Sea Import Customs Clearance Specialist

About the role

Twyford International Kenya is looking for a Sea Import Customs Clearance Specialist to handle the end-to-end clearance of imported goods by sea. The role covers customs documentation, duty and tax follow-up, shipping line documents, detention management and coordination with clearing agents, ports and transport providers, with regional support in Kisumu, Kitale and other locations.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare, submit and track Import Declaration Form (IDF) applications, checking importer/supplier details, HS codes, declared values and trade terms.
• Review and organise commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin and conformity, import permits and other documents, ensuring consistency with KRA, KEBS and other regulations.
• Coordinate sea import clearance, including customs declarations, inspection arrangements, duty and tax verification, cargo release, container collection and empty container returns.
• Verify Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) against the Shipping Declaration (SD) and resolve discrepancies to avoid delays.
• Prepare Marine Cargo Insurance (MCI) applications and follow up on insurance documentation.
• Follow up on vessel arrival notices, delivery order (D/O) applications, destination charges and shipping line invoices, submitting payment requests through the OA system.
• Monitor free time, detention charges and empty container return deadlines, and submit detention waiver applications to shipping lines.
• Verify customs assessment notices, E-SLIP payment slips, duties, taxes and penalties, and coordinate timely payment with Finance.
• Coordinate with clearing agents, shipping lines, CFS/ICD operators and port parties, and manage transportation and cargo delivery, including exceptions such as overweight loads and vehicle breakdowns.
• Maintain accurate records and archive all clearance documents, and monitor costs and agent performance.
• Support import clearance operations in Kisumu, Kitale and other locations as required.

Required profile

• Diploma or bachelor's degree in International Trade, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Customs Administration or a related field preferred.
• At least 3 years of practical experience in sea import customs clearance, freight forwarding or port logistics; hands-on experience at the Port of Mombasa preferred.
• Experience with IDF applications, customs declarations, cargo release and empty container returns.
• Experience with MCI insurance applications, D/O processing, detention calculations and waiver applications.
• Familiarity with Kenyan customs procedures involving KRA, KEBS, KPA, CFS and ICD facilities; experience with customs clearing companies or shipping line agents is an advantage.
• Preferred backgrounds include Kenyan customs clearing companies, international freight forwarders, shipping line agencies, port logistics providers and manufacturing companies with import operations.

Required skills

• Good working knowledge of commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, COO, COC, IDF, ACD, SD and customs entries.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other office applications.
• Advantageous: experience with iCMS, TMS and OA systems.
• Good English, strong attention to detail, cost awareness and problem-solving ability.