Key Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end import and export activities for pharmaceutical products, APIs, intermediates, raw materials, packaging materials and other related goods.
- Coordinate with overseas suppliers/customers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, airlines, CHA/customs brokers and transporters.
- Ensure timely shipment planning, documentation, customs clearance and delivery.
- Monitor shipment status and proactively resolve clearance or logistics issues.
- Verify commercial invoices, packing lists, Bills of Lading/Airway Bills, Certificates of Origin and other shipping documents.
- Ensure correct HS classification, applicable duties and compliance with import/export requirements.
2. DGFT & Trade Compliance
- Handle DGFT-related activities including Advance Authorization, EPCG, RoDTEP and other applicable export promotion schemes.
- Manage complete lifecycle of DGFT licenses application, amendment, utilization, monitoring, export obligation fulfillment and closure/redemption.
- Track license validity, quantity/value utilization and Export Obligation to avoid defaults or penalties.
- Prepare and submit applications, declarations, supporting documents and correspondence to DGFT.
- Coordinate with DGFT authorities and consultants for approvals, clarifications and resolution of queries.
- Ensure compliance with the prevailing Foreign Trade Policy, DGFT notifications and applicable regulations.
3. Customs & Regulatory Coordination
- Coordinate with Customs and CHA for import/export clearance.
- Review Bills of Entry, Shipping Bills, duty calculations and customs documentation.
- Coordinate with relevant regulatory authorities for pharma imports/exports wherever applicable.
- Ensure compliance with applicable DGFT, Customs, CDSCO/DCGI, RBI, GST and other statutory requirements.
- Resolve customs queries, assessment issues, documentation discrepancies and clearance delays.
4. Export Documentation & Banking
- Ensure accurate and timely preparation of export documentation.
- Coordinate with Finance/Accounts and banks for LC documentation, payment realization, e-BRC and export-related banking requirements.
- Track export proceeds and ensure timely closure of documentation.
- Maintain complete records of shipping documents, licenses, certificates and statutory filings.
5. Documentation & MIS
- Maintain shipment-wise import/export files and DGFT license records.
- Maintain trackers for Advance Authorization, EPCG, export obligations and license utilization.
- Prepare periodic MIS reports covering import/export shipments, pending clearances, licenses and compliance status.
- Ensure documents are readily available for internal, statutory and regulatory audits.
- Identify documentation gaps and implement corrective actions.
6. Cross-functional Coordination
- Work closely with Procurement, Supply Chain, Finance, Warehouse, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance and Commercial teams.
- Coordinate with overseas vendors/customers regarding shipment schedules and documentation.
- Liaise with external consultants, CHA, freight forwarders and government authorities.
- Support management in identifying opportunities for duty optimization, cost reduction and process improvement.
Required Skills & Competencies
- Strong practical knowledge of Import/Export and DGFT procedures.
- Hands-on experience with Advance Authorization and EPCG.
- Knowledge of RoDTEP and other applicable export incentive schemes.
- Good understanding of Customs clearance and documentation.
- Experience in pharmaceutical/API/raw material import-export operations.
- Knowledge of HS codes, Incoterms, duty structures and international shipping documentation.
- Experience in dealing with CHA, Customs, freight forwarders, DGFT and other government authorities.
- Strong documentation, analytical and follow-up skills.
- Good knowledge of MS Excel and ERP systems such as SAP/Oracle.
- Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills.
- Ability to independently handle multiple shipments and regulatory matters.
Educational Qualification
- Graduate in Commerce / Science / Pharmacy / Business Administration / International Business / Supply Chain or related discipline.
- MBA / Diploma / Certification in EXIM, International Trade or Supply Chain Management will be an added advantage.
Desired Candidate Profile
- 7–10 years of relevant experience, preferably from the Pharmaceutical/API industry.
- Candidates with strong hands-on exposure to Import + Export + DGFT will be preferred.
- Should have independently handled Advance Authorization, EPCG, Export Obligation, Customs clearance and DGFT compliance.
- Should be comfortable coordinating with government authorities, CHA, freight forwarders, banks and internal stakeholders.
- Strong preference for candidates who have worked in a pharmaceutical manufacturing/API/export-oriented organization.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Timely customs clearance of import/export shipments.
- 100% accuracy and compliance in EXIM documentation.
- Timely processing, utilization and closure/redemption of DGFT licenses.
- Zero penalties/defaults arising from DGFT or customs non-compliance.
- Timely fulfillment of Export Obligations.
- Timely realization and closure of export documentation/e-BRC.
- Reduction in shipment delays, demurrage and avoidable logistics costs.
- Audit-ready maintenance of all EXIM and DGFT records.Role & responsibilities
Preferred candidate profile