Customs Clearance Clerk Job

Working as a Customs Clearance Clerk 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 Clerk 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 Clerk is involved in determining the level of duties and taxes to be paid including the processing of payments on behalf of clients.

What does a Customs Clearance Job description include?

• As a Customs Clearance Clerk 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.
• You will be entering details onto specialised customs software including CHIEF, CNS, Destin8 and CFSP.
• Allocating the correct licence depending on type of goods being imported.
• The Customs Clearance Clerk can be involved in attending meetings with Customs Officials in the application of duty refunds and tariff reclassification as appropriate and will assist with any appeals that are forthcoming.
• 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 Clerk 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.

Key skills and qualifications of a Customs Clearance Clerk

• To be employed as a Customs Clearance Clerk you will usually require previous experience working in a similar role depending upon the level of the job.
• The job of Customs Clearance Clerk 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 Clerk 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 Clerk needs to be self-motivating and be able to organise 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.

How to find more Customs Clearance jobs within the Freight Forwarding Industry:

To find more Customs Clearance Clerk jobs or other jobs within this sector, or to place a vacancy, please contact us.