Customs Delivery Agent

Customs Delivery Agent: JL2

At Maersk, we are transforming global trade by connecting and simplifying our customers' supply chains. We are looking for a Customs Delivery Agent to join our team in Durban.

This role is ideal for a detail-oriented customs and logistics professional who is passionate about regulatory compliance, customer service, and operational excellence. You will play a critical role in ensuring cargo is cleared efficiently, documentation is compliant, and customers receive proactive support throughout the customs clearance process.

Key Responsibilities:

Customs Clearance & Regulatory Compliance

• Review and verify the completeness and accuracy of commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, permits, and all supporting documentation prior to customs clearance submission.
• Ensure the timely and accurate submission of customs documentation to brokerage teams to facilitate customs clearance.
• Ensure compliance with customs legislation, Other Government Agency (OGA) requirements, and Maersk operational standards and procedures.
• Coordinate and manage submissions to relevant OGAs, including Port Health, the Department of Agriculture, Plant Inspectors, NRCS, SAPS, State Veterinarians, and other regulatory authorities as required.
• Support the application, management, and validation of veterinary import permits, certificates of origin, NRCS applications, and preferential trade certificates, including EUR.1, SADC, and other applicable trade agreements.
• Monitor customs clearance progress and ensure cargo releases are obtained within agreed turnaround times.
• Coordinate and manage customs stops, inspections, detentions, and related regulatory interventions to ensure timely resolution and minimize cargo delays.
• Liaise with customs brokers, customers, carriers, and regulatory authorities to resolve clearance-related queries and minimize delays.
• Monitor changes in regulatory requirements and communicate relevant updates to internal and external stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate shipment records, customs documentation, and audit trails, ensuring records are filed and retained in accordance with regulatory and company compliance requirements.

Stakeholder & Client Coordination

• Provide customers with guidance on documentation requirements, permits, and applicable import and export restrictions.
• Coordinate effectively with customers, carriers, customs brokers, transport providers, and government agencies to facilitate the seamless movement of cargo.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and service providers to support operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Proactively manage exceptions, identify potential risks, and communicate shipment status updates to relevant stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Escalate clearance delays, compliance concerns, and operational risks promptly to ensure timely resolution and prevent disruptions to cargo movement.
• Minimize detention, demurrage, storage, and other avoidable costs through effective planning, coordination, and execution of customs clearance activities.

Risk Management & Operational Excellence

• Adhere to established standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and compliance requirements.
• Identify operational and compliance risks and implement preventative controls to mitigate service failures and compliance breaches.
• Monitor internal turnaround times, key performance indicators (KPIs), productivity measures, and operational metrics to ensure service delivery targets are achieved.
• Ensure adherence to Maersk policies, compliance standards, and Code of Conduct requirements.
• Drive and support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance customs clearance efficiency, documentation accuracy, compliance, and service delivery.
• Support cost control initiatives and actively manage operational cost exposure.
• Meet or exceed agreed productivity, turnaround time, quality, and compliance targets.
• Participate in training, knowledge-sharing, and continuous learning initiatives to maintain customs, regulatory, and industry knowledge.
• Contribute to a culture of safety, compliance, collaboration, accountability, and customer excellence.

Billing, Cost Management & Workflow Control

• Manage workflow activities to ensure shipments are processed within agreed service levels and customer expectations.
• Ensure all operational costs are accurately captured and recorded within relevant systems.
• Validate and process supplier invoices in accordance with company procedures.
• Collaborate with Finance, Brokerage, and Operations teams to ensure accurate cost allocation and billing compliance.
• Ensure timely completion of billing activities to support revenue recognition and customer invoicing.

Computer Literacy

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• Competent in using web-based shipping line portals, including ODEx, myCMA, and similar carrier platforms.
• Comfortable working across multiple systems simultaneously in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Skilled in capturing, verifying, and maintaining accurate shipment related data.
• Strong data entry skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to generate reports, track shipments, and provide stakeholder updates using digital tools.

Who We Are Looking For

Someone With:

• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, Customs Compliance, Freight Forwarding, or a related field.
• 2-3 years' experience in customs clearance, freight forwarding, shipping, logistics, customs brokerage, or a related industry.
• Experience working with customs documentation, regulatory authorities, and import/export processes.
• Knowledge of South African customs regulations and Other Government Agency requirements.
• Strong understanding of customs clearance processes and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of import/export documentation and trade agreements.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments and competing priorities.
• Customer-focused mindset with strong service orientation.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• Experience working with shipping line and customs platforms such as ODEx, myCMA, and similar portals.
• Ability to work across multiple systems simultaneously and maintain accurate shipment data.

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, apply for a position, or to perform a job, please contact us by emailing  accommodationrequests@maersk.com.