Manager, Trade Compliance (MENA)

IHerb; Dubai; On-site; AED 330,000 - 441,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading e-commerce company is looking for an experienced Manager of Trade Compliance to oversee compliance efforts for products in the MENA region. The candidate will ensure regulatory compliance, manage the product clearance process, and collaborate with local authorities. This role requires at least 8 years of experience in regulatory policies and a strong understanding of compliance in the supplements and cosmetics industries. Proficiency in English is mandatory, with Arabic preferred. Join a dynamic team dedicated to maintaining high compliance standards.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of experience with regulatory policies and laws globally.
• Experience in the retail industry is preferred but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Oversee import and regulatory compliance for products in MENA.
• Manage governmental approvals and permits for product clearance.
• Act as a subject matter expert on prohibited ingredients.
• Collaborate with local government regulators for product registration.
• Ensure compliance with local labeling and documentation standards.
• Assign and audit HTS classifications for imported products.
• Advise on customs valuation and duty mitigation strategies.
• Develop trade compliance policies specifically for MENA.
• Conduct training on compliance requirements for internal teams.
• Drive improvements in trade compliance processes.

Skills

Compliance knowledge

Regulatory review

Tariff classification

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation skills

English fluency

Arabic proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent compliance experience

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and highly specialized Manager of Trade Compliance to lead our import and regulatory compliance efforts for iHerb across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This newly created role is vital to ensuring seamless market access, managing regulatory risk and maintaining the highest standards of compliance within this complex and rapidly evolving market.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in MENA regulatory frameworks, customs requirements and the specific ingredient and labeling restrictions for the supplements and cosmetics industries.

Regulatory Compliance & Market Access

Product Clearance

Oversee and manage the end‑to‑end process of obtaining necessary governmental approvals and permits to ensure our supplements and cosmetic products are legally allowed into various countries within the MENA region.

Prohibited Ingredient Review

Act as the subject matter expert on prohibited and restricted ingredients in MENA markets, systematically reviewing all product formulations against local regulations (e.g. GCC standardization).

Government Relations

Collaborate directly with local government regulators, ministries of Health, customs authorities, and standards organizations (e.g. SFDA, ESMA) to facilitate product registration, resolve clearance issues and stay informed of regulatory changes.

Labeling and Documentation

Ensure all required import and registration documentation is accurate, complete and compliant with local standards including specific labeling requirements.

Customs & Classification

HTS Classification

Assign, audit and correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications for all imported products, ensuring accuracy to minimize customs delays and duty exposure.

Customs Broker Management

Oversee the performance of local customs brokers and logistics partners, providing them with necessary compliance information and managing import declarations.

Duty & Tax Management

Advise on customs valuation, Incoterms and duty mitigation strategies in compliance with local regulations.

Strategy & Training

Risk Management

Develop and implement proactive trade compliance policies and procedures tailored to the supplements and cosmetics categories in the MENA context.

Internal Training

Conduct regular training for internal teams (e.g. Supply Chain, Marketing, Legal) on compliance requirements, classification and regulatory updates.

Process Improvement

Drive continuous improvement in trade compliance processes to increase efficiency and reduce lead times for product launches.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Solid knowledge and experience in compliance, tariff classification, regulatory review and product compliance.
• Ability to manage complex issues and develop practical solutions while maintaining discretion and protecting confidentiality.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build trustworthy relationships with colleagues and business partners yet maintain a high degree of independence and professional standing.
• Strong negotiation skills with a solid understanding of commercial processes.
• Proven ability to interpret and apply complex, often varying, regulations from MENA governmental bodies (e.g. health ministries, standards organizations). Fluent written and verbal English language.
• Understanding of compliance best practices and typical risk/red flag issues and practices.
• Knowledge of and experience advising on regulations, tariff schedules, sanctions and other compliance‑related laws and regulations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; proficiency in Arabic is highly preferred.

Experience Requirements

• At least 8 years of experience working with relevant regulatory policies and laws globally.
• Working experience in the retail industry is preferred but not mandatory.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent compliance experience.

Work Environment

• Fast‑paced with multi‑level responsibilities.
• Professional yet casual work environment.
• Office / Warehouse environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

iHerb is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. iHerb provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment.