Everyone knows what customs brokers do: they clear imports and exports and are responsible for checking goods. But the public is largely unaware of just how varied the job is and what professional qualifications are required to cope with the daily challenges. To take a closer look at this field of activity which is of immense importance for the functioning of global supply chains, CargoForwarder Global (CFG) spoke to two experts from CB Customs Broker: Dennis Griesam (DG), HR Manager, and Alla Franjkovic (AF), Marketing and Communications Manager.
CFG: Unlike freight forwarders, cargo agents or warehouse and logistics specialists, customs brokerage is not a recognized apprenticeship trade – at least not in Germany. So how do career entrants learn their professional ABC?
DG: In the public sector, German Customs offers structured training programs. These include a two-year traineeship for mid-level positions and dual study programs for higher-level roles.
In the private sector, there is no dedicated apprenticeship for customs. Most people enter the field through related vocational training, such as Management Assistant for Freight Forwarding and Logistics Services or Wholesale and Foreign Trade. They then build customs knowledge on the job. Customs training in the private sector usually takes place in companies like freight forwarders, logistics providers, or specialized customs agencies. Many people come from backgrounds in foreign trade, logistics, or general business administration and receive internal training when they switch to customs work.
There are also external options. Chambers of commerce, private training providers, and universities offer specialized courses and programs in foreign trade and customs.
CFG: Do EU laws not stipulate the same qualification requirements for customs agents in all countries within the union? Or does each country go its own way in this respect?
DG: While EU customs legislation provides a harmonized legal framework, the qualification requirements for customs agents are not fully standardized across all Member States. The Union Customs Code (UCC) sets out general conditions for customs representation, but it leaves room for national interpretation and implementation.
This means that individual countries can – and do – apply their own specific rules regarding the training, certification, or licensing of customs representatives. As a result, the qualifications and professional standards required to act as a customs agent can vary between EU Member States.
CFG: Alla, you originally came from a racetrack and switched to logistics later, now working at CB Customs Broker. Why did you take this step, and what qualified you for the job?
AF: As a communications and marketing manager, I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of translating complex products and services into clear, compelling messages tailored to the right audience. I found my way into the logistics industry somewhat by chance but quickly developed a deep appreciation for its intricate global networks and vital role in keeping our world moving.
After starting my career initially in the sports and entertainment sector, I was ready for a new challenge and went on to work for several freight forwarding companies. This hands-on industry experience qualifies me to work as a marketeer for a customs broker, but certainly not to carry out customs clearances myself.
CFG: Dennis, our perception is that customs brokerage has a bureaucratic and somehow boring reputation. And if so, what should be done to overcome this prejudice to motivate young talent to enter the field of air freight customs clearance?
DG: Customs clearance might only be one step in the supply chain, but it is a critical one. It is not just about ticking boxes. Every declaration involves legal responsibility, accuracy, and up-to-date knowledge of complex regulations.
That also makes the job diverse. Our team handles everything from standard e-commerce imports to time-sensitive shipments of fresh goods or complex industrial freight. Whether it is machine parts or morning avocados for your local café, nothing crosses the border without proper clearance.
At CB Customs Broker, we turn that complexity into reliable and efficient processes. With digital tools and deep customs expertise, we help our clients keep goods moving. For people who like working with international companies, solving practical problems, and taking ownership, customs is anything but boring.
CFG: Alla, if you intend to attract a potential candidate for the job of customs specialist at CB Customs Broker: What are your arguments for convincing them to join your agency?
AF: We’re in a strong position as part of the Lufthansa Group. This gives us greater visibility and access to attractive benefits like travel discounts, training programs, and a wide international network.
We highlight these advantages at job fairs and online. On LinkedIn, we regularly share what makes our culture special: flat hierarchies, flexible working models, and a strong focus on digital customs solutions. Young talent also values our diverse team. We don’t just promote diversity, we live it.
CFG: Any aspect that you would warn them about?
DG: We work in logistics, an industry known for its fast pace and high level of responsibility. Since the pandemic, it has become clear, even to those outside the field, how essential and dynamic this sector is. This is especially true in e-commerce, where peak periods can bring added pressure.
Because of this, we operate 365 days a year, and weekend or evening shifts are part of the role. Precision is also crucial, as mistakes in customs declarations can have serious consequences.
We communicate these expectations openly, and applicants value this honesty. In return, they find a meaningful and varied role in an industry that keeps global trade moving. They also become part of a supportive and experienced team that always helps new colleagues settle in.
CFG: The customs brokerage task is extremely versatile. For which different kinds of activity do you need specialists who have exceptional know-how and vocational skills but possess an idea of the broader picture?
DG: We operate four business units: General Brokerage, Industry Brokerage, Courier Brokerage, and e-commerce Brokerage. This structure is intentional, as different industries and goods require different customs procedures. All our agents are trained in general customs clearance, and we also maintain specialized sub-teams. These focus on specific areas such as e-commerce, perishable goods or the particular needs of industrial clients. Some agents also specialize in specific transport modes or procedures, such as export declarations.
Our trainees go through comprehensive vocational training across all teams to build a solid understanding of the wider customs landscape. After successfully completing their training, they are placed in teams or sub-teams based on their strengths and interests. This targeted deployment supports our approach to developing ‘T-shaped’ professionals with both deep expertise and broad knowledge.
CFG: CB Customs Broker wants to further expand in the EU, thus enabling employees to switch to other branches to get acquainted with customs practices there and obtain a higher qualification. Might this be an additional recruitment tool for young talent?
DG: CB Customs Broker’s plan to expand within the EU definitely makes us more attractive as an employer. As mentioned earlier, the EU Customs Code provides a common legal basis, but every member state has its own procedures, forms, and practices. So, while the rules are largely the same, the way they are applied can vary a lot in day-to-day work.
Getting hands-on experience in other EU countries helps our team understand both the shared framework and the local differences. That mix is essential for efficient clearance, and it makes employees more flexible and better qualified.
It is also something many young professionals value. Working across borders gives them a broader perspective and real development opportunities.
Customs is never just about knowing the law. It is about knowing how to apply it in different contexts. That is why international experience is such a strong asset, both for our people and for us as a company.
CFG: Alla, Dennis, thank you for your time and these inputs.
CB Customs Broker in a nutshell
The company was incepted in 2006 and belongs to Lufthansa Cargo since 2018. It offers importers and exporters of air and ocean freight, rail transport, and road services, tailored solutions for all common customs procedures. Its customer portfolio consists of freight forwarders, integrators, courier services, online retailers and leading industrial companies. With around 80 specialized brokers in Frankfurt and a branch in Amsterdam Schiphol, the agent offers year-round customs clearance services.
