Customs Clearance Specialist

SF EXPRESS (EUROPE); East Midlands; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

SF Express is expanding its UK customs clearance operations to support China-UK cross-border logistics. We are seeking an experienced Customs Clearance Specialist to manage daily customs declarations, ensure regulatory compliance and support development of our brokerage services across the UK.

The role covers major UK gateways including EMA, LHR, STN, LGW and Felixstowe, with duties spanning CDS usage, HS classification, valuation, duties, VAT and document checks, liaising with HMRC, ports and

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of UK customs clearance, freight forwarding or import/export compliance experience.
• Hands-on experience with UK CDS and customs declaration software.
• Strong knowledge of UK procedures, HS classification, valuation, duties and VAT.
• Good understanding of HMRC requirements and compliance.
• Fluent English; Mandarin is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily import and export customs declarations for air and sea freight.
• Review HS codes, valuation, origin, duties, VAT and supporting documents.
• Resolve holds, inspections and clearance issues with HMRC, Border Force, ports, forwarders and customers.
• Develop and maintain customs clearance SOPs, compliance procedures, risk controls and document retention processes.
• Support customs authorisation applications, including SCDP, DDA and/or AEO where applicable.
• Help establish clearance capabilities at key UK gateways and support system integration and third-party development.

Skills

Fluent English

Communication

Problem-solving

Coordination

Mandarin (adv)

Education

Diploma or degree in Logistics or International Trade

Tools

UK CDS

Customs software

Job description

SF Express is expanding its UK customs clearance business to support China-UK cross-border logistics. We are looking for an experienced Customs Clearance Specialist to manage daily customs operations, ensure regulatory compliance and support the development of our customs brokerage services across the UK.

The role will cover major UK air and sea gateways, including Heathrow (LHR), East Midlands (EMA), Stansted (STN), Gatwick (LGW) and Felixstowe, supporting B2B, B2C and C2C shipments.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily import and export customs declarations for air and sea freight using the UK Customs Declaration Service (CDS) and relevant software.
• Review HS codes, customs valuation, origin, duties, VAT and supporting documentation to ensure accurate and compliant declarations.
• Resolve customs holds, inspections and clearance issues, liaising with HMRC, Border Force, ports, freight forwarders and customers.
• Develop and maintain customs clearance SOPs, compliance procedures, risk controls and document retention processes.
• Support customs authorisation applications, including SCDP, DDA and AEO where applicable, as well as BIFA membership.
• Help establish clearance capabilities at key UK gateways and support customs system integration and third-party business development.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of UK customs clearance, freight forwarding or import/export compliance experience.
• Hands-on experience with UK CDS and customs declaration software.
• Strong knowledge of UK customs procedures, HS classification, valuation, duties, VAT and customs documentation.
• Good understanding of HMRC requirements and customs compliance.
• Fluent professional English, with strong communication, problem-solving and coordination skills.
• Mandarin Chinese is an advantage.
• Experience with UK airport or seaport customs clearance, particularly LHR, EMA or Felixstowe.
• Experience supporting SCDP, DDA or AEO applications and compliance framework development.
• Diploma or degree in Logistics, International Trade, Supply Chain or a related field preferred.