Import Clearance Manager - FMCG

About the role

The Import Clearance Manager manages the importation of goods for a Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company. The role oversees customs clearance procedures, ensures compliance with import regulations and coordinates with internal stakeholders and external partners so that imported goods clear quickly and efficiently. It is a full-time position based in Dubai.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the customs clearance process, including preparing and submitting customs declarations, import documents and clearance paperwork, and ensure compliance with import regulations, tariffs, duties and tax requirements.
• Coordinate with customs brokers, freight forwarders and other third-party providers to resolve issues and speed up clearance.
• Stay informed on import laws, regulations and trade policies, interpret them and advise internal stakeholders on compliance, documentation standards and product-specific restrictions.
• Develop and run import compliance programmes, policies and procedures to mitigate risk.
• Liaise with overseas suppliers and manufacturers for documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists and certificates of origin, and work with procurement and supply chain teams to optimise import logistics and costs.
• Identify and assess import risks such as delays, compliance issues and duty liabilities, and conduct periodic audits of clearance processes and controls.
• Train internal teams on import compliance, tariff classification, valuation methods and trade documentation.
• Track KPIs such as clearance times, duty costs and compliance rates, report on trends and issues, and help finance and accounting reconcile import costs, duties and taxes.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in international trade, supply chain management, business administration or a related field; an import/export management certification is an advantage.
• Proven experience in import clearance, customs brokerage or trade compliance, preferably in the FMCG industry or a related sector.
• Strong knowledge of import regulations, customs procedures and trade compliance, with experience dealing with customs authorities and government agencies.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, able to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.