Will “Import/Export Agent” 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
• Trade Facilitator
• Ocean Import Representative
• Ocean Export Agent
• Ocean Export Account Manager
• Licensed Customs Broker
• International Trade Specialist
• Importer Exporter
• Importer
• Import/Export Specialist
• 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 “Import/Export Agent”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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