Sea Customs Specialist

About the Role

KEDA Kenya Ceramics is looking for a seasoned Sea Customs Specialist to oversee the full customs clearance cycle for sea freight imports. This position calls for practical experience in customs documentation, compliance, coordination with multiple stakeholders, and handling exceptions in port and inland clearance operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle the complete customs clearance workflow for sea imports, from IDF preparation and entry registration through declaration, inspection, cargo release, container collection, transit monitoring, and return of empty containers.
• Compile, check, and confirm all clearance paperwork, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, COC, and bills of lading, with full accuracy and compliance.
• Examine cargo manifest information, complete final customs entry checks, and validate duties and taxes.
• Prepare and submit requests for duty and tax exemptions on project cargo, then follow up with KRA until approvals are obtained.
• Keep clearance timelines under review and make sure regulatory documents are submitted on time.
• Spot, manage, and resolve exposure areas such as valuation disputes, duty gaps, inspection issues, and delayed release situations.
• Check E-SLIPs for duties, taxes, and penalties, submit payments through the OA system, and coordinate with Finance on payment progress or exceptions.
• Monitor vessel schedules and assign shipments according to tender results, agent effectiveness, and CFS clearance conditions.
• Maintain tracking sheets, valuation logs, and shipment records so that data remains accurate and easy to follow.
• Use the TMS platform to raise transport orders and coordinate container pickup with transport partners.
• Manage transport and container exceptions such as overweight loads, accidents, vehicle breakdowns, overturned containers, escort needs, and unloading delays, while ensuring empty containers are returned promptly.
• Work closely with clearing agents to keep all clearance activities moving smoothly.
• Collect, organize, archive, and upload customs documents into shared folders and internal systems.
• Coordinate warehouse pickup, delivery, and closure activities for domestic door-to-door cargo.
• Update container movement records, monitor shipping line manifests, and handle Delivery Order releases.
• Request shipping line invoices, confirm rates and charges, submit payment requests via OA, track settlement status, update shipping cost registers, and file invoices and vouchers.
• Apply for pre-advice and empty depot appointments with shipping lines and record empty return progress.
• Compute demurrage, request waivers, process related payments, and document all exceptions tied to these charges.
• Raise early alerts when demurrage risk is building and coordinate with the transport team to avoid extra costs.
• Take part in shipping line performance review meetings and contribute ideas for service improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

The role requires at least 3 years of direct experience in sea freight customs clearance operations. Candidates should have solid practical knowledge of importing raw materials, spare parts, machinery, ceramic tiles, and sanitary ware, along with the regulatory and operational steps involved.

Applicants should also have established working relationships with KRA, KEBS, KPA, CFS, and ICD Mombasa, and be capable of resolving operational issues such as yard transfers, demurrage, inspections, and valuation disputes. Experience in analyzing, defending, and resolving customs valuation adjustments is essential. Strong Excel skills, a high level of data accuracy, and good analytical attention to detail are required. Familiarity with customs, logistics, and internal platforms such as iCMS, TMS, and OA is also important.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, on-site role based in Mombasa County, Kenya.