Job Description

How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW?

The Import/Export Specialist plays a pivotal role in the organization's supply chain, managing all customs-related operations with meticulous attention to detail. This individual is entrusted with the comprehensive oversight of international shipments, ensuring strict adherence to the intricate web of global trade regulations. Their responsibilities extend beyond mere paperwork; they are the guardians of compliance, safeguarding the company from potential legal and financial repercussions stemming from regulatory breaches. This encompasses staying abreast of evolving trade laws, classifying goods accurately, preparing necessary documentation, and liaising with customs authorities. Efficient import and export operations are their domain, demanding robust organizational skills, a thorough understanding of logistics, and the ability to navigate potential delays and challenges.

The Customs, Import & Export Expert will be a critical linchpin for Air Liquide in India, ensuring a frictionless and legally sound movement of goods across international boundaries. This position requires a deep and current understanding of the labyrinthine landscape of Indian customs regulations, encompassing tariffs, duties, licensing, and documentation requirements. The expert must also be well-versed in international trade compliance frameworks, including anti-dumping, sanctions, and export controls. Their expertise is not limited to technical knowledge; they must also possess the acumen to analyze and interpret regulatory changes, assessing their impact on the organization and implementing necessary adjustments to processes and procedures. A successful candidate will be a proactive problem-solver, adept at identifying and mitigating potential compliance risks. Their exceptional attention to detail will be instrumental in ensuring the accuracy of declarations and documentation, minimizing the risk of penalties and delays. Excellent communication skills are paramount, as the expert must effectively convey complex information to both internal teams and external stakeholders, including customs officials, freight forwarders, and regulatory bodies. The role demands a high degree of autonomy and the ability to collaborate seamlessly across departments, fostering strong working relationships to ensure streamlined import/export operations.

The key responsibilities include:

Customs Compliance: Ensure all import and export activities comply with relevant Indian customs laws, regulations, and procedures, including tariff classifications, valuation, rules of origin, and documentation requirements.

Import/Export Operations: Manage end-to-end import and export processes, including documentation preparation (e.g., invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin), customs clearance, and coordination with freight forwarders and customs brokers.

Trade Compliance: Stay updated on changes in import/export regulations, trade agreements, and sanctions, and implement necessary adjustments to ensure ongoing compliance.

Documentation Management: Maintain accurate and organized records of all import and export transactions in accordance with legal and internal requirements along with the timely reconciliation of BG,Bond issued to the respective authorities.etc

Stakeholder Management: Liaise effectively with customs authorities, port authorities, freight forwarders, customs brokers, internal departments (e.g., procurement, logistics, finance), and external vendors to facilitate efficient and compliant shipments.

Duty Optimization: Identify and implement strategies to optimize customs duties and taxes while ensuring full compliance.

Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential customs and trade compliance risks, and escalate issues as necessary.

Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and improve import and export processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure compliance.

Training and Support: Provide guidance and training to internal teams on customs procedures and trade compliance requirements.

Audits and Reporting: Support internal and external audits related to customs and trade compliance, and prepare regular reports on import/export activities.

HS Code Classification: Accurately classify goods according to the Harmonized System (HS) codes.

Valuation: Ensure proper customs valuation of goods in accordance with regulations.

Continuous Improvement and Value Creation:

• Partner with the Operations to drive continuous improvement efforts, leveraging digital transformation to enhance accuracy and resource efficiency.

• Contribute to future investment planning by providing data-driven insights and supporting decisions aligned with operational goals and long-term strategies.

• Work alongside the Operations team to schedules, ensuring that sourcing is optimized and aligned with operational demand.

• Collaborate with peers to optimize distribution models and enhance resource utilization, minimizing inefficiencies.

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Are you a MATCH?

Qualifications & Experience: (list education, certifications, training, work experience, etc.)

• Bachelor's degree in International Trade, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree or relevant professional certifications (e.g., customs broker license) will be an advantage.

• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in customs, import, and export operations, preferably within a multinational manufacturing environment.

• In-depth knowledge of Indian customs laws, regulations, and procedures (e.g., Customs Act, Foreign Trade Policy, GST implications on imports/exports).

• Strong understanding of international trade terms (Incoterms), documentation requirements, and logistics processes.

• Experience in managing relationships with customs authorities, freight forwarders, and customs brokers.

• Proficiency in using relevant software and systems for customs documentation and management.

Skills and Competencies: (list technical & core skills, soft skills, behavioral competencies, etc.)

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of other Indian languages would be an advantage.

Our Differences make our Performance

At Air Liquide, we are committed to build a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the diversity of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders and cultures across the world.

We welcome and consider applications from all qualified applicants, regardless of their background. We strongly believe a diverse organization opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to innovate by living our fundamentals, acting for our success and creating an engaging environment in a changing world.