[Pib]

Q:What would you consider to be fair brokerage fees from a customs broker?
A: That is a question that is not easy to answer. Clearance rates depend on how good your broker is and how good a customer you are. That meaning that a well-known, reputable broker will certainly be more expensive that a guy with a briefcase. If you are a frequent customers and have a large volume of business you'll be able to push for a lower rate. I have seen anything from RD$1000.00/shipment (the extreme of either case) to RD$50000.00/shipment for shipments that are more valuable or complicated cases. As I always say go for a reputable broker.

Q: Could you suggest how to deal with insurance in order to minimize theft in customs?
A: Insurance only covers any eventualities that may occur during transport. Once the commodities have been received at the port it is no longer covered by insurance. I do not know of any company that covers theft at customs.

Q:Could one hold one's customs broker responsible for theft?
A: Only if you can prove that he/she/they stole it. In the years I've been doing this I've never heard of such case, hence the importance of choosing a qualified, well known customs broker.

Q: What 'sane' advice could you offer in terms of minimizing 'ad-hoc' type payments to all and sundry?
A: Get involved in the process, at least in the initial shipments. I would advise you to go to the port with your broker, ask as many questions as you need to understand what is going on. Based on these experiences try to get your broker to quote a flat rate that includes such "expenses".


Keep the questions coming cause I am running out of ideas.