Import Export Specialist

Responsibilities

We are seeking a knowledgeable and detail-oriented Trade and Compliance Specialist to manage and ensure adherence to all import and export regulations, specifically concerning operations under Manufacturing and Other Operations in Warehouse Regulations (MOOWR) scheme, ensuring IDPMS & EDPMS Compliance.

The ideal candidate should have extensive knowledge of Indian Customs law, Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies) regulations, and the specific regulatory frameworks that govern these schemes. This role is essential for ensuring the smooth, compliant, and cost-effective cross-border movement of goods. The candidate will need to leverage SEZ and MOOWR’s benefits while mitigating risks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Scheme Management & Compliance:

• Oversee day-to-day import/export operations for units registered under MOOWR.
• Ensure full compliance with MOOWR Regulations (including Customs Act, the Foreign Trade Policy, and associated Customs/GST regulations.
• Manage the application, amendment, updating & renewal processes for MOOWR licenses.
• Ensure adherence to specific scheme conditions, such as value addition norms, and operational procedures.

• Customs Operations & Documentation:

• Prepare, review, and file necessary customs documentation for imports and exports under these schemes, including Bills of Entry (for Warehousing, Home Consumption, Ex-Bond), Shipping Bill, Invoice,ARE forms & other shipping documents.
• Manage customs bonding requirements (Bond-cum-LUT for SEZ, Triple Duty Bond for MOOWR), including execution, monitoring, and cancellation.
• Coordinate with Customs House Agents (CHAs) , Freight Forwarding Agencies, Shipping lines for trade compliance and practices followed apart from day to day co-ordination with our Overseas vendors & Customer base.
• Handle customs valuation procedures, classification (HSN), and duty calculations (including deferred duty under MOOWR and duty payment on DTA sales).
• IDPMS & EDPMS (Import & Export Data Processing and Monitoring System) Compliance with Closer with respective, Monitor the Import Data Processing and Monitoring System (IDPMS) portal/reports from Authorized Dealer (AD) Banks for tracking Bills of Entry (BoE). Prepare and submit BoE data/documents to AD banks within the stipulated RBI timelines for closure of IDPMS entries.
• Close co-ordination with internal stakeholders like Finance, Treasury & others for day to day operational requirements.

• Warehouse & Inventory Management (esp. in MOOWR):

• Oversee compliant receipt, storage, processing, and removal of goods within bonded premises (MOOWR).
• Ensure maintenance of accurate, digitally prescribed records for receipt, storage, operations, and removal of goods (e.g., Bond Register, material consumption records).
• Manage procedures for inter-unit transfers, job work (subcontracting) to/from DTA/other units, and waste/scrap disposal as per regulations.

• Regulatory Reporting & Audits:

• Prepare and submit periodic reports required by regulatory authorities such as MPR, APR, QPR, and monthly returns for bonded warehouses.
• Act as the primary point of contact for customs audits, MOOWR authority inspections, and internal compliance reviews related to trade operations.
• Ensure timely resolution of queries or discrepancies raised by authorities.

• Process Improvement & Advisory:

• Stay updated on changes in India’s FTP, Customs laws, MOOWR regulations, GST, and other relevant trade policies.
• Analyses the impact of regulatory changes on business operations and advises management on necessary actions.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and duty savings within the compliance framework of MOOWR schemes.
• Provide guidance and training to internal stakeholders (logistics, procurement, finance, manufacturing) on trade compliance requirements.
• Liaise effectively with government authorities (Customs, DGFT, SEZ Development Commissioners, GST) as required.

Essential Attributes

• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of the Customs Act 1962 (esp. warehousing provisions), Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), , Manufacture and Other Operations in Warehouse Regulations (MOOWR), Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, relevant GST provisions impacting trade, and related circulars/notifications. BIS and Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
• Procedural Expertise: Proven experience in handling customs documentation (BoEs, Shipping Bills), customs clearance processes under different schemes, bonding procedures, DTA sales procedures, job work regulations, and record-keeping requirements for MOOWR.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in using relevant government portals (e.g., ICEGATE, Online) and familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) related to logistics and inventory management. Proficient in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word).
• Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret complex regulations, analyse trade data, identify compliance risks, and calculate duties/taxes accurately.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective liaison with government authorities, CHAs, internal teams, and management.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to documentation, record-keeping, and compliance checks.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to proactively identify and resolve compliance issues.
• Experience with Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program compliance.
• Knowledge of SCOMET regulations, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and Rules of Origin.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in commerce/law/ international business, or a related field.

Desired Experience Level

Minimum of 14-18 years of direct, hands-on experience in EXIM operations and trade compliance for a manufacturing unit, with a strong focus specifically on managing MOOWR scheme.

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