A broker has to take your item through customs. They will pay your duties and then bill you for the brokerage fee and what ever you owe the government.
The shipping company will often act as a broker, but you can always get a third party broker (often for a lower fee).
For example UPS is also a broker and has the right to bring items through customs. UPS also gives you an option to be your own broker, by leaving the item at customs and having you pay the duties yourself.
At least that is how it is in Canada.
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