Customs and trade compliance adviser

Small importers, e-commerce sellers, manufacturers starting to export, and freight or logistics firms that need an outside opinion.

Hourly rate, fixed-fee reviews (for example a classification or compliance check), monthly retainers, and paid training sessions for staff.

• Reading and explaining regulations clearly
• Attention to detail with documents
• Research and keeping up with rule changes
• Building trust with business owners

• Handling customs accounting or clearance for others for a fee is generally reserved for licensed customs brokers, so check with the CBSA where advice ends and brokerage begins
• Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, since wrong advice can lead to penalties for your client
• Rules and tariffs change often, so check current sources and put clear limits on your advice in your contracts
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, and when you need to register for GST/HST

Startup costs are typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on your home office set-up, tools and insurance. These are estimates only, so get quotes for each item before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many clients you take on and your hours. It is an estimate, and you advise and train rather than clear shipments for clients.

Handling customs accounting or clearance for others for a fee is generally reserved for licensed customs brokers, so check with the CBSA where advice ends and brokerage begins. Also check professional liability insurance, home-based business licensing, and when to register for GST/HST.