Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Import Officer

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

LogisticsSupply ChainImport/ExportOperationsInternational Trade

🎯 Role Definition

An Import Officer is the central coordinator for all international inbound shipments. This role serves as the primary liaison between suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and internal departments like procurement and warehousing. The Import Officer ensures that all imported goods navigate the complexities of international trade regulations, customs clearance, and logistics seamlessly. Their diligence directly impacts inventory levels, production schedules, and the company's bottom line by preventing costly delays, fines, and supply chain disruptions. This position requires a meticulous and proactive individual who can manage complex documentation, negotiate with partners, and solve logistical challenges under pressure.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Customs Entry Writer
  • Supply Chain Assistant
  • Procurement Administrator

Advancement To:

  • Senior Import Officer / Import Specialist
  • Import/Export Manager
  • Logistics Manager
  • Trade Compliance Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Export Officer
  • Procurement Specialist
  • Supply Chain Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Manage the complete import lifecycle, from purchase order placement with overseas suppliers to the final delivery of goods at the designated warehouse or facility.
  • Prepare, review, and meticulously verify all essential import documentation, including Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Bills of Lading (Airwaybill/Seaway Bill), and Certificates of Origin, ensuring 100% accuracy.
  • Liaise and coordinate with freight forwarders, shipping lines, and airlines to arrange and book international shipments, optimizing for cost, transit time, and reliability.
  • Act as the main point of contact for customs brokers, providing them with all necessary documentation and information to facilitate timely and compliant customs clearance.
  • Accurately classify products using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes to determine correct duty and tax rates, minimizing customs liabilities while ensuring full compliance.
  • Proactively track and trace all inbound shipments, maintaining a real-time log of their status and providing regular, clear updates to internal stakeholders such as procurement, planning, and sales teams.
  • Vigorously monitor and manage import-related costs, including freight, insurance, customs duties, and brokerage fees, and audit related invoices for accuracy before payment approval.
  • Ensure all import activities strictly adhere to the regulations of relevant government agencies (e.g., Customs and Border Protection, FDA, USDA) and international trade laws.
  • Identify, investigate, and resolve any shipping or customs-related issues, such as delays, damages, discrepancies, or customs holds, by communicating effectively with all involved parties.
  • Maintain a comprehensive and organized digital and physical filing system for all import transactions, records, and compliance documentation for audit purposes.
  • Negotiate freight rates and service level agreements with carriers, forwarders, and brokers to achieve cost savings and improve operational efficiency.
  • Collaborate with the procurement team to ensure suppliers are compliant with shipping and documentation requirements and understand the INCOTERMS specified on purchase orders.
  • Process and manage insurance claims for any goods lost or damaged during transit, compiling all necessary evidence and follow-ups.
  • Update and maintain master data within the company's ERP system (e.g., SAP, Oracle) with accurate shipping information, ETAs, and cost data.
  • Prepare and analyze regular performance reports on key import metrics, such as carrier performance, transit times, and cost-per-unit, to identify trends and areas for improvement.
  • Stay current with changes in international trade regulations, tariffs, and customs procedures that could impact the company's import operations.
  • Manage the application for and maintenance of any necessary import permits or licenses required for specific products.
  • Coordinate with the warehouse receiving team to provide advanced shipping notifications (ASNs) and ensure they are prepared for incoming container arrivals.
  • Evaluate and select new logistics partners and customs brokers through a formal vetting process to continuously enhance the supply chain network.
  • Participate in cross-functional projects aimed at optimizing the end-to-end supply chain, from supplier to customer.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist the finance department with the reconciliation of duty, tax, and freight accruals against actual invoices.
  • Support the trade compliance team in internal audits and assessments of import procedures and documentation.
  • Contribute to the development and updating of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the import department.
  • Provide training and guidance to junior team members or other departments on basic import processes and terminology.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • In-depth knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations (e.g., 19 CFR) and other partner government agency (PGA) requirements.
  • Proficiency in Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification for a variety of goods.
  • Strong understanding of INCOTERMS 2020 and their application in international purchasing.
  • Hands-on experience managing relationships with freight forwarders, carriers, and customs brokers.
  • Expertise in handling and verifying complex import documentation (Bills of Lading, Commercial Invoices, etc.).
  • Proficiency with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics.
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and data analysis functions.
  • Experience with customs brokerage software or Global Trade Management (GTM) platforms.
  • Knowledge of different transportation modes (ocean, air, land) and their associated logistics.
  • Ability to calculate landed costs, including duties, taxes, freight, and other associated fees.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, particularly with documentation and data entry.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to navigate logistical and compliance challenges.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for clear correspondence with global partners.
  • Superior organizational and time-management abilities to handle multiple shipments simultaneously.
  • Proactive and self-motivated with the ability to work independently and under pressure.
  • Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across different departments.
  • Adaptability to changing regulations, shipping schedules, and business priorities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent practical experience in logistics or import operations.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management or International Business. A Customs Broker License is a significant plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics
  • International Business
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5 years of direct experience in an import, logistics, or international trade role.

Preferred:

  • Proven experience working directly for an importer, or significant experience at a customs brokerage or freight forwarding company. Experience in a specific industry (e.g., consumer goods, electronics, automotive) is highly valued.
Explore More Careers