How do I apply for the customs broker training programme?

Submit a completed and signed application form, a detailed curriculum vitae, a copy of your National ID or Passport, a copy of your TIN Certificate, and a valid Police Clearance to the GRA. Training programmes are offered periodically — check the GRA website or contact them for the next intake date.

How to Become a Customs Broker in Guyana 2026

Q: How much does a customs broker licence cost in Guyana?

The annual Customhouse Broker's Licence costs GYD $3,000. The licence may be issued to an individual, partnership, company, corporation, or incorporated body. It is valid from the date of issue until December 31 of the same year and must be renewed annually.

$3,000Annual Licence Fee (GYD)

Dec 31Licence Expires Yearly

GRALicensing Authority

ASYCUDADeclaration System

Quick Links

gra.gov.gy — Who Is a Broker?Official GRA page explaining the role and definition of a Customhouse Broker.
gra.gov.gy — Requirements to Become a BrokerEligibility criteria and application documents needed.
gra.gov.gy — TSC FinderLook up Tariff Specification Codes for goods classification in ASYCUDA.
gra.gov.gy — ASYCUDA WorldAbout the Automated System for Customs Data used for all declarations.
gra.gov.gy — Registered Brokers ListView the current list of licensed Customhouse Brokers in Guyana.

What Is a Customs Broker?

A Customhouse Broker is a person licensed under the Customs Regulations to transact business with the Customs on behalf of others. In practical terms, customs brokers handle the documentation, classification, and clearance of goods being imported into or exported from Guyana.

Brokers must be licensed by the Commissioner-General of the GRA to conduct brokerage activities with the Customs, Excise & Trade Operations (CE&TO) division. They serve as the essential link between importers/exporters and the customs authority, filing electronic declarations through the ASYCUDA World system.

A broker's licence may be issued to an individual, partnership, company, corporation, or incorporated body.

Eligibility Requirements

Who Can Become a Broker

Minimum Age: You must be at least 18 years old

Citizen of Guyana: You must be a Guyanese citizen

Good Character: You must be of good character with no disqualifying criminal record

Not a Government Employee: You must not be an officer or employee of the Government of Guyana or the GRA

Examination: You must pass an examination administered by the GRA to demonstrate knowledge of customs laws and procedures

Application Documents

Completed and signed application form

Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Copy of National ID card or Passport

Copy of TIN Certificate

Valid Police Clearance Certificate

Training Programme

The GRA offers a Customshouse Broker Training Programme to prepare candidates. However, licensing is contingent on passing an examination administered by the GRA to determine whether the applicant possesses sufficient knowledge of customs laws, regulations, and procedures. The training programme covers:

Customs laws and regulations of Guyana
Tariff classification — Harmonized System (HS) codes and Tariff Specification Codes (TSC)
ASYCUDA World system operation and electronic declaration filing
Valuation methods for determining the customs value of goods
Import/export procedures including exemptions, prohibited items, and trade agreements
Documentation requirements for commercial and personal imports/exports

Training Intake

The Customshouse Broker Training Programme is offered periodically by the GRA. The most recent programme commenced in May 2024. Check the GRA website for announcements about the next training intake, or call 227-6060 for information.

Application Process

Check Eligibility

Confirm you meet all requirements: Guyanese citizen, good character, not a government employee, and willing to complete the training programme.

Apply for Training

Submit your application for the Customshouse Broker Training Programme to the GRA, along with your CV, ID, TIN certificate, and police clearance.

Complete Training & Pass Examination

Attend the GRA training programme and pass the customs examination administered by the GRA. The exam tests your knowledge of customs laws, tariff classification, ASYCUDA, and trade procedures.

Provide Security/Bond

Once qualified, you must give security in such sum as determined by the Commissioner-General to assure compliance with laws and for the protection of revenue.

Apply for Broker's Licence

Submit your licence application to the Commissioner-General of the GRA. Pay the annual licence fee of GYD $3,000.

Receive Your Licence

Once approved, you receive your Customhouse Broker's Licence. You are now authorized to transact customs business on behalf of importers and exporters.

Fees & Licence Details

Annual Licence Fee: GYD $3,000
Licence Validity: From the date of issue until December 31 of the same year
Renewal: Must be renewed annually before December 31
Entity Types: Licence may be issued to individuals, partnerships, companies, corporations, or incorporated bodies

Who Does Not Need a Broker Licence

A customs broker licence is not required for importers or exporters acting on their own behalf, or their authorized regular employees transacting customs business for their employer. The licence requirement applies only to persons transacting customs business on behalf of others.

