Customs Compliance Officer (Import/Export)

About the role

Air Liquide in India is looking for a Customs Compliance Officer who manages all customs-related operations and oversees international shipments. The role ensures that goods move across borders in a frictionless, legally sound way, keeping the company safe from legal and financial risks linked to regulatory breaches. It calls for a deep knowledge of Indian customs regulations, international trade compliance frameworks such as anti-dumping, sanctions and export controls, and the ability to analyse regulatory changes.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure import and export activities comply with Indian customs laws, including tariff classification, valuation, rules of origin and documentation.
• Manage end-to-end import and export processes, document preparation (invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin), customs clearance and coordination with freight forwarders and customs brokers.
• Keep up to date with regulation changes, trade agreements and sanctions, and adjust processes accordingly.
• Maintain accurate records of import/export transactions and reconcile bonds and other documents with authorities.
• Liaise with customs authorities, port authorities, freight forwarders, brokers, and internal departments such as procurement, logistics and finance.
• Identify and implement duty and tax optimisation strategies while remaining fully compliant.
• Identify and mitigate customs and trade compliance risks, and escalate issues as needed.
• Improve import/export processes, support internal and external audits, and provide training to internal teams.
• Classify goods under HS codes and ensure proper customs valuation.
• Work with Operations on continuous improvement, sourcing and distribution optimisation.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in International Trade, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or a related field; a Master's or professional certification (e.g. customs broker licence) is an advantage.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in customs, import and export operations, preferably in a multinational manufacturing environment.
• In-depth knowledge of Indian customs laws and procedures (Customs Act, Foreign Trade Policy, GST implications).
• Experience managing relationships with customs authorities, freight forwarders and customs brokers.
• Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of other Indian languages is an advantage.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of Incoterms, documentation requirements and logistics processes.
• Proficiency in software used for customs documentation and management.
• Analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills, able to work independently and in a team.