Customs Clearing Controller at Boardroom Appointments

Purpose of the Role

• To manage customs clearing activities and bonded warehouse operations while ensuring full compliance with SARS Customs legislation, internal procedures and customer requirements.

Position Summary

• The Customs Clearing Controller - Bonded Warehouse will be responsible for managing customs entries, bonded warehouse compliance, customs documentation, SARS interactions, Easy Clear processing, operational accuracy and customer service. The successful candidate must have solid customs clearing experience, proven bonded warehouse exposure and advanced working knowledge of Easy Clear.

Key Accountabilities

Customs Operations

• Manage import and export customs clearing processes from document receipt to final release.
• Prepare, check and submit customs declarations accurately and timeously.
• Ensure correct tariff classification, customs valuation, origin requirements and supporting documentation.
• Identify and resolve customs queries, documentation discrepancies and compliance risks.
• Ensure customs entries are processed in line with SARS Customs requirements and company procedures.
• Coordinate with internal teams, clients, transporters and regulatory authorities to ensure smooth clearance.

Bonded Warehouse Management

• Manage bonded warehouse processes and compliance controls.
• Monitor bonded cargo movements, stock records, removals in bond and related documentation.
• Ensure accurate inventory reconciliation and proper control of bonded stock.
• Ensure compliance with SARS bonded warehouse requirements, procedures and audit standards.
• Identify and escalate compliance risks relating to bonded cargo, documentation or system records.
• Support internal and external audits relating to bonded warehouse operations.

Easy Clear Administration

• Process and supervise customs entries through Easy Clear.
• Ensure all Easy Clear submissions are accurate, compliant and completed within required timelines.
• Support team members with Easy Clear queries and system processes.
• Maintain correct customs records and electronic documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve processing accuracy, turnaround times and system discipline.

Compliance and Regulatory Affairs

• Maintain compliance with SARS Customs legislation and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Liaise directly with SARS, customs authorities and other regulatory bodies where required.
• Prepare for customs audits, inspections and compliance reviews.
• Ensure internal procedures are followed and updated when regulations or operational needs change.
• Support management in maintaining high standards of customs compliance and revenue protection.

Team Leadership and Operational Control

• Supervise and support customs clearing personnel where applicable.
• Monitor productivity, accuracy and service delivery within the customs clearing function.
• Provide guidance, coaching and training on customs procedures and Easy Clear requirements.
• Escalate operational challenges and recommend practical solutions.
• Drive a culture of accuracy, urgency, compliance and accountability.

Customer Service and Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships with customers, internal departments and external stakeholders.
• Provide customers with accurate updates on clearance status and documentation requirements.
• Resolve customs-related customer queries professionally and efficiently.
• Support customer retention by delivering reliable, compliant and efficient customs service.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 5 years' experience in Customs Clearing.
• Proven experience with Bonded Warehouse operations and compliance.
• Advanced working experience using Easy Clear.
• Strong knowledge of SARS Customs legislation, procedures and documentation requirements.
• Strong understanding of tariff classification, customs valuation, origin requirements and import/export processes.
• Experience dealing directly with SARS and regulatory authorities.
• Strong attention to detail, communication skills and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict clearance deadlines.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working in a freight forwarding, logistics or customs clearing environment.
• Experience supervising customs clearing teams or supporting junior controllers.
• Knowledge of bonded warehouse licensing, stock controls and SARS audit requirements.
• Experience handling complex customs entries, compliance queries or customs audits.
• Strong customer service and stakeholder management experience.

Travel Requirements

• Regular customer visits and operational site visits may be required.
• Travel within South Africa and, where applicable, the SADC region may be required depending on business needs.