13-1041.08 · Task explorer
Customs Brokers: reported tasks and exploration worksheet
Prepare customs documentation and ensure that shipments meet all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods. Determine and track duties and taxes payable and process payments on behalf of client. Sign documents under a power of attorney. Represent clients in meetings with customs officials and apply for duty refunds and tariff reclassifications. Coordinate transportation and storage of imported goods.
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Read the task inventory
This source lists 23 tasks, including 22 marked Core and 1 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.
Task source dates: 08/2026.
23 tasks shown
Core · Task 15936 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Pay, or arrange for payment of, taxes and duties on shipments.
Core · Task 15941 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Classify goods according to tariff coding system.
Core · Task 15946 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Clear goods through customs and to their destinations for clients.
Core · Task 15945 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or procedures.
Core · Task 15933 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Stay abreast of changes in import or export laws or regulations by reading current literature, attending meetings or conferences, or conferring with colleagues.
Core · Task 15942 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Calculate duty and tariff payments owed on shipments.
Core · Task 15940 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Confer with officials in various agencies to facilitate clearance of goods through customs and quarantine.
Core · Task 15928 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Obtain line releases for frequent shippers of low-risk commodities, high-volume entries, or multiple-container loads.
Core · Task 15932 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Request or compile necessary import documentation, such as customs invoices, certificates of origin, and cargo-control documents.
Core · Task 15944 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Advise customers on import and export restrictions, tariff systems, insurance requirements, quotas, or other customs-related matters.
Core · Task 15924 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Sign documents on behalf of clients, using powers of attorney.
Core · Task 15926 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Post bonds for the products being imported or assist clients in obtaining bonds.
Core · Task 15935 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Prepare papers for shippers to appeal duty charges.
Core · Task 15934 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Quote duty and tax rates on goods to be imported, based on federal tariffs and excise taxes.
Core · Task 15939 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Inform importers and exporters of steps to reduce duties and taxes.
Core · Task 15930 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Arrange for transportation, warehousing, or product distribution of imported or exported products.
Core · Task 15943 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Apply for tariff concessions or for duty drawbacks and other refunds.
Core · Task 15929 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Contract with freight forwarders for destination services.
Core · Task 15937 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Monitor or trace the location of goods.
Core · Task 15931 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Suggest best methods of packaging or labeling products.
Core · Task 15925 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Provide advice on transportation options, types of carriers, or shipping routes.
Core · Task 15927 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Insure cargo against loss, damage, or pilferage.
Supplemental · Task 15938 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Maintain relationships with customs brokers in other ports to expedite clearing of cargo.
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- Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
- For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
- Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.
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Source and practice material
Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.
Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.