Annual Renewal Required

Your broker's licence expires on December 31 each year, regardless of when it was issued. Ensure you renew before the end of the year to continue operating. Operating without a valid licence is an offence under the Customs Regulations.

ASYCUDA System

ASYCUDA World (Automated System for Customs Data) is the backbone of Guyana's customs operations. Developed by UNCTAD, this system handles all import and export declarations electronically. As a licensed customs broker, you will use ASYCUDA daily to:

File electronic Single Administrative Documents (eSAD) for imports and exports
Attach supporting documents (invoices, bills of lading, permits, exemption letters)
Process customs duty payments electronically
Track the status of declarations and clearance
Manage transit and suspense procedures

The GRA provides an ASYCUDA ePayment User Guide for customs brokers and declarants.

Tariff Specification Code (TSC) Finder

The GRA has implemented the ASYCUDA Valuation Module which uses Tariff Specification Codes (TSC) to link product particulars to the correct tariff classification. This is especially important for motor vehicle imports, where the TSC links vehicle make, model, year, and specifications to the appropriate duty rate.

Customs brokers, importers, and auto dealers should consult the TSC Vehicle Finder to verify whether a TSC has been created for goods being imported. If no TSC is found, submit electronic copies of the following to the Trade Policy & Research Unit at customstradepolicy@gra.gov.gy:

Bill of Lading
Commercial Invoice
Vehicle Title/Registration
Export Certificate

Role of Brokers in Trade

Customs brokers play a critical role in Guyana's international trade by:

Classifying goods under the correct Harmonized System (HS) tariff codes
Calculating duties and taxes — customs duty, VAT, and excise tax
Filing declarations in ASYCUDA on behalf of importers and exporters
Ensuring compliance with customs regulations, trade agreements, and exemption requirements
Managing documentation — invoices, permits, certificates of origin, exemption letters
Liaising with GRA on examination, queries, and clearance issues
Advising clients on duty rates, exemptions, and trade incentives

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a customs broker in Guyana?

A Customhouse Broker is a person licensed under the Customs Regulations to transact business with Customs on behalf of others. They handle import/export declarations, documentation, and compliance through the ASYCUDA system. Brokers must be licensed by the Commissioner-General of the GRA.

How much does a customs broker licence cost?

The annual licence fee is GYD $3,000. The licence is valid from the date of issue until December 31 of the same year and must be renewed annually.

What are the requirements to become a customs broker?

You must be at least 18 years old, a citizen of Guyana, of good character, and not a government employee or GRA officer. You must pass an examination administered by the GRA to demonstrate knowledge of customs laws and procedures, and provide security/bond as determined by the Commissioner-General. Submit an application with supporting documents including police clearance, TIN certificate, and CV. Note: importers/exporters acting on their own behalf, and their authorized regular employees, do not need a broker licence.

How do I apply for the training programme?

Submit a completed application form, detailed CV, copy of National ID or Passport, TIN Certificate, and valid Police Clearance to the GRA. Check the GRA website or call 227-6060 for the next training intake date.

What is the ASYCUDA system?

ASYCUDA World is an integrated customs management system developed by UNCTAD used for all import and export declarations in Guyana. Customs brokers must be proficient in ASYCUDA to file electronic Single Administrative Documents (eSAD) and manage customs processes.

What is the Tariff Specification Code (TSC) Finder?

The TSC Finder is a GRA tool within the ASYCUDA Valuation Module that links product particulars to tariff codes. Use it to verify the correct TSC for goods being imported, especially motor vehicles. If no TSC is found, email documentation to customstradepolicy@gra.gov.gy.

Can a company hold a customs broker licence?

Yes. A Customhouse Broker's Licence may be issued to an individual, partnership, company, corporation, or incorporated body. The annual fee of GYD $3,000 applies to all entity types.

Planning to Export from Guyana?

Our Exports Guide covers everything you need to know about exporting goods from Guyana — documentation, ASYCUDA, REX registration, and more.

Exports Guide

Last updated: April 3, 2026. Information is based on official GRA publications and Customs Regulations. Requirements and fees may change. Always confirm at gra.gov.gy or call 227-6060.

How to Become a Customs Broker in Guyana