How much do you know about jobs in the supply chain industry?
Every link in the chain is vital to ensuring the smooth flow of goods within the country and around the world.
One of these links is customs operations. And one of the professionals who facilitates these operations is the customs clerk. Learn more about this import-export job in this job description!
What is a customs clerk?
A customs clerk is a professional who acts as an agent or representative of companies or individuals in the process of importing and exporting goods across borders. Customs clerks are often experts in customs procedures and help complete customs formalities and submit the necessary documents.
Function of a customs clerk in transportation
In Quebec, the role of a customs clerk involves various verifications, registrations and other administrative operations relating to the shipment and/or receipt of goods. The customs clerk ensures that customs papers and any other relevant documents are in order, so that they can be easily retrieved when needed.
To fulfill his role, the customs clerk could be assigned the following tasks and missions:
- Preparing customs documents for shipment
- Ensure compliance of various documents with appropriate standards
- Transfer documents to customs brokers
- Ensure technical and administrative liaison for the movement of goods
- Resolve any customs issues by issuing all necessary supporting documentation
- Scan and file documentation
Customs clerks generally work for manufacturing companies in the supply chain, import/export companies, customs brokerage firms, distribution centers and so on. They may also have to work with transport coordinators.
How to become a customs agent in Quebec?
Generally, the minimum level of education companies require from customs clerks is a secondary school diploma. Post-secondary education isn’t needed for this position.
However, there are transportation logistics programs offered at CEGEPs throughout the province. In these vocational programs, students learn about the import-export business and transportation logistics fields with a view to eventually becoming customs brokers, customs coordinators, etc.
Skills required for a customs clerk
Customs clerks need the following hard and soft skills in order to excel in their profession:
- Excellent communication skills;
- Good administrative skills and the ability to interpret data quickly to ensure correct compliance and avoid errors;
- Good analytical skills to understand the implications of customs regulations on business operations and find appropriate solutions;
- Integrity and professionalism, to treat business information confidentially and uphold high ethical and professional standards;
- Good general knowledge of logistics and international transport processes and regulations;
- Good time and stress management as this is a rather demanding environment requiring working to tight deadlines.
- Computer literate and comfortable with technology;
- The ability to speak both English and French is often required in order to facilitate communication with foreign clients
Customer clerk salary in Québec
In Quebec, the average salary for a customs clerk is around $41,0000 per year. However, the amount varies depending on the province but also on the level of experience.
Find an import-export job in Quebec with Fed Supply consultants
The customs clerk profession is an excellent way to gain experience in the import-export and logistics sector.
Every day, Fed Supply helps supply chain professionals find suitable positions that will take their career to the next level. If a career in the supply chain industry interests you, contact our specialized consultants today.
