AccountancyISCO 3331

Customs and excise officer

A customs and excise officer is a person who approves or rejects the movement of goods across customs barriers in international trade, and who sees that the shipment complies with carriage law. Each decision is documented: the consignment clears, or it is held until what is missing has been supplied.

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Rate 5 of the 12 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

calculate tax

undertake inspections

manage import export licenses

handle surveillance equipment

coordinate import transportation activities

About customs and excise officer

Duties and taxes are calculated as part of that decision. The officer works out what is owed on a consignment, arranges that the payment is made, and applies tax regulations together with the rules on international transfer pricing, which can affect the customs value of goods. International business practice is the background all of this sits against.

Permits and inspections follow the goods themselves. The officer manages import and export permits, coordinates the import side of the operation, and carries out inspections. Some categories need more than paperwork: the regulations governing the import and export of hazardous chemicals, and a working knowledge of illegal substances, decide what is examined rather than waved through.

Much of the role is communication. The officer stands between the importing and exporting businesses on one side and government officials on the other, translating what each needs from the other, and the shipment moves when both sides are satisfied.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (12)

import export regulations of dangerous chemicalsimport export regulations of dangerous chemicalsThe international and national legal rules for exporting and importing dangerous chemicals.international businessinternational businessThe processes related to production or distribution of goods and services across borders.international taxation of transfer pricesinternational taxation of transfer pricesThe requirements and regulations of the transfer prices of goods and services between legal entities, especially in an international setting.illegal substancesillegal substancesThe forbidden substances which cannot be transported from one area to another, or carried by an individual, as well as their nature and how to handle them.international import export regulationsinternational import export regulationsThe principles that govern the import and export of products and equipment, trade restrictions, health and safety measures, licenses, etc.tax legislationtax legislationTax legislation applicable to a specific area of specialisation, such as import tax, government tax, etc.calculate taxcalculate taxCalculate the taxes which have to be paid by an individual or organisation, or paid back by a governmental institution, compliant with specific legislation.undertake inspectionsundertake inspectionsUndertake safety inspections in areas of concern to identify and report potential hazards or security breaches; take measures to maximise safety standards.control trade commercial documentationcontrol trade commercial documentationMonitor written records containing information related to commercial transactions such as invoice, letter of credit, order, shipping, certificate of origin.manage import export licensesmanage import export licensesEnsure the effective issuing of permits and licenses in import and export processes.handle surveillance equipmenthandle surveillance equipmentMonitor surveillance equipment to observe what people are doing in a given area and ensure their safety.coordinate import transportation activitiescoordinate import transportation activitiesOversee import transportation operations; optimise import processes and service strategies.

Optional (18) — show

regulations for international transportationregulations for international transportationThe relevant regulations and legislation that applies to transportation of national or foreign cargo or passengers to and from different countries via vessels or aircraft.give instructions to staffgive instructions to staffGive instructions to subordinates by employing various communication techniques. Adjust communication style to the target audience in order to convey instructions as intended.present evidencepresent evidencePresent evidence in a criminal or civil case to others, in a convincing and appropriate manner, in order to reach the right or most beneficial solution.comply with legal regulationscomply with legal regulationsEnsure you are properly informed of the legal regulations that govern a specific activity and adhere to its rules, policies and laws.use different communication channelsuse different communication channelsMake use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.transport dangerous goodstransport dangerous goodsClassify, pack, mark, label and document dangerous goods, such as explosive materials, gases and flammable liquids. Adhere to international and national regulations.respond to enquiriesrespond to enquiriesRespond to enquiries and requests for information from other organisations and members of the public.conduct research interviewconduct research interviewUse professional researching and interviewing methods and techniques to gather relevant data, facts or information, to