13200

Customs, ship and other brokers

TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Business, finance & administration

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Definition

Customs brokers clear goods through customs and to their destination on behalf of importer and exporter clients. Shipbrokers buy and sell cargo space on ships and buy and sell ships, yachts and other watercraft on behalf of clients. This unit group also includes other brokers who negotiate commercial transactions, logistics or other services, not elsewhere classified, between parties on behalf of clients. They are employed by customs, ship or other brokerage establishments or may be self-employed.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Customs brokers
Prepare and process import/export documents and other forms on behalf of clients according to customs regulations, laws and procedures
Sign import/export documents on behalf of client, using power of attorney
Arrange for payment of duties, taxes, storage and transportation of imported goods and bonds to cover duty goods
Quote duty and tax rates on commodities for clients
Provide advice to clients on export and import restrictions, tariff systems, letters of credit, insurance requirements and other custom related matters
May represent client before administrative tribunals or in other dealings with government officials.
Shipbrokers
Buy and sell cargo space on ships on behalf of individuals, companies and governments
Consult trade publications and other sources to provide information to clients on available cargo space, destinations, rates and departure locations and times, and arrange ship charters for clients
Negotiate rates and terms and prepare contracts and other papers
Buy and sell ships, yachts and other watercraft on behalf of clients
Inspect vessels, explain features and negotiate price when purchasing or selling for clients
Arrange for insurance coverage for cargo or for ships
Arrange for registration and licensing of ships.

Example job titles

•cargo broker
•chartered shipbroker
•customs broker
•gas broker
•licensed customs broker
•shipbroker

Overview

NOC 13200 covers customs, ship, and other brokers who clear goods through customs, facilitate international trade, and negotiate cargo space for shipping. Under the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, this occupation is classified as TEER 3. Customs brokers prepare import/export documents, calculate duties and taxes, and represent clients before customs officials, while ship brokers buy and sell cargo space and negotiate charter agreements on behalf of shipowners or charterers.

To qualify for Canadian immigration pathways under NOC 13200, candidates typically require completion of secondary school and several years of on-the-job training or post-secondary education in a related field. Licensed customs brokers must pass examinations administered by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). As a TEER 3 occupation, skilled workers in this category may be eligible for Express Entry programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as relevant Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) across Canada.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For official regulatory guidelines, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated Canadian immigration consultant.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.