23 March, 2022
While customs consultancy is primarily a consulting profession, being involved in inspections related to customs procedures and forming opinions allows us to closely observe the representation side of customs brokerage.
Since the focus is on customs brokerage, I wanted to share my thoughts on this important profession with you.
To be perceived first and foremost as a trusted customs advisor by the companies they serve, rather than just a business follow-up expert:
Despite the fact that the work and processes carried out by customs brokers require highly sophisticated knowledge and experience, they are still perceived as mere business follow-up experts by many people and firms. I would like to see the perception of "Trusted Advisor" established in all areas of customs and foreign trade.
To hold indirect representation authority as a profession based on knowledge, experience, and expertise rather than a legal privilege:
The authority to perform customs procedures through indirect representation is a right given only to customs brokers. However, instead of relying on this privilege to protect the profession with a legal shield, I hope that focus can be directed towards the natural privilege that arises from performing the profession properly.
I believe this privilege will naturally emerge by highlighting:
- The knowledge and experience in customs and foreign trade,
- The value and extent of the added value provided,
- The full and accurate collection of public receivables due to the tracking of customs procedures by customs brokers,
- The full implementation of foreign trade measures.
To be a profession that reflects its responsibilities and risks in its fee policy:
In our country, there is no other profession that assumes as much responsibility and risk as customs brokerage. If there is, it receives appropriate compensation for the risk and responsibility it takes.
Although customs brokerage can be carried out without taking on responsibility and risk in many countries, the fees for customs brokerage in these countries are much higher than the fee schedules in our country.
I hope that all services provided within the scope of customs brokerage are conducted with a fee schedule that is appropriate for the risks and responsibilities of the profession.
To maintain the freelance nature of the profession:
Customs brokerage is a trust-based profession. The relationship between the agent and the client is closely tied, making it a personal profession. Due to the public service aspect of the profession, independence must be the core principle of this profession.
I evaluate that the corporatization of customs brokerage has positive aspects in terms of meeting the risks and financial responsibilities of the profession for the firms served. However, I do not share the same view regarding the professionals of the profession.
Since I believe that the corporate and commercial approach pushes the "personal trust" in the profession and the professional respect into the background, I hope that this profession will be conducted as a freelance activity in the future, similar to the legal profession.
To have a professional solidarity that can sort out those who harm the profession before the public and leave no space for them:
Although many professionals practice customs brokerage diligently, some ignore those who harm the profession and believe that the responsibility for this lies with the state. Legally, it does. However, the respect for a profession should primarily be protected by its professionals. I hope that a professional solidarity emerges that can sort out the "rotten apples" before the public and leaves no space for them.
To be a profession that takes pride in complying with laws rather than just completing tasks:
Customs brokerage is unfortunately associated with the concept of "business follow-up" from the past. Even dozens of technical and detailed works performed by customs brokers and assistants today are still described under the shallow term of business follow-up in the legislation.
Perhaps due to the climate created by this concept, the profession has become one where completing tasks is seen as a skill. I hope that one day those practicing this profession will be perceived as focusing on carrying out customs work and procedures correctly and completely, and ensuring that their clients perform the most accurate actions under the law.
In conclusion...
Yes, as a professional, having a Chamber or Union among my dreams is not a priority. I believe that being a Chamber or Union is not a goal in itself, but rather a result that can arise from achieving at least some of the points mentioned above.