Import-Export Co-ordinator at Lactalis South Africa

Job Description    

• The Import-Export Co-ordinator is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of global trade operations. This includes ensuring compliance with customs regulations, managing shipping and transportation logistics, and maintaining accurate records related to international shipments. Primary focus of the role will be the administration and support on Import-Export shipments and tasks.

Required Skills    

• 3-year Qualification (Diploma, Degree etc) – Import/Export Trade related
• 4-5 years’ experience in Imports-Exports operations, logistics, & customs compliance
• Strong knowledge of Import & Export procedures and South African customs requirements 
• Certification in International Trade (e.g. Certified Customs Specialist) will be advantageous
• Good understanding of HS codes, tariff classification, customs duties, and Incoterms 
• Knowledge of import/export permits, inspections, and regulatory certification processes.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities
• High level of accuracy in documentation and record keeping
• Excellent attention to detail and strong administrative, multitasking and organisational skills
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Strong compliance mindset with the ability to identify and mitigate potential risks
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Coordinate import and export shipments to ensure the timely and efficient movement of goods.
• Prepare, review, and process shipping documentation, including commercial/proforma invoices, packing lists, customs declarations, Bills of Lading, Certificates of Origin (COO), SADC certificates, Certificates of Analysis (COA), veterinary permits, and other relevant documents.
• Capture and process orders accurately and provide support throughout the order fulfilment process.
• Manage import and export permit application processes and ensure all required approvals are obtained.
• Coordinate inspections and validate import/export shipments and supporting documentation.
• Book inspections and coordinate applications for required certificates and approvals through relevant authorities, including Health, Veterinary Services, and PPECB.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including inspection companies, government departments, customs authorities, freight partners, and other service providers.
• Ensure all shipments comply with applicable South African import/export regulations, international trade legislation, customs requirements, and company policies.
• Identify potential import/export compliance risks and provide guidance on applicable South African import and export restrictions and regulations.
• Complete and manage import/export checklists and ensure all processes are followed for each shipment.
• Monitor and track shipments, proactively communicating status updates, delays, and potential issues to internal teams and clients.
• Investigate and resolve shipment-related challenges, including delays, damages, documentation discrepancies, and customs holds.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date trackers of all import and export transactions and supporting documentation.
• Ensure documentation is accurate, complete, compliant, and readily available for audit purposes.
• Stay up to date with changes to international trade laws, customs legislation, tariffs, duties, and import/export regulations.
• Perform tariff determination and HS code classification to ensure goods are correctly classified and the applicable customs duties and import taxes are accurately determined.
• Apply knowledge of Harmonized System (HS) classification to correctly categorise products for customs and international trade purposes.
• Apply sound knowledge of Incoterms and customs legislation when managing international trade transactions.
• Prepare cost models, landed-cost calculations, estimates, and related import/export costings.
• Provide general support and guidance on import/export processes to internal stakeholders where required