Leads end-to-end import customs clearance and operations across multiple branches, ports, airports, ICDs, CFSs, SEZs, FTWZs, and warehouses. Ensures compliance with Indian Customs, DGFT, Foreign Trade Policy, and AEO standards; oversees complex import transactions; manages stakeholder relationships; improves turnaround times, profitability, and digital adoption; resolves escalations; supports customs advisory and business development; and leads multi-location import teams.
Import Head – Customs Clearance & Import Operations
Location: Mumbai, India
Experience: 15+ Years
Employment Type: Full-time
Express Global Logistics (EXG) is a leading logistics and supply chain solutions provider offering end-to-end freight forwarding, customs clearance, transportation, warehousing, project logistics, and specialized logistics services. We work closely with customs authorities, ports, airports, shipping lines, airlines, CFSs, government agencies, and global logistics partners to deliver compliant and efficient cargo movement.
Role PurposeWe are looking for an experienced Import Head to lead and manage end-to-end import customs clearance operations across multiple branches and gateways. The role will be responsible for ensuring timely cargo clearance, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and profitable growth of the import business.
The role will cover imports through seaports, airports, ICDs, CFSs, SEZs, FTWZs, bonded warehouses, and project cargo operations, including specialized import transactions.
Key Responsibilities- Lead end-to-end import customs clearance operations across branches, ports, airports, ICDs, CFSs, SEZs and other gateways.
- Ensure complete compliance with Customs regulations, DGFT requirements, Foreign Trade Policy and AEO standards.
- Provide expert guidance on HS classification, customs valuation, licensing, EPCG, Project Imports and customs notifications.
- Oversee specialized clearances involving:
- Project cargo
- Second-hand machinery
- SEZ/FTWZ shipments
- Bonded warehousing
- Breakbulk cargo
- Re-import and re-export transactions
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Customs authorities, DGFT, port operators, shipping lines, airlines, CFSs and key customers.
- Drive operational excellence through process standardization, TAT improvement, digital adoption and performance monitoring.
- Act as the senior escalation point for critical customer and customs-related issues.
- Support business development through customs consultancy, solution design and import-related advisory services.
- Identify opportunities to improve revenue, profitability and operational efficiency within the import business.
- Lead, mentor and develop import operations teams across multiple locations.
- Establish a strong culture of compliance, accountability, customer focus and operational excellence.
- Graduate in Commerce, Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration or a related discipline. MBA is preferred.
- 15+ years of experience in customs clearance and import operations.
- Proven experience managing multi-location import/customs operations teams.
- Strong knowledge of:
- Indian Customs regulations
- DGFT procedures
- Foreign Trade Policy
- Project Imports
- EPCG
- SEZ / FTWZ operations
- Bonded warehousing
- HS classification and customs valuation
- Trade compliance
- Strong leadership and people-management capabilities.
- Excellent stakeholder management and customer relationship skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Commercial acumen with an understanding of revenue, profitability, detention and demurrage control.
- Strong industry network and experience engaging with Customs authorities, government agencies, ports and logistics stakeholders.
- Experience in a freight forwarding, logistics, customs brokerage or EXIM environment is highly preferred.
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