Who is a customs agent and what are their responsibilities?

In today’s global economy, where the movement of goods across borders reaches an unprecedented scale, the efficient handling of customs procedures is essential for companies engaged in international trade. In this context, the support of a customs agent in Poland is invaluable — a specialist who ensures that all customs formalities are in line with applicable regulations. Why is it worth using their services? You’ll find the answer in the article below.

Who is a customs agent in Poland?

A customs agent in Poland is a person authorized to represent businesses before customs authorities. Their main task is to assist in the execution of customs formalities — for both imports and exports. They act in accordance with customs legislation and the Polish Customs Service Act, and hold authorizations granted by relevant state authorities.

What are the qualifications and authorizations of a Polish customs agent?

A Polish customs agent is a qualified professional who:

• is familiar with customs regulations, tariffs, and international agreements
  prepares and submits customs declarations
  specializes in the tariff classification of goods
  represents clients during customs procedures, including inspections and disputes
  operates IT systems such as AIS and ICS

Thanks to their knowledge and experience, a customs agent helps clients minimize the risk of mistakes that could lead to delays or additional costs.

What is a customs agency?

A customs agency is an entity that provides comprehensive support in customs procedures, assisting companies with the import, export, and transit of goods. It handles documentation, customs declarations, client representation before authorities, and tariff classification procedures. Cooperation with a customs agency enables businesses to streamline customs clearance processes, reduce the risk of formal errors, and speed up the handling of cross-border trade activities.
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Who needs a customs agency?

Customs agencies provide essential support for:

• importers of goods from outside the EU – assistance with customs clearance and calculating duties
  exporters of goods to non-EU countries – support in preparing documentation and declarations
  companies transporting transit goods – managing transit procedures such as T1/T2
  businesses shipping goods requiring special permits – e.g., inward/outward processing or transport of hazardous goods
  companies starting international trade operations – support with registration and customs filings

How to become a customs agent in Poland?

To become a customs agent in Poland, one must be listed in the national register of customs agents maintained by the Ministry of Finance. This requires meeting several formal criteria, such as:

• full legal capacity
  no criminal record for economic or financial offenses
  possessing relevant qualifications, such as a degree in a related field or experience in customs matters

A key step is passing the state exam, which verifies knowledge of customs and international trade law.

The candidate must also prepare documents such as a criminal record certificate and proof of qualifications, and submit an application to the Director of the Revenue Administration Regional Office in Warsaw.

Once the application is approved — which can take up to 120 days — the candidate is entered into the register and can begin working as a customs agent in Poland.

Comprehensive services of PKS International CARGO S.A.

PKS International CARGO S.A. offers a wide range of supplementary services and handles various customs procedures. Here are the main elements of our offer:

Additional services
EPI submissions – electronic customs pre-clearance
Obtaining an EORI number – assistance with registration in the EU system
Certificates of origin – handling documents confirming the origin of goods
REX declarations – export certification system support
INTRASTAT declarations – statistical reporting for intra-EU trade
Tariff classification – assistance in accurate classification of goods
Currency exchange services – payment handling for customs-related transactions
Border insurance – securing goods in international transport
Relocation goods – support for private property customs clearance

Handled customs procedures
Import and export – full customs support
Transit procedures (T1/T2) – comprehensive EU transit service
TIR Carnet – organization of international road transport
Inward and outward processing – customs regimes for goods processing inside and outside the EU
Customs warehouse and temporary storage – storage solutions under customs supervision

By working with PKS International CARGO S.A., your logistics processes will run smoothly, and customs formalities will be simpler and less time-consuming.

Summary

A customs agent in Poland and a reliable customs agency are key partners in international trade. With their support, businesses can avoid many customs-related complications, saving time and reducing risk. PKS International CARGO S.A. is a leader in comprehensive customs services, offering support at every stage — from documentation to transportation. Choose professionalism and experience to grow your business without obstacles.