Customs Delivery Agent

At Maersk, we are transforming global trade by connecting and simplifying our customers' supply chains. We are looking for a Customs Delivery Agent to join our team in Durban.

This role is ideal for a detail-oriented customs and logistics professional who is passionate about regulatory compliance, customer service, and operational excellence. You will play a critical role in ensuring cargo is cleared efficiently, documentation is compliant, and customers receive proactive support throughout the customs clearance process.

• Review and verify the completeness and accuracy of commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, permits, and all supporting documentation prior to customs clearance submission.
• Ensure the timely and accurate submission of customs documentation to brokerage teams to facilitate customs clearance.
• Ensure compliance with customs legislation, Other Government Agency (OGA) requirements, and Maersk operational standards and procedures.
• Coordinate and manage submissions to relevant OGAs, including Port Health, the Department of Agriculture, Plant Inspectors, NRCS, SAPS, State Veterinarians, and other regulatory authorities as required.
• Support the application, management, and validation of veterinary import permits, certificates of origin, NRCS applications, and preferential trade certificates, including EUR.
  1, SADC, and other applicable trade agreements.
• Monitor customs clearance progress and ensure cargo releases are obtained within agreed turnaround times.
• Coordinate and manage customs stops, inspections, detentions, and related regulatory interventions to ensure timely resolution and minimize cargo delays.
• Liaise with customs brokers, customers, carriers, and regulatory authorities to resolve clearance-related queries and minimize delays.
• Monitor changes in regulatory requirements and communicate relevant updates to internal and external stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate shipment records, customs documentation, and audit trails, ensuring records are filed and retained in accordance with regulatory and company compliance requirements.

• Provide customers with guidance on documentation requirements, permits, and applicable import and export restrictions.
• Coordinate effectively with customers, carriers, customs brokers, transport providers, and government agencies to facilitate the seamless movement of cargo.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and service providers to support operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Proactively manage exceptions, identify potential risks, and communicate shipment status updates to relevant stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Escalate clearance delays, compliance concerns, and operational risks promptly to ensure timely resolution and prevent disruptions to cargo movement.
• Minimize detention, demurrage, storage, and other avoidable costs through effective planning, coordination, and execution of customs clearance activities.
• Adhere to established standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and compliance requirements.
• Identify operational and compliance risks and implement preventative controls to mitigate service failures and compliance breaches.
• Monitor internal turnaround times, key performance indicators (KPIs), productivity measures, and operational metrics to ensure service delivery targets are achieved.
• Ensure adherence to Maersk policies, compliance standards, and Code of Conduct requirements.
• Drive and support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance customs clearance efficiency, documentation accuracy, compliance, and service delivery.
• Support cost control initiatives and actively manage operational cost exposure.
• Meet or exceed agreed productivity, turnaround time, quality, and compliance targets.
• Participate in training, knowledge-sharing, and continuous learning initiatives to maintain customs, regulatory, and industry knowledge.
• Contribute to a culture of safety, compliance, collaboration, accountability, and customer excellence.

• Manage workflow activities to ensure shipments are processed within agreed service levels and customer expectations.
• Ensure all operational costs are accurately captured and recorded within relevant systems.
• Validate and process supplier invoices in accordance with company procedures.
• Collaborate with Finance, Brokerage, and Operations teams to ensure accurate…