Job Description
Working as a Customs Clearance officer involves the preparation of Customs documentation to ensure that any shipments either imported or exported meet all applicable laws so that entry or export can occur. The job of the Customs Clearance officer is a very important role within Shipping & Logistics and can provide the perfect stepping stone to other senior roles within the industry.
Jobs in Customs are very rewarding and offer the post holder a unique opportunity to understand the import and export sector from a legal perspective. A Customs Clearance officer is involved in determining the level of duties and taxes to be paid including the processing of payments on behalf of clients.



Principal Accountabilities:

• As a Customs Clearance officer you will work as part of a team and report to the Customs Manager.
• You will be involved in calculating and processing duties and taxes to be paid and may be required to sign documents under a Power of Attorney on behalf of clients. You will also pay, or arrange for payment of taxes and duties.
• Liaising with Customers.
• Allocating the correct license depending on type of goods being imported.
• You will be required to be fully conversant with import and export laws and regulations. You will be expected to maintain your understanding and keep up-to-date with changes as they occur, so as to be able to advise customers on import and export restrictions, tariff systems, insurance requirements and all other customs related matters.
• The Customs Clearance officer will post bonds for the products being imported or assist clients in obtaining bonds. You will also be required to prepare the necessary import documentation such as certificates of origin and cargo control documents.
• This job also requires you to liaise with officials in various agencies to ensure goods are cleared through customs or quarantine. You will also arrange for transportation, warehousing or product distribution of imported or exported goods and liaise with Freight Forwarders.


Qualifications, Experience, and Skills:


• Certificate (university graduate bachelor degree)
• Years of experience: minimum one year in procurement, forwarding, customs clearance.
• The job of Customs Clearance officer demands a thorough understanding of the law, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, political processes and agency rules.
• Strong communication skills are vital in this role both written and verbally, as you will be required to compile documentation and you must be able to interpret the law on behalf of customers in a clear and simple manner.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are required in the role of Customs Clearance officer as you will be dealing with various agencies in the course of your daily work.
• Complex problem solving and the ability to engage critical thinking skills will be required as well as the ability to actively listen and interpret concisely.
• Although you will work as part of a team, a Customs Clearance officer needs to be self-motivating and be able to organize their work effectively and maintain records.
• You must be able to operate computer programs such as Windows and any other software that is standard within the industry