Customs Associate

A Customs Associate at Flexport is responsible for preparing and filing all documents needed for customs clearance of goods, both import and export. They ensure compliance with EU Customs Regulations, classify products, and maintain excellent relationships with clients, providing them with exceptional customer service.

To be considered for the Customs Associate position at Flexport, candidates should possess 2-5 years of current experience in customs, be fluent in Dutch, and have a strong understanding of customs product classification and rulings. Excellent communication skills and problem-solving abilities are also essential.

Flexport supports its Customs Associates by offering competitive benefits such as daily catered lunches, health insurance, hybrid work arrangements, and generous parental leave. Additionally, Flexport emphasizes a diverse and inclusive work culture, promoting growth and learning opportunities.

The work environment for a Customs Associate at Flexport is dynamic and collaborative. You will be part of a passionate team within a rapidly growing company, working together to challenge the status quo in logistics and global trade. Flexport promotes innovation and values employee input.

As a Customs Associate at Flexport, there are significant growth opportunities due to the company's rapid expansion. You will have the chance to work closely with seasoned professionals and learn the intricacies of international trade, paving the way for career advancement within the organization.

Flexport ensures compliance with customs regulations through rigorous document review and organization, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of EU Customs Regulations, and identifying any potential uses for Preferential Trade Agreements to enhance the efficiency of every shipment.

In the Customs Associate role at Flexport, skills such as logistical problem-solving, attention to detail, excellent communication, and interpersonal skills are emphasized. The ability to handle a large volume of entries and digital literacy are also crucial for success in the position.

To ensure compliance with customs regulations, I thoroughly review all incoming documentation and stay informed about changes in EU Customs Regulations. I would implement a checklist for required documents and use classification systems to avoid errors, ensuring all submissions meet legal standards.

In my previous roles, I've developed a strong understanding of product classification by familiarizing myself with the Harmonized System codes. I stay current with regulations and rulings to classify shipments accurately, which helps ensure compliance and maximize efficiency.

When faced with a customs issue, my approach is to analyze the situation calmly and gather all pertinent information. I communicate with relevant stakeholders, investigate the issue, and explore alternative solutions, employing my problem-solving skills to resolve it quickly.

I prioritize my workload by assessing deadlines, the complexity of each case, and the needs of clients. I maintain a task list and use time management tools to ensure I meet compliance deadlines while providing quality service to all clients.

Essential for building good relationships with clients is consistent communication and transparent updates. Understanding their needs and responding promptly to inquiries will help instill trust and demonstrate my commitment to their success in customs processes.

To maintain accuracy when handling multiple entries, I rely on organized systems and checklists. I double-check every declaration to ensure all information is correct and consistently stay aware of compliance deadlines to minimize errors in a fast-paced environment.

In a previous position, I encountered a situation where customs documentation required clarification. I advocated for the client by directly communicating with customs officials to explain the situation, ultimately securing the necessary adjustments that benefited my client’s interests.

I am motivated by the challenge of navigating complex customs regulations and the opportunity to facilitate smoother international trade for clients. Ensuring compliance while delivering exceptional service gives me satisfaction and drives my passion for this field.

I keep up with changes in customs regulations by subscribing to industry newsletters, participating in relevant training and webinars, and networking with professionals in the field. Staying informed allows me to proactively apply new knowledge to my work.

In my previous role, a shipment faced delays due to incorrect documentation. I quickly identified the issue, coordinated with the team to gather the correct information, and worked with customs to expedite the process, ultimately minimizing the delay and ensuring client satisfaction.