Customs Declarations Specialist (CDS) – UK Freight Forwarding

Perform Recruitment; Basildon; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20 days' annual leave + bank holidays

Milestone Day - extra paid day off

Enhanced pension contributions

Employee discounts platform

Job summary

Perform Recruitment is partnering with a Basildon-based logistics group to appoint a Customs Clearance Coordinator. The role focuses on accurate CDS declarations, timely clearance, and strong collaboration with internal teams and customers.

You will handle imports/exports, apply duties and VAT, and support reporting and invoicing processes. A 1–3 year background in customs is preferred, with MS Office proficiency and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years' experience in Customs, Imports or Customs Compliance
• Practical experience using the CDS (Customs Declaration Service)
• Solid knowledge of UK customs regulations, UK Trade Tariff and commodity classifications
• Familiarity with SPS controls, CITES, ETSF and transit procedures (advantageous)
• Experience with HMRC amendment and duty reclaim processes
• Background in road transport, freight forwarding or logistics is a plus
• Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritise effectively
• Confident communicator with good customer service skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, particularly Word and Excel

Responsibilities

• Completing customs import, export and cross-trade declarations accurately using CDS (Customs Declaration Service)
• Ensuring timely clearance of goods in compliance with HMRC regulations
• Applying Import Duties, VAT and Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) correctly
• Carrying out spot checks and preparing weekly reports for management
• Managing customer quotations - responding within 2 hours of receipt
• Maintaining accurate invoicing within 48 hours of activity
• Building strong relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders
• Identifying and implementing workflow efficiencies
• Providing holiday and sickness cover as required

Skills

Attention to detail

Prioritisation

Customer service

Communication

HMRC compliance knowledge

Tools

MS Office 365 (Word/Excel)

CDS (Customs Declaration Service)

Job description

Perform Recruitment is partnering with a Basildon-based logistics group to appoint a Customs Clearance Coordinator. The role focuses on accurate CDS declarations, timely clearance, and strong collaboration with internal teams and customers.

You will handle imports/exports, apply duties and VAT, and support reporting and invoicing processes. A 1–3 year background in customs is preferred, with MS Office proficiency and strong communication skills.