Clearing Agent

The role entails:

• Determining the correct harmonised tariff heading of the goods for customs duties, if applicable.
• Calculating the import duties and taxes / VAT payable.
• Assist with the clearing instruction to confirm that all information received from shipper and consignee is accurate before submitted for customs clearance – strict rule that is adhere to and if not, huge penalties that could follow both the clearing agent and the importer / consignee.
• Framing the Bill of entry (BOE) to be submitted via electronic data interchange (EDI) to customs / SARS.
• Collecting payment from the shipper for duties and taxes / VAT and making payment to Customs / SARS authorities.
• Arranging the customs clearance / release with the relevant requirements, i.e. customs stops, port health exams, and many more requirements per specific cargo requirements that needs to be met before a release could be obtained, as well as to avoid penalties / delays.

Skills:

• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
• Negotiation - Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.