- Client communication
- Record keeping
Typical range: $25-$50 per shipment
Some brokers do not charge this separately; it is included in their clearance fee.
Government Charges (Pass-Through)
These charges are set by government agencies and are the same regardless of which broker you use. The broker pays them on your behalf and includes them on your invoice.
| Charge | Country | Rate/Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | All | 0-25%+ of value (varies by HS code) |
| GST | Australia | 10% of (value + duty + freight) |
| GST | New Zealand | 15% of (value + duty) |
| VAT | EU/UK | 17-27% of (value + duty) |
| MPF (Merchandise Processing Fee) | US | 0.3464% ($31.67 min, $614.35 max) |
| HMF (Harbor Maintenance Fee) | US | 0.125% of value (sea only) |
| Import Processing Charge | Australia | ~$50-90 per entry |
| Single Entry Bond | US | $5-15 per entry |
Typical Broker Invoice Breakdown
Here is what a typical broker invoice might look like for a $10,000 shipment imported to Australia:
| Line Item | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Customs clearance fee | $165.00 | Broker fee |
| Documentation | $45.00 | Broker fee |
| Cartage/delivery advice | $35.00 | Broker fee |
| Import duty (5%) | $500.00 | Pass-through |
| GST (10%) | $1,200.00 | Pass-through |
| Import processing charge | $88.00 | Pass-through |
| TOTAL | $2,033.00 |
In this example, the broker's actual fees total $245 (12% of the invoice). The remaining $1,788 (88%) are government charges the broker collects on your behalf.
Note: GST is typically recoverable for registered businesses on your next BAS, so the effective cost is lower.
Single Entry vs Continuous Bond
In the US, you need a customs bond to import. You have two options:
| Bond Type | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single Entry Bond | $5-15 per entry | Occasional importers (fewer than 3-4 entries/year) |
| Continuous Bond | $300-600 per year | Regular importers (more than 3-4 entries/year) |
The breakeven is typically around 3-4 entries per year. If you import more frequently, a continuous bond saves money.
Comparing Broker Quotes
When evaluating brokers, ask for an itemized quote that separates:
- Their fees - What they charge for their services
- Pass-through charges - Government fees they collect
- What is included - Some bundle documentation; others charge separately
A broker quoting $150 "all-in clearance" might actually be cheaper than one quoting $125 clearance plus $50 documentation plus $30 handling.
Questions to Ask
- • What is your clearance fee for a standard entry?
- • What additional fees do you charge?
- • How much for entries with FDA/PGA requirements?
- • Do you offer continuous bond arrangements?
- • What is your turnaround time for routine entries?
When to Change Brokers
Consider switching brokers if you experience:
- Unclear invoices - You cannot tell what you are paying for
- Unexpected charges - Fees appear that were not in the quote
- Slow clearance - Entries consistently take longer than quoted
- Poor communication - You cannot reach them when there are issues
- Classification errors - Incorrect HS codes leading to higher duty
A good broker should be transparent about fees, responsive to questions, and proactive about problems.
Understanding your broker invoice helps you budget accurately and ensures broker fees are properly included in your landed cost calculations.
Track All Your Import Costs
Landara extracts line items from broker invoices automatically and allocates them to your products for accurate landed costs.
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