Customs Agent (Import/Export)

IGB Group; Bottom o'th' Moor; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Career progression

Compliance training

Friendly environment

UK & Ireland growth

Job summary

Irish Freight Solutions in Bolton is seeking an experienced Customs Clearance Agent to join our growing Customs team. You will manage UK import and export declarations with accuracy and deliver a high level of customer service.

The role requires a minimum of 3 years' customs clearance experience, strong knowledge of Thyme-IT, CDS and TSS, and the ability to work in a fast-paced logistics environment.

You’ll liaise with HMRC and other authorities and support ongoing compliance across all shipments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in customs clearance.
• Strong knowledge of Thyme-IT, CDS and TSS platforms.
• Experience with CHEDs, SPS movements and UK transit/CK procedures.
• Ability to review invoices for customs compliance and classify goods.
• Proactive problem solving and customer-focused communication.

Responsibilities

• Complete UK import/export declarations accurately and efficiently.
• Process entries on Thyme-IT and other platforms as required.
• Prepare CHEDs and transit declarations (T1/T2) and ENS/Safety declarations.
• Liaise with HMRC, Border Force and other authorities.
• Review documentation for customs compliance and correct commodity codes.
• Maintain clear communication with customers and internal teams.
• Ensure files are completed in line with current legislation.

Skills

Thyme-IT

CDS

TSS

CHEDs

SPS movements

UK import procedures

UK export procedures

Customs compliance

Customer service

Job description

Job Title: Customs Clearance Agent

Location: Bolton

Department: Customs

Reports To: Customs Supervisor / Customs Manager

Working hours would be 10:00-19:00

Monday to Friday in the office

About the Role

Irish Freight Solutions is looking for an experienced Customs Clearance Agent to join our growing Customs team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a minimum of 3 years' customs clearance experience who can confidently manage customs declarations across a variety of customs platforms while delivering an exceptional level of customer service.

The successful candidate will have strong knowledge of UK import and export customs procedures, CHEDs, SPS movements, and customs compliance, with the ability to work accurately in a fast-paced logistics environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete UK import and export customs declarations accurately and efficiently.
• Process customs entries using Thyme-IT and other customs platforms including CDS, TSS and customer-specific systems where required.
• Complete and manage:
  • CHED-P
  • CHED-D
  • CHED-A
  • CHED-PP
• Prepare and submit:
  • Transit declarations (T1/T2)
  • ENS declarations
  • Safety & Security declarations
• Liaise with HMRC, Border Force, DAFM, DAERA and other relevant authorities.
• Review commercial invoices and supporting documentation to ensure customs compliance.
• Correctly classify goods using commodity codes and determine origin where applicable.
• Identify customs issues proactively and work with customers to resolve them before they become delays.
• Maintain excellent communication with customers, agents, hauliers and internal departments.
• Ensure all customs files are completed accurately and comply with current legislation.
• Keep up to date with changes in customs legislation and border processes.

Essential Requirements

• Minimum 3 years' experience working within customs clearance.
• Strong working knowledge of Thyme-IT.
• Experience using additional customs platforms such as CDS, TSS and other declaration systems.
• Proven experience completing UK export customs declarations.
• Strong knowledge of UK import procedures.
• Experience processing CHEDs and SPS movements.
• Good understanding of transit procedures (T1/T2).
• Knowledge of Rules of Origin, commodity classification and customs valuation.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads.
• Confident communicator with a customer-first attitude.
• Ability to work under pressure whilst maintaining a high level of accuracy.

Desirable

• Experience with Irish customs procedures.
• Experience with GVMS, PBNs and ferry systems.
• Knowledge of ATA Carnets.
• Experience handling live food, veterinary or plant products.
• Customs qualifications (desirable but not essential).

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who takes ownership, enjoys solving problems and is passionate about delivering excellent customer service. The ideal candidate will be proactive, organised and capable of managing multiple customs entries while ensuring customers receive timely updates throughout the clearance process.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• Company pension.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Ongoing customs and compliance training.
• Supportive and friendly working environment.
• Opportunity to join one of the fastest-growing logistics businesses in the UK & Ireland