Profile Snapshot
Title: Senior Customs Clearance Officer
Location: Al Ain, Al Ain Food and Beverages
Position Type: Full Time
What Will Your Day Look Like?
The Senior Customs Clearance Officer will independently manage and execute end-to-end customs self-clearance operations in full compliance with UAE customs regulations, while optimizing clearance efficiency to minimize delays, demurrage, detention costs, and operational risk.
How Will You Make an Impact?
Self-Clearance Operations
• Independently perform end-to-end self-clearance for import and export shipments without engaging third-party clearing agents.
• Prepare, submit, and track customs declarations through Dubai Trade, Bayan, Mirsal 2, and other applicable customs platforms.
• Coordinate directly with customs authorities, ports, and relevant regulatory bodies to ensure timely cargo release.
Regulatory & Compliance Management
• Manage all required approvals, registrations, and certifications with MOFA, MOIAT, IDB, FIRS, and other applicable authorities.
• Ensure accurate HS code classification, customs valuation, country of origin compliance, and complete, error-free documentation.
• Professionally handle customs inspections, examinations, and queries to avoid delays and non-compliance.
• Support AEO compliance initiatives and effectively utilize AEO benefits where applicable.
Risk & Cost Control
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks that may result in demurrage, detention, storage charges, or penalties.
• Monitor clearance timelines closely and escalate potential issues in advance of vessel or shipment arrival.
• Ensure pre-clearance readiness through thorough advance review and verification of shipping and regulatory documents.
Documentation & Process Control
• Review and validate commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, permits, and approvals prior to shipment arrival.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and audit-ready clearance records, reports, and supporting documentation.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve SOPs related to customs clearance, regulatory compliance, and process efficiency.
Coordination & Stakeholder Management
• Work closely with Procurement, Finance, Sales, Warehousing, and Freight teams to ensure operational alignment and smooth clearance execution.
• Provide clear guidance and advisory support to internal stakeholders on customs regulations and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate with vendors and suppliers to resolve documentation discrepancies and ensure regulatory compliance.
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
• Track, analyze, and report key customs clearance KPIs, including clearance lead time, cost impact, and exception management.
• Identify process gaps and recommend practical improvements to enhance clearance efficiency, cost control, and regulatory compliance.
Qualifications, Experience & Skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Experience
- 2–5+ years of hands-on experience in customs clearance operations within the UAE.
- Strong working knowledge of UAE customs laws, regulations, and clearance procedures.
Functional Knowledge
- Mandatory proven experience in end-to-end self-clearance for import and export shipments.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating directly with customs authorities and regulatory bodies.
Technical Competencies
- Strong expertise in HS code classification, customs valuation, country of origin rules, and applicable customs laws.
- High attention to detail with a strong compliance-focused mindset.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
- Proven ability to manage high-volume shipments under tight timelines and operational pressure.
- Confident and effective communication skills with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and responsibility for end-to-end clearance outcomes.
Grow with Agthia – For the Better
Agthia Group is one of the region’s leading Food & Beverage companies, with a growing international footprint. We are a publicly listed company on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and part of ADQ, one of region’s largest holding companies.
Rooted in Abu Dhabi since 1978, we've grown into a global presence, operating in countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan. We’ve built a diverse portfolio of over 35 market-leading brands across Water & Food, Snacking, Protein & Frozen, and Agri-Business – touching the lives of millions of consumers in more than 65 global markets. With sustainability at the core of our innovations, we’ve pioneered several world-first products, setting new benchmarks in industry and meeting the evolving needs of communities worldwide.
Over 12,000 people from more than 67 nationalities are at the heart of shaping our purpose driven future, supported by an agile environment which encourages collaboration, creativity, and the freedom to make a real difference. With a competitive benefits package, genuine opportunities to advance, and a focus on continuous learning and development, we’re committed to supporting your growth as we work together to deliver excellence “For the Better.”
Join us and be part of a team that's not just shaping the future of food and beverage but also making a meaningful impact on the world. Together, let's grow 'For the Better.'