A Customs Broker is a professional who facilitates the customs clearance of goods crossing international borders on behalf of the importer. Their responsibilities include preparing formal entries for customs and calculating duties and taxes. Carriers commonly work with customs brokers in the PARS process for shipments entering Canada or the PAPS process for shipments entering the US. The carrier must provide the necessary documents and PARS/PAPS number to the designated broker, and can check the status of the shipment through the broker’s website or by calling them. Customs brokers must be licensed by CBSA to clear shipments into Canada.