Brokers

What is a Customs Broker?

A Customs Broker is a Legally Authorized Agent approved by PNG Customs to act on behalf of importers and exporters. Customs Broker help clear goods through Customs, ensure compliance with laws, and arrange for payment of duties and taxes

Legal Basis for Licensing

Under Section 77 of the Customs Regulations 1951, the Chief Commissioner of Customs may grant a Customs Broker License upon application. Under Section 184 of the Customs Act, such individuals are lawfully authorized agents to act on behalf of the owner in respect of the goods.

Role of Customs Brokers

Customs brokers play a vital role in facilitating trade and ensuring compliance with PNG Customs Service requirements. They act as the key link between importers, exporters, and PNG Customs, with responsibilities that include:

• Navigate complex customs procedures with ease
• Avoid costly mistakes, penalties, or delays
• Seek Expert knowledge of tariffs, laws, and trade requirements
• Save time and resource

Licensing of Customs Broker

To qualify, PNG Customs considers whether the applicant:

• Meet a fit and proper person requirement (no serious offence or Customs offences)
• Successful completion of a PNG Customs-sanctioned Customs Broker Training program (Also be prepared to meet the cost of the training)
• Demonstrate relevant experience or education in trade, logistics, or customs procedures.
• Be a PNG citizen
• Have in possession at least two (2) professional references on their experiences in trade, logistics, or customs ( references that indicate you have at least served more than 12 months in trade, logistic or customs)

How to Apply?

Application Requirements for a Customs Broker License

1. To become a Customs broker, an Expression of Interest (EOI) letter should be submitted and be addressed to the Chief Commissioner of PNG Customs Service.
2. Attached these required Documents with the EOI. The required documents include; PNG Customs Broker Training Examination Result – PASS ONLY, Personal Curriculum Vitae (CV), Police Clearance Certificate – issued within the last 12 months.
3. Two (2) Passport-Size ID Photos

An internal assessment shall be conducted based on step A, B&C. And, based on the outcome of the assessment, if the person has passed the assessment and approved by Chief Commissioner to operate as a lawfully authorized agents, a Bank Guarantee is required, value of K50, 000.00 undertaking in favour the Collector of Customs.

An annual License Fee – PGK1, 000.00 (or K500 for CBA members) is payable to the Collector of Customs. The license fee is non-transferable. If lodged during the year, the fee is at pro-rata rate of PGK83.33 per remaining month for new brokers.

All documents are to be submitted to the Customs Compliance and Procedures Division, specifically to the Licensing Section or it may also be directed straight to the office of the Chief Commissioner.

Applicants who have completed broker training and received a certificate must apply for their license within three years. Beyond this period, they must complete another approved customs brokers training.

If PNG Customs refuses a license, written reasons will be provided. Applicants may appeal in writing within 30 days of notification. The appeal will be considered in accordance with Division XV of the Customs Act 1951.

All applications are to be submitted to the Compliance & Licensing Section – Compliance and Procedures Division.

Applicants who have completed broker training and received a certificate must apply for their license within three years. Beyond this period, they must complete another approved customs brokers training.

If PNG Customs refuses a license, written reasons will be provided. Applicants may appeal in writing within 30 days of notification. The appeal will be considered in accordance with Division XV of the Customs Act 1951.

Fit and Proper Person Assessment and other Internal Customs assessments

When assessing PNG Customs will consider:

• Whether an applicant is fit and proper person (Any criminal records including convictions and charges made by court of law, age limit requirements, health consideration including serious medical conditions that may affect the applicant’s ability to perform the duties responsibly, such as mental health status.
• Any breaches in Customs Law such as involving dishonest behavior, fraud, smuggle, death with restricted and prohibited goods, or related offences against customs laws within the last 5 years
• financial insolvency- Any history of bankruptcy proceedings or Applicants who fails to meet training cost, fails to meet up bank guarantee and annual license fee may not be offed a license.
• Proper record keeping system and internet system in place- Whether the applicant operates from reputable premises, has electronic access to ASYCUDA, and can securely retain records for audit purposes

Brokers Training Assessment and Training Information

The Customs Brokers Training is delivered over a three-week period and consists of three core modules, Tariff, Valuation and General Paper

At the end of each training week, participants are required to sit for an examination in the respective module. To successfully complete the program, a participant must achieve a minimum overall pass mark (determined by the Chief Commissioner) across all three modules combined. Participants who do not meet this standard will not be considered to have passed the training.

The PNG Customs Service conducts Customs Brokers Training as needed, based on the demand for new brokers within the industry. Training sessions are scheduled when there is a demonstrated need to ensure the industry is adequately supported by qualified customs brokers.

Applicants may apply once a NOTICE is issued by PNG Customs Service through all media platforms

Key Responsibilities and Ethics of a Broker

Customs brokers must uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. In addition to their operational duties, they are expected to:

• Conduct all dealings honestly, transparently, and in full Compliance with PNG Customs legislation and regulations
• Protect confidential client information and safeguard sensitive commercial data
• Avoid conflicts of interest and immediately disclose any potential conflicts
• Maintain accurate and timely records to support customs compliance and facilitate audits.
• Continuously develop professional knowledge and skills to remain competent in their duties
• Demonstrate impartiality and fairness when advising clients or interacting with PNG Customs staff

PNG Customs Oversight

PNG Customs regulates brokers. Broker Licenses may be suspended or cancelled for:

• Fraud or negligence
• Breach of Customs laws, requirements and conditions for the license
• Misuse of client funds

For Further Information

For inquiries regarding Customs Broker Licensing or Training, please contact the Compliance & Licensing Section at PNG Customs (Also see sidebar):

Address:

Director – Compliance & Licensing Section
Compliance and Procedures Division
Papua New Guinea Customs Service
P.O. Box 923, Port Moresby

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Our Licensed Brokers 

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For more information, contact our Licensing Section on Telephone  +675 3127568 or  +675 3127500

Also email us  cal@customs.gov.pg or  cpd@customs.gov.pg should you have any queries.