Will “Trade Facilitator” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

Job Description

Prepare customs documentation and ensure that shipments meet all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods. Determine and track duties and taxes payable and process payments on behalf of client. Sign documents under a power of attorney. Represent clients in meetings with customs officials and apply for duty refunds and tariff reclassifications. Coordinate transportation and storage of imported goods.

Job Details

• The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 13-1199.03

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Customs Brokers”.

Also Known As…

• Customs Brokers
• Import Manager
• Customs Compliance Director
• Customs Broker
• Ocean Import Representative
• Ocean Export Agent
• Ocean Export Account Manager
• Licensed Customs Broker
• International Trade Specialist
• Importer Exporter
• Importer
• Import/Export Specialist
• Import/Export Agent
• Import/Export Administrator
• Import-Export Agent
• Import Export Manager
• Import Customer Service Manager
• Import Coordinator
• Exporter
• Export Manager
• Export Agent
• Export Administrator
• Customs House Broker
• Customs Entry Writer
• Customs Consultant
• Customs Compliance Manager
• Customs Compliance Analyst
• Customs Brokerage Agent
• Customs Agent
• Cargo Broker
• Air Export Operations Agent
• Air Export Agent

Tasks for “Trade Facilitator”

• Post bonds for the products being imported or assist clients in obtaining bonds.
• Prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or procedures.
• Apply for tariff concessions or for duty drawbacks and other refunds.
• Monitor or trace the location of goods.
• Insure cargo against loss, damage, or pilferage.
• Advise customers on import and export restrictions, tariff systems, insurance requirements, quotas, or other customs-related matters.
• Inform importers and exporters of steps to reduce duties and taxes.
• Calculate duty and tariff payments owed on shipments.
• Pay, or arrange for payment of, taxes and duties on shipments.
• Obtain line releases for frequent shippers of low-risk commodities, high-volume entries, or multiple-container loads.
• Suggest best methods of packaging or labeling products.
• Sign documents on behalf of clients, using powers of attorney.
• Confer with officials in various agencies to facilitate clearance of goods through customs and quarantine.
• Prepare papers for shippers to appeal duty charges.
• Stay abreast of changes in import or export laws or regulations by reading current literature, attending meetings or conferences, or conferring with colleagues.
• Arrange for transportation, warehousing, or product distribution of imported or exported products.
• Clear goods through customs and to their destinations for clients.
• Request or compile necessary import documentation, such as customs invoices, certificates of origin, and cargo-control documents.
• Quote duty and tax rates on goods to be imported, based on federal tariffs and excise taxes.
• Classify goods according to tariff coding system.
• Contract with freight forwarders for destination services.
• Maintain relationships with customs brokers in other ports to expedite clearing of cargo.
• Provide advice on transportation options, types of carriers, or shipping routes.

Related Technology & Tools

• Tablet computers
• Personal computers
• Laser facsimile machines
• Computer data input scanners
• Multiline telephone systems
• Desktop computers

• Microsoft Excel
• Customs records databases
• Optical character reader OCR software
• Microsoft Office
• Automated system for customs data ASYCUDA
• Electronic data interchange EDI software
• Tariff databases
• Parts classification databases
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Web browser software
• SAP
• Microsoft Word
• Automated commercial environment software ACE
• SAP Customs Management
• Microsoft Outlook
• Materials requirement planning MRP software
• Microsoft Access