When importing or exporting goods through Armenia, the first question clients usually ask is about the cost. Many believe customs clearance is just filling out paperwork; in reality, it is a complex legal process where every mistake can be costly. In this article, we clarify how customs broker fees are structured and what professional nuances can affect your expenses.
How is the Service Value Calculated?
The pricing in the Armenian customs broker market is largely standardized. Over 90% of companies follow the same logic based on the number of product names (items) in the customs declaration.
Here is the basic price list an importer should be prepared for:

• First Item (HS Code): Preparation of the declaration for one type of product usually ranges from 20,000 to 30,000 AMD.
  
• Subsequent Items: For every additional 3 items, the price increases by an average of 5,000 AMD.
  

The Role of HS Codes in Pricing
It is important to understand that the "number of names" in a declaration does not always match the number of lines in your invoice. There are two key scenarios:

1. Price Reduction through Classification: Your invoice might have dozens of products that, according to customs rules, fall under the same HS Code. In this case, many products become just a few items in the declaration, significantly lowering the broker's fee.
   
2. Price Increase or Invoice Modification: Conversely, an invoice might list many products under one general name that cannot be classified under a single HS Code. In such cases, the broker may suggest obtaining a new, expanded (itemized) invoice from the supplier to ensure each product gets the correct code.
   

What Are You Actually Paying For?
By paying a customs broker, you receive professional liability. The broker correctly classifies goods, checks documents for compliance with RA legislation, and represents your interests before customs authorities—protecting you from fines caused by incorrect declaration.
Most importantly, by law, customs brokers carry mandatory professional liability insurance. This means that any fines resulting from a professional error made by the broker are covered by the insurance company. This provides an additional financial guarantee for your business.
If you have goods subject to customs clearance, visit https://brokers.am/services/request-broker, fill out a request for customs broker services, and receive various quotes from different brokerage companies. As a result, you will receive offers more affordable than the market average.