Specialist: Tariff | Clearing & Forwarding SA

Job Context

The Customs Tariff Specialist serves as the organisation’s subject matter expert on tariff classification and customs compliance. This senior technical role is responsible for ensuring accurate HS classification of goods, interpreting customs legislation, and advising internal and external stakeholders on tariff-related matters. The role plays a critical role in optimizing duty costs, enhancing compliance posture, and improving supply chain efficiency through strategic guidance, data analysis, and continuous process improvement.

• Perform accurate HS classification for imported/exported goods across Automotive, Consumer, and Industrial sectors.
• Interpret and apply the South African Customs Tariff, Customs Acts, and Notes.
• Document classification rationale, including binding rulings and discretionary notes.
• Control, create and/ or maintain the product library for all customers
• Monitor and communicate tariff amendments and regulatory changes.
• Vet and submit comprehensive and substantive tariff determination and value determination applications

• Interpret and apply the Customs Act, external policy guidelines, VAT implications, trade remedies, and preferential agreements.
• Liaise with customs authorities for rulings and clarifications.
• Draft and submit official correspondence to regulatory bodies.

• Prepare and validate commodity descriptions and supporting documentation.
• Lead internal/external audits and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and classification guidelines.

• Analyse classification data to identify trends and cost‑saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to continuously improve classification and valuation accuracy.
• Drive automation and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Provide expert guidance to internal teams and external customers.
• Defend classification decisions with supporting documentation including but not limited to customs and OGA detentions and stops
• Conduct training and knowledge‑sharing sessions.

• Identify and mitigate tariff‑related compliance risks.
• Support audits and regulatory inspections.
• Respond to letters of intent/ demand in collaboration with custom manager
• Maintain a repository of technical files and origin documentation.

• Partner with Sourcing, Product Lifecycle, Regulatory Affairs, Pricing, Compliance and Sales.
• Contribute to product development and pricing strategies.

• Matric
• NCFF (NQF ¾), FIATA Diploma advantageous
• Logistics or similar degree/diploma advantageous.
• SDS or Higher certificate in Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance

• Minimum 5-7 years of hands-on experience in tariff classification and customs compliance.
• Sector experience in Automotive, Consumer, or Industrial products preferred.
• Proven expertise in South African Customs Tariff, Customs Act, and Customs Notes.
• Experience with binding rulings and regulatory correspondence.
• Familiarity with preferential trade agreements and origin rules.
• Proficiency in trade compliance software and ERP systems.
• Exposure to export controls, sanctions, and anti-dumping regulations.
• Support landed cost modelling and competitiveness analysis.
• Cargowise 1
• Advanced Microsoft Office – Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word
• HS Nomenclature and General Rules for Interpretation (GRIs).
• Customs Notes and classification methodologies.
• South African Customs legislation and trade agreements.
• Duty optimization strategies, rebates, and drawback programs.
• Export controls and valuation principles.

Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for people around the world. DP World exists to make the world’s trade flow better, changing what’s possible for the customers and communities we serve globally.

With a dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 111,000 employees from 159 nationalities, spanning 77 countries on six continents, DP…