Among the various foreign trade operators who interact daily with customs services worldwide, customs brokers occupy a central position. These are highly qualified professionals who, representing importers and exporters, manage the processing of transactions with customs authorities and act as a technical bridge between the private sector and the government.
As previously reported, November 27th marked its international anniversary. In this context, ASAPRA presented new research aimed at providing an updated understanding of the role these professionals play in global trade.
The role of customs brokers is not uniformly regulated across different national legislations. This heterogeneity is particularly relevant in a context where international trade is undergoing profound transformations—marked by digitalization, transparency, and public-private partnerships. Therefore, this new study is presented as a recommended reference for the region and the world.
Is "“The customs broker in comparative international law”, prepared by Dr. Joe Henry Thompson ArguelloAn academic with a distinguished career in customs law, economic integration, and international trade regulation. His authority is further supported by his work as a consultant for the IDB on tax modernization programs and as a member of the Private Sector Consultative Group of the WCO.
The investigation—a document of 103 pages— a rigorous and accessible read— examines the evolution, legal nature and functions of the customs broker in different legal systems: European Union, Central America, Southern Cone, and the frameworks developed by the WCO, the WTO, the OAS, the UN, MERCOSUR, the CAN and PARLATINO.
Main contributions
The study updates the conceptual framework of the customs broker, showing their transition from a role focused on document management to functions linked to regulatory compliance, digital traceability, and trade facilitation. It also offers a comparative analysis that identifies regulatory convergences and differences between regions, providing a comprehensive view of this figure in cross-border trade.
The customs broker in current models
The analysis underlines that, in contemporary customs systems — aligned with the WCO Revised Kyoto Convention, the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs of the SAFE Framework — the role of the customs broker goes far beyond simple representation before Customs.
In this modern approach, customs brokers are established as technical actors, capable of coordinating operational and regulatory interests between the public and private sectors. The study demonstrates their evolution from a document management profile to a professional specializing in regulatory compliance, digital management, and trade facilitation, as well as in promoting higher standards of transparency, integrity, and institutional cooperation.
In this context of transformation, Dr. Thompson Arguello's work is a valuable contribution to understanding the evolution of the profession towards the end of 2025, and a recommended read for those who work in customs, foreign trade and related public policies.
Available for download in PDF format.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
