Job Summary

• Our client is seeking to recruit a competent and detail-oriented Declaration Officer to support operations within their bonded warehouse. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and processing customs declarations, coordinating the receipt, storage, and release of bonded cargo, maintaining accurate customs and warehouse documentation, and ensuring compliance with applicable customs regulations and bonded warehouse procedures.
• The role requires strong knowledge of customs clearance processes, import and export documentation, cargo tracking, and inventory reconciliation. The successful candidate will work closely with KRA customs officers, clearing agents, shipping lines, and warehouse personnel to facilitate efficient cargo movement and ensure that all bonded goods are properly accounted for and handled in accordance with regulatory requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, submit, and process customs declarations for goods entering and leaving the bonded warehouse in accordance with applicable customs regulations.
• Verify and process import and export documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, customs entries, and relevant permits.
• Ensure accurate classification of goods, tariff codes, customs values, quantities, and other declaration details.
• Coordinate the receipt of imported cargo into the bonded warehouse, ensuring that all required customs documentation is available and accurate.
• Prepare and process documentation for the transfer, removal, re-export, or release of bonded goods, as authorized by customs regulations.
• Monitor the status of customs entries, cargo releases, customs approvals, and outstanding declarations, ensuring timely follow-up.
• Liaise with KRA customs officers, clearing agents, shipping lines, transporters, and warehouse teams to facilitate smooth cargo clearance and movement.
• Ensure that bonded cargo is properly recorded, stored, and released in accordance with customs requirements and company procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of customs declarations, cargo receipts, warehouse entries, cargo releases, and supporting documentation.
• Reconcile declared cargo quantities, descriptions, and values against physical stock, warehouse records, and shipping documents.
• Assist in identifying and resolving discrepancies in customs entries, cargo documentation, and warehouse inventory.
• Monitor the movement and status of bonded goods within the warehouse, ensuring that all cargo is properly accounted for.
• Coordinate customs inspections, cargo verification, and other regulatory requirements as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with KRA customs procedures, bonded warehouse regulations, and applicable import and export laws.
• Monitor customs duties, taxes, and other applicable charges, ensuring that payments and supporting documentation are properly coordinated.
• Prepare regular reports on customs declarations, cargo clearance status, warehouse stock movements, outstanding entries, and related activities.
• Maintain an organized filing system for all customs and warehouse documentation to support audits and inspections.
• Ensure confidentiality of company, client, and customs-related information.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Warehouse Manager or management.

Requirements

• Diploma or degree in Customs Administration, Clearing and Forwarding, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• At least 6 years of relevant experience in customs declarations, clearing and forwarding, or bonded warehouse operations.
• Must have successfully completed the relevant customs training or certification requirements offered by the Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA), as applicable to the role.
• Strong knowledge of KRA customs procedures, bonded warehouse regulations, and import and export documentation.
• Proven experience in preparing customs entries and processing cargo release, transfer, and re-export documentation.
• Familiarity with customs declaration systems and warehouse management systems.
• Strong knowledge of cargo documentation, inventory reconciliation, and customs compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict cargo clearance deadlines.
• High level of integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail.

Key Competencies

• Customs declaration and documentation management.
• Bonded warehouse operations and inventory control.
• Customs compliance and regulatory knowledge.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Communication and stakeholder coordination.
• Time management and ability to meet deadlines.
• Integrity and accountability.