Customs Operations Specialist

APM Terminals; Manila; On-site; PHP 334,800 - 558,000; Full time

Job summary

APM Terminals in Pasig City is seeking a Customs Operations Specialist to manage end-to-end customs declarations with accuracy and compliance. You will be responsible for validating order requests, managing customer communications, and ensuring clear status visibility.

The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 2 years of customs clearance experience, particularly in the apparel industry, and strong communication skills. You will be part of a diverse team focused on proactive and efficient operations.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in a forwarder or customs clearance department.
• Experience with import customs clearance in apparel.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.

Responsibilities

• Conduct end‑to‑end customs declarations.
• Validate order requests and guide customers.
• Manage corrections and amendments requested by customers.

Skills

Customs regulations knowledge

Harmonized System classification

Customs and billing systems proficiency

Risk & compliance expertise

Effective stakeholder communication

Education

Minimum 2 years in customs clearance

More than a year in apparel import customs

Tools

Applite

Excel

Job description

Customs Operations Specialist

Based in Pasig City, the role performs end‑to‑end customs declarations with first‑time‑right accuracy, on‑time submission, and compliance with local regulations. The position ensures clear status visibility, correct invoice‑basis preparation, and effective communication with customers and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive and validate order requests (online/manual); guide customers on mandatory documents, timelines, and chase missing data.
• Set up orders in customs tools (e.g., Applite) and verify Power of Attorney, commercial agreement, service scope, cash/credit terms, cut‑offs, and late‑filing fee applicability.
• Conduct risk assessment on commodity addressability, country/location acceptance, Denied Party List screening, and direct/indirect representation.
• Accept or reject bookings, assign execution to internal teams or third‑party agents, and file declarations.
• Manage corrections, amendments, and cancellations requested by customers.
• Provide status visibility, update systems (e.g., Applite), and execute order closure and archiving per local legislation.
• Update Management Information System and customer KPIs.
• Prepare invoice basis and validate costs (service charges, duties/VAT, incidental, deferment).
• Coordinate with FinOps/Procure to Pay for accurate dispatch and Global Authority Matrix‑approved corrections.

Accountabilities

• First‑time‑right creation, submission, and closure of customs declarations aligned to country requirements and cut‑offs, with timely customer status visibility.
• Risk‑controlled processing through Denied Party List screening, representation checks, and Authorized Economic Operator‑aligned practices.
• Complete and accurate order setup and documentation validation enabling on‑time service delivery.
• Accurate invoice‑basis preparation that enables correct invoicing and zero revenue leakage.

Required Business / Technical Knowledge

• Knowledge of customs regulations and country‑specific procedures, including representation models.
• Understanding of Harmonized System classification, duty/tax determination, and deferment accounts.
• Proficiency with customs and billing systems (Applite, Kewill, CargoWise One, Global Customs Services System) and Excel‑based validation.
• Risk & compliance expertise (Denied Party List screening, Authorized Economic Operator‑aligned controls).
• Documentation rigor, audit readiness, high accuracy, process discipline, and deadline management.
• Effective stakeholder communication with customers, Customer Experience, Ops, FinOps, and vendors.
• Exception handling and escalation (including Global Authority Matrix processes).

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a forwarder or trading company, customs house broker, or customs clearance department handling import logistics.
• More than a year of experience in import customs clearance in the apparel industry.
• Certified local customs expert or licensed customs broker is a big plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Teams, and Excel; good numeric skills.
• Strong self‑organization, accuracy, and priority management under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with external and internal stakeholders.
• Proactive, independent initiative; self‑discipline and commitment in a fast‑paced environment.
• Team player with a “Can‑do” attitude and willingness to learn and try new things.
• Willingness to work onsite in Pasig City.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, apply for a position, or to perform a job, please contact us by emailing [e-mail].