Declaration Officer

Company Overview

Seaways (K) LTD is a Nairobi-based logistics firm with 25 years of experience focused on car imports, customs clearance, freight forwarding, and vehicle insurance across Kenya and East Africa. The company manages a dedicated Car Imports Centre sourcing vehicles from Japan and the UK, handling sea freight, customs documentation, inland deliveries, and insurance services. They emphasize transparency in duty estimates, clear delivery timelines, proactive delay management, and thorough inspections and paperwork checks.

Role Summary

The Declaration Officer is an on-site, full-time position responsible for preparing and submitting precise customs declarations and related documents for imported vehicles and freight. The role includes collecting shipment details, ensuring customs compliance, and coordinating among internal teams, clients, and customs authorities to guarantee timely clearance.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Gather shipment information and verify adherence to customs regulations.
• Enter data into customs systems and maintain accurate records.
• Communicate clearly with clients, customs agents, and internal teams regarding duty calculations and documentation.
• Monitor shipment status and clearances, addressing any delays or issues proactively with ports and relevant authorities.
• Support logistics operations by providing current clearance information.
• Identify recurring documentation problems and recommend process improvements.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• In-depth knowledge of customs procedures, import regulations, and documentation standards applicable to automotive and general freight, including NTSA TIMS and KenTrade platforms.
• Proficiency in preparing documents, data entry, and using customs and logistics software such as ICMS.
• High attention to detail and strong numeracy skills for accurate duty and tax calculations and validating CIF values.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills for professional engagement with clients and officials.
• Strong organizational aptitude and time management to handle multiple shipments and meet clearance deadlines efficiently.
• Problem-solving capability with a forward-looking attitude to detect and resolve delays or compliance risks.
• A minimum of two years’ experience in customs clearance, freight forwarding, or logistics, ideally in the automotive sector.
• Academic qualification: Diploma or degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business, or related fields. Relevant certifications in ICMS or East African Community Freight Forwarders Professional (EACFFP) are preferred.
• Must hold a valid driving license for Nairobi transport; motorbike riding skills are an advantage.