Customs Compliance Specialist

Inter IKEA Group; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global retail company is seeking a Customs Compliance Specialist in the United Arab Emirates to ensure compliance for import/export activities. Candidates should have 3-5 years of experience in customs activities, a Bachelor's degree, and strong knowledge of customs regulations. The role involves liaising with customs authorities and maintaining compliance procedures. Fluency in English and proficiency in MS Office are essential, as well as an analytical mindset to adapt to regulatory changes.

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of experience in Customs and Compliance activities.
• Experience working with external authorities.
• Customs experience across multiple countries is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for day-to-day compliance activities in Customs and Trade Compliance.
• Serve as direct liaison with customs authorities for compliance activities.
• Establish and maintain compliance procedures and working methods.

Skills

Strong knowledge of customs and trade compliance

Proficient in MS Office applications

Fluent in English

Strong analytical mindset

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field

Job description

Company Description

You see things a little differently. So do we! At IKEA, we believe that what you value is more important than what your CV says. We offer positions that will challenge your skills and let you grow. Come see things a little differently with us.

The role of IKEA Supply is to supply the IKEA range at the lowest total cost, making high quality available to the customer under good social and environmental conditions. Are you passionate about the IKEA business, culture and values and want to contribute to make beautiful homes available for the many? Then this opportunity might be for you.

Job Description

In Customs and Trade Compliance, we act as a strategic partner to create a culture of compliance and drive the continuous pursuit of operational excellence. Our mission is to enable an agile and compliant value chain through active customs and trade facilitation, to make the IKEA vision and strategies a living reality.

We are now looking for a new Customs Compliance Specialist to join us in this exciting mission! The role as Customs Compliance Specialist will ensure the efficiency and compliance of the import and export activities within the assigned geographical locations.

Main Responsibilities

• Responsible for day-to-day compliance activities and operations within in Customs and Trade Compliance function, including, but not limited to post entry/re-taxation, 4 eye classification principle, bonded/FTZ, drawback, free trade agreement programs and utilization, and expansion into new markets, as well as other government agency enforcement requirements through customs authorities.
• Serve as direct liaison with customs authorities specific for daily compliance activities and special regulatory procedures and programs such as free trade agreements, post entry / re-taxation filings, disclosures, for information and drawback. Provide support to CO team and the countries assigned within a designated geographical region with regulatory requirements as needed.
• To establish and maintain controls that ensure compliance and mitigate risks of non-compliance. Lead or support the resolution of customs compliance issues as they arise in assigned geographical location
• Establish and maintain compliance procedures, working methods, and systems/tools requirements in assigned geographical location,
• Assist Customs and Trade Compliance activities in the areas of audits, ADD/CVD investigations, rulings, court cases, as well as single window initiatives.
• Lead or support periodic self-reviews and audits and provide assistance with external customs audits as needed.
• Provide customs and trade advice to key stakeholders and projects to integrate customs and compliance into IKEA’s value chain, delivering both compliance and cost reduction.
• Contribute to IKEA Requirements and Compliance working groups (PRIO/CRIO) in IKEA, when needed and anchor results in working methods.
• Ensure tariff number accuracy within the assigned geographical locations where an Inter IKEA legal entity is the importer of record, using the 4-eye principle. Manage day to day classification activities, including tariff disputes. Identify required other government agency import/export requirements associated with assigned classification and supplier/origin. Ensure these requirements are communicated within the IKEA value chain and operations.
• Assist in defining requirements and testing for customs tools and solutions that support compliance with legal requirements. Provide support with regulatory interpretation and gap analyses of current working methods and solution configuration.
• Contribute to customs expansion projects to ensure compliance readiness before the start of customs operations.
• Build strategic relationships and networks with internal and external business partners, including Customs or Government officials/agencies, to minimize risk and maximize customs and trade benefits, supporting compliance and improving operational efficiency to lower costs.
• Conduct customs related training and education programs to enhance customs compliance awareness, knowledge and capabilities in IKEA and among suppliers.
• Maintain up to date regulatory knowledge and analytical skills to adapt to changes in business, regulations or systems change to meet the business needs.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of customs and trade compliance include classification, valuation, country of origin, free trade agreements, bonded management and other customs related topics.
• A comprehensive understanding of how customs function within the value and supply chain, and how to incorporate customs and trade compliance controls into operations.
• Proficiency in conducting compliance reviews and working with external customs audit.
• Proficient in MS Office applications
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
• Process-driven with a proactive approach to find better ways of working.
• Strong analytical mindset and attention to detail.
• Self-starter with the ability to learn quickly.
• Deep understanding of customs and trade compliance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment and effectively address challenges that come with rapidly changing regulatory and business environment

Essentials

• 3 to 5 years of experience in Customs and Compliance activities.
• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field from an accredited college/university, or equivalent experience.
• Experience working with external authorities.
• Strong analytical, investigative, and interpersonal skills.
• Abilities to exercise tact, restraint and discretion in handling critical and confidential issues.
• Experience in customs operations or a leadership role.
• Customs experience across multiple countries is a strong advantage.
• Experience in internal auditing or project management is a plus

Additional Information

Does this sound like the next step for you? Then send in your application along with a cover letter no later than 5 January 2026.

Start date? As soon as possible!

We can’t wait to hear from you!