Customs Clerk

Clydesdale Personnel Management; Durban; On-site; ZAR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Junior Customs Clerk role in Durban aimed at providing administrative and operational support for the Customs Department. You will assist with preparing, capturing, and monitoring customs declarations and related documentation, ensuring accuracy per SARS requirements.

Ideal candidates will have Grade 12, basic Excel skills, and a meticulous, detail-oriented approach suitable for a high-volume shipping environment. Training and career progression are available within the Durban operations.

Qualifications

• Educational requirement: Grade 12 / Matric certificate.
• Strong computer skills: MS Office and Excel.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Team collaboration and good communication.

Responsibilities

• Capture customs declarations accurately and timeously on the company’s system.
• Assist with import/export entries and bonded cargo processing.
• Verify tariff codes, values, quantities, and country of origin.
• Maintain filing systems and prepare related documentation.
• Assist with reports and customs-related administrative tasks.

Job description

Junior Customs Clerk

Department:
Location:
Customs / Clearing & Forwarding (Durban Operations
Mobeni- Durban
Reports To:
Customs Manager / Customs Supervisor
Duration:
Permanent

Our client based in Umbilo is currently seeking an energetic and motivated Junior Customs Clerk to join our expanding Customs / Clearing & Forwarding division. The position provides an excellent opportunity to develop practical knowledge and experience in South African customs clearance, SARS Customs and Excise procedures, bonded cargo, customs documentation, and freight-forwarding operations, with a direct career progression track.

Position Purpose

The Junior Customs Clerk provides administrative and operational support to the Customs Department by assisting with the preparation, capturing, and monitoring of customs declarations and related documentation. The role is responsible for ensuring that customs entries and supporting documents are accurately captured in accordance with SARS Customs and Excise legislation, company procedures, and applicable customs requirements.

• Customs Documentation & Capturing
• System Entry: Capture customs declarations accurately and timeously on the company’s customs system.
• Entry Processing: Assist with the preparation and processing of import and export customs entries.
• Bonded Cargo: Assist with the capturing and processing of bonded cargo and bonded warehouse movements.
• SARS Documentation: Assist with the preparation and capturing of bond-related documentation in accordance with SARS requirements.
• Declaration Verification: Check tariff codes, customs values, quantities, weights, country of origin, and other relevant declaration information under supervision.
• Voucher Corrections: Assist with the processing of amendments, cancellations, and corrections to customs entries where required.
• Data Capturing: Capture information from commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading/air waybills, and other supporting documentation.
• SARS & Customs Compliance
• SOP Adherence: Follow SARS Customs and Excise requirements and internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Timeline Enforcement: Ensure customs declarations are captured accurately and within required deadlines.
• Record Retention: Maintain accurate records of customs entries and supporting documentation.
• Escalation Control: Escalate discrepancies, potential compliance issues, or unusual transactions to the Senior Customs Clerk or Customs Supervisor.
• Information Security: Maintain strict confidentiality of customer and company information.
• Query Tracking: Monitor the progress of customs entries and follow up on outstanding documentation or queries.
• Team Support: Provide support to senior customs staff during busy periods and assist with prioritising urgent shipments.
• Administrative Duties
• Filing Management: Maintain organised electronic and physical filing systems ensuring documents can be retrieved efficiently.
• Reporting Assistance: Assist with reports, spreadsheets, and customs-related administrative tasks.
• System Maintenance: Keep records up to date and ensure information is accurately captured on internal systems.

Requirements

• Education: Grade 12 / Matric certificate is required; an industry-relevant qualification is an advantage.
• Experience: Previous experience in customs, clearing & forwarding, logistics, or freight administration is highly advantageous.
• Technical Knowledge: Basic understanding of customs procedures, bonded cargo processing, and SARS requirements.
• Computer Skills: Computer literate, particularly proficient in Microsoft Office and Excel. Experience with specialized customs or freight-forwarding EDI systems is beneficial.
• Competencies: Good numerical and administrative skills, written and verbal communication clarity, high accuracy, and strict attention to detail.
• Operational Traits: Ability to work effectively under pressure, meet strict submission deadlines, manage time efficiently, and collaborate successfully within a team environment.