Senior Customs & International Trade Consultant

Blue Water Shipping; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Water Shipping seeks a Senior Customs & International Trade Consultant to strengthen our capabilities in Malaysia. Based in Klang or Johor Bahru, you will assess complex international trade transactions and advise on regulatory requirements to optimise compliance and commercial results.

You will engage with RMCD/JKDM, MIDA and MITI while developing practical, risk‑managed solutions for multinational clients across diverse supply chains.

Qualifications

• Formal customs-related training covering tariff classification, customs valuation and import/export procedures.
• Experience with FTAs and duty optimisation strategies is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert customs and international trade advisory services to clients across industries.
• Assess complex import, export, cross-trade and international supply chain transactions for compliance risks and opportunities.
• Advise on customs regulations, tariff classification, valuation, FTAs, origin rules, exemptions and trade compliance requirements.
• Identify and implement duty and tax optimisation opportunities through compliant customs solutions and incentive programmes.
• Conduct customs compliance reviews, audits, risk assessments and post-clearance reviews.
• Prepare technical advice, submissions, applications and correspondence on customs and trade matters.
• Support clients in Free Zones, LMW, warehousing facilities and regional distribution networks.
• Engage with government authorities including RMCD/JKDM, MIDA, MITI and other stakeholders.
• Deliver practical, commercially sound and compliant solutions as a trusted advisor.

Skills

Customs advisory

Tariff classification

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in International Trade

Job description

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced and commercially minded Senior Customs & International Trade Consultant to support and develop our Customs and International Trade capabilities within the Malaysian market. The role can be based in either Klang or Johor Bahru.

The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing complex international trade transactions, identifying customs risks and opportunities and developing compliant and commercially effective solutions.

Your Role

• Provide expert customs and international trade advisory services to clients across various industries.
• Assess complex import, export, cross-trade and international supply chain transactions to identify compliance risks and commercial opportunities.
• Advise clients on customs regulations, tariff classification, customs valuation, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Rules of Origin, duty exemptions, and trade compliance requirements.
• Identify and implement duty and tax optimisation opportunities through compliant customs solutions and incentive programmes.
• Conduct customs compliance reviews, audits, risk assessments and post-clearance reviews.
• Prepare technical advice, submissions, applications and correspondence relating to customs and international trade matters.
• Support clients operating within Free Zones, Licensed Manufacturing Warehouses (LMW), warehousing facilities and regional distribution networks.
• Engage and liaise with government authorities including the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD/JKDM), MIDA, MITI and other relevant stakeholders.
• Act as a trusted advisor by delivering practical, commercially sound and compliant solutions to clients.

Your Background

Mandatory Customs Qualification

• Successfully completed formal customs-related training or studies relevant to Malaysian Customs requirements and procedures. Acceptable training may include Malaysian Customs Studies, Customs Procedures and Documentation, Customs Clearance/Brokerage courses, or an equivalent recognised customs or international trade qualification. The completed course or qualification must specifically include substantive training in the following areas:
• Tariff Classification – including the Harmonized System (HS), tariff interpretation and classification of imported goods;
• Customs Valuation – including the principles and methods used to determine customs value;
• Import and Export Procedures – including customs declarations, documentation, clearance processes and payment of duties and taxes;
• Import Requirements and Controls – including prohibited/restricted imports, permits, licences, exemptions and other regulatory requirements;
• Customs Brokerage / Clearance Services – including preparation and processing of customs declarations and interaction with Malaysian Customs; and
• General understanding of Malaysian customs legislation, compliance requirements and customs procedures.

Note

• Completion of an appropriate customs course or formal customs qualification covering the above areas is a mandatory requirement for the position. Candidates who have general logistics, freight forwarding or supply-chain experience but have not completed formal customs training covering these core technical areas will not satisfy this requirement.
• Relevant practical experience in Malaysian customs clearance, customs brokerage, tariff classification or trade compliance will be highly regarded but does not replace the mandatory customs training requirement.

Other Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in International Trade & Business, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Commerce, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years' experience in Customs & International Trade, preferably in a consulting, advisory or senior technical role.
• Strong knowledge of Malaysian Customs legislation, regulations and import/export requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in customs advisory, trade compliance, tariff classification, customs valuation, FTAs and duty optimisation strategies.
• Experience supporting multinational companies and complex international supply chains, including cross-trade and regional distribution activities.
• Proven ability to manage complex customs matters independently and develop practical business solutions.
• Experience engaging with RMCD and other relevant regulatory authorities would be highly advantageous.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercially minded, proactive and solution-oriented, with the ability to communicate confidently with clients, government agencies and senior stakeholders.

Benefits

About Blue Water Shipping

Blue Water is a global provider of all logistics services in modern supply chain management. The company was founded in 1972 in Denmark, and today, Blue Water has over 2,700 employees at 80 offices worldwide. Every Blue Water office combines a strong global network with local expertise, and the company operates in various dedicated business segments.