About the Role
Reporting directly to the Head of Customs, you will support the preparation and review of documentation for UK customs declarations, primarily relating to maritime imports arriving from China.
The successful candidate will be trained progressively in the wider customs clearance process, developing practical knowledge across commodity classification, valuation, compliance, and customs warehousing. We are looking for a proactive, hardworking "go-getter" with a strong desire to learn and build a long-term career in international trade.
Key Responsibilities
Customs Documentation & Compliance
· Receive, organize, and thoroughly check commercial invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading for maritime imports.
· Identify inconsistencies in product descriptions, quantities, values, and shipping details.
· Conduct preliminary checks on importer EORI and VAT information, commodity codes, and countries of origin.
· Assist the Head of Customs with data entry, declaration preparation, and ensuring all compliance records are stored securely for audits.
Client & Operational Communication
· Act as the bridge between UK and China-based clients, communicating professionally in both English and Chinese.
· Proactively follow up with clients and freight-forwarding partners to obtain missing information or corrected documents.
· Provide regular updates on clearance progress and escalate complex compliance concerns or unusual transactions to the Head of Customs.
Shipment & Record Management
· Maintain accurate internal shipment records, trackers, and client files.
· Monitor vessel arrivals and prioritize workload based on shipment urgency and clearance deadlines.
· Support post-clearance checks, document distribution, and general customs administration.
Learning and Career Development
As your knowledge and experience grow, you will receive hands-on exposure to:
· The Customs Declaration Service (CDS) and related port systems such as Destin8.
· UK commodity classification and the Trade Tariff.
· Customs valuation, preferential/non-preferential origin, and import VAT accounting.
· Customs Procedure Codes (CPCs) and customs warehousing.
· HMRC communications and post-clearance reviews.
Candidate Profile
Essential Requirements
· Languages: Professional fluency in English and confident communication in Chinese (spoken Mandarin or Cantonese, and written Chinese).
· Attention to Detail: Meticulous and careful with data, able to spot errors or inconsistencies across multiple documents.
· Attitude: Proactive, solution-focused, and persistent. You take ownership of follow-up actions and are motivated by continuous learning.
· Organization: Calm and methodical under pressure, capable of managing multiple shipments and shifting priorities without losing accuracy.
· IT Literacy: Comfortable working with numbers, spreadsheets, emails, and document-management systems.
· Team Fit: Honest about errors, willing to ask questions, accept feedback, and work collaboratively in a small team.
Desirable Experience
· Previous experience in customs clearance, freight forwarding, or import/export administration.
· Familiarity with commercial invoices, commodity codes, Incoterms, EORI numbers, or customs procedures.
· A relevant qualification in supply-chain management, business, or international trade.
Pay: £26,000.00-£29,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
