#2 The customs consultant's guide: How to get more out of working with your customs agent

How to get more out of your customs agent – with support from a customs consultant

Working on continuous improvements in customs handling is an often overlooked opportunity for Swedish import companies. Many companies hire a customs agent to handle customs declarations – but few work strategically to develop the collaboration.

As customs consultants , we at First Trade Kit (FTK) see great benefits in establishing structure, follow-up and shared improvement goals with your customs agent. And it starts with one simple thing: a meeting.

What does a customs agent do – and why is it not always enough?

The customs agent's mission is clear: to write customs declarations for the owner of the goods. It is an operational role where speed, accuracy and handling of large volumes are in focus. However, in practice, many companies hope that the customs agent will also:

• Optimize the import process

• Communicate clearly

• Identify savings opportunities

• Follow up and suggest improvements

However, this rarely happens automatically. Not because the agent is doing a bad job – but because no one asks for such a dialogue .

FTK's role as a customs consultant - we help you take the next step

FTK is not a customs broker. We are customs consultants who help companies get more out of their existing partnerships – for example with customs brokers. Through services such as Trade Coach, we act as a support in:

• Establish better collaboration structures

• Hold improvement meetings

• Analyze processes

• Measure and follow up on improvements

We often see that a proactive approach from the goods owner leads to better and more value-creating collaboration with the customs broker.

6 steps to continuous improvement in cooperation with your customs agent

Here is FTK's recommended model for getting the improvement work started:

1. Schedule a quarterly meeting. Set a recurring structure – preferably with regular participants.

2. Invite the right people. Don't just include operational contacts. Include those responsible for logistics, finance or compliance.

3. Prepare a joint agenda. Both parties contribute before the meeting. Gradually, you can take turns taking the lead.

4. Focus on process, not details. Skip troubleshooting. Instead, talk about bottlenecks, misunderstandings, or waste.

5. Set concrete measures. Formulate small, measurable improvements. Feel free to set your own KPIs.

6. Evaluate and adjust. What worked? What needs to change for next time? Build a culture of improvement together.

Customs consultant's conclusion: You can get more value from your customs agent – if you control the conversation

Working with a customs agent can be more than just declarations – but it is up to you as the owner of the goods to take the initiative . With the help of an experienced customs consultant like FTK, it becomes easier to set a structure, ask the right questions and follow up on results.

Would you like help developing your customs management? Contact us at FTK – we are customs consultants with a focus on advice, training and process improvement for importing companies.