Senior Customs & International Trade Consultant

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced and commercially minded Senior Customs & International Trade Consultant to support and develop our Customs and International Trade capabilities within the Malaysian market. The role can be based in either Klang or Johor Bahru. 

The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing complex international trade transactions, identifying customs risks and opportunities and developing compliant and commercially effective solutions.  

Your Role 

• Provide expert customs and international trade advisory services to clients across various industries.  
• Assess complex import, export, cross-trade and international supply chain transactions to identify compliance risks and commercial opportunities.  
• Advise clients on customs regulations, tariff classification, customs valuation, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Rules of Origin, duty exemptions, and trade compliance requirements.  
• Identify and implement duty and tax optimisation opportunities through compliant customs solutions and incentive programmes.  
• Conduct customs compliance reviews, audits, risk assessments and post-clearance reviews.  
• Prepare technical advice, submissions, applications and correspondence relating to customs and international trade matters.  
• Support clients operating within Free Zones, Licensed Manufacturing Warehouses (LMW), warehousing facilities and regional distribution networks.  
• Engage and liaise with government authorities including the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD/JKDM), MIDA, MITI and other relevant stakeholders.  
• Act as a trusted advisor by delivering practical, commercially sound and compliant solutions to clients. 

Your Background 

Mandatory Customs Qualification

• Successfully completed formal customs-related training or studies relevant to Malaysian Customs requirements and procedures. Acceptable training may include Malaysian Customs Studies, Customs Procedures and Documentation, Customs Clearance/Brokerage courses, or an equivalent recognised customs or international trade qualification. The completed course or qualification must specifically include substantive training in the following areas:

1. Tariff Classification – including the Harmonized System (HS), tariff interpretation and classification of imported goods;
2. Customs Valuation – including the principles and methods used to determine customs value;
3. Import and Export Procedures – including customs declarations, documentation, clearance processes and payment of duties and taxes;
4. Import Requirements and Controls – including prohibited/restricted imports, permits, licences, exemptions and other regulatory requirements;
5. Customs Brokerage / Clearance Services – including preparation and processing of customs declarations and interaction with Malaysian Customs; and
6. General understanding of Malaysian customs legislation, compliance requirements and customs procedures.

Note:

• Completion of an appropriate customs course or formal customs qualification covering the above areas is a mandatory requirement for the position. Candidates who have general logistics, freight forwarding or supply-chain experience but have not completed formal customs training covering these core technical areas will not satisfy this requirement.
• Relevant practical experience in Malaysian customs clearance, customs brokerage, tariff classification or trade compliance will be highly regarded but does not replace the mandatory customs training requirement.

Other Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in International Trade & Business, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Commerce, or a related discipline.  
• Minimum 8 years' experience in Customs & International Trade, preferably in a consulting, advisory or senior technical role.  
• Strong knowledge of Malaysian Customs legislation, regulations and import/export requirements.  
• Demonstrated experience in customs advisory, trade compliance, tariff classification, customs valuation, FTAs and duty optimisation strategies.  
• Experience supporting multinational companies and complex international supply chains, including cross-trade and regional distribution activities.  
• Proven ability to manage complex customs matters independently and develop practical business solutions.  
• Experience engaging with RMCD and other relevant regulatory authorities would be highly advantageous.  
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.  
• Commercially minded, proactive and solution-oriented, with the ability to communicate confidently with clients, government agencies and senior stakeholders.  

Benefits

 Competitive Compensation, AWS

 Start from 20 days of Annual Leave

 Medical Insurance coverage, Flexi Benefit for Health & Well-Being, Corporate Classpass Plan

About Blue Water Shipping  

Blue Water is a global provider of all logistics services in modern supply chain management. The company was founded in 1972 in Denmark, and today, Blue Water has over 2,700 employees at 80 offices worldwide. Every Blue Water office combines a strong global network with local expertise, and the company operates in various dedicated business segments.