CLEARING AND FORWARDING SPECIALIST

Job description

1. Grade 12/General Certificate of Education as a minimum; a diploma or degree in Customs Management, Clearing & Forwarding, Freight & Logistics, or Supply Chain Management is generally preferred, and required by some employers.
2. Working knowledge of the Customs and Excise Act, ZRA tariff schedules, and HS classification.
3. Practical experience lodging declarations through ZRA’s ASYCUDA World system.

Key duties and responsibilities

· Prepare, review and submit customs declarations (e.g. Form CE 20 for freighted cargo, CE6 for accompanied baggage) accurately and on time for import, export and transit shipments.

· Classify goods under the correct Harmonized System (HS) tariff codes and determine the applicable customs duty, VAT, excise duty and any surtax

· Lodge and process customs entries through ZRA’s ASYCUDA World system

· Compile and verify supporting documents: commercial invoices, bills of lading/airway bills, packing lists, certificates of origin, and permits or licences for controlled goods

· Liaise with ZRA customs officers, port and border authorities, shipping lines, transporters and other clearing agents to track cargo and resolve queries or holds

· Calculate duties, taxes and clearing fees, arrange payment, and reconcile these against client or company accounts

· Follow up on and collect release orders, ensuring goods are released and dispatched promptly once cleared

· Keep up to date with changes to customs regulations, tariff schedules and prohibited/restricted goods lists, and advise clients or management accordingly

· Maintain accurate, well-organised declaration, permit and clearance files for audit and compliance purposes

· Identify and escalate valuation queries, discrepancies or compliance risks before they cause delays or penalties

· Support internal audits of customs documentation and prepare periodic clearance performance reports.

Qualifications and experience

· Grade 12/General Certificate of Education as a minimum; a diploma or degree in Customs Management, Clearing & Forwarding, Freight & Logistics, or Supply Chain Management is generally preferred, and required by some employers

· Professional certification in customs clearing, freight forwarding or international trade (e.g. a FIATA diploma or equivalent) is an advantage, and mandatory at some companies

· Typically 1–5 years of hands-on customs clearing or freight-forwarding experience, depending on seniority — entry-level roles may accept less alongside strong industry knowledge

· Working knowledge of the Customs and Excise Act, ZRA tariff schedules, and HS classification

· Practical experience lodging declarations through ZRA’s ASYCUDA World system

· If working directly as, or on behalf of, a licensed clearing agent (rather than purely as an employee handling internal paperwork), the employing company needs a valid ZRA Customs Clearing Agent’s Licence. This requires incorporation under the Companies Act, a minimum surety bond (around K150 million per station), tax clearance, and at least one qualified, licensed person of good standing at each station. For busier stations (e.g. Lusaka, Kitwe, Livingstone, Chirundu, Kapiri Mposhi) that licensed person needs at least a Grade 12 certificate plus one year of clearing experience and two years of supervisory experience, or equivalent industry certification

· A clean record and demonstrable integrity, given the role involves handling clients’ money and statutory declarations

· A valid driver’s licence is often an advantage, given the need to move between ports, warehouses and ZRA offices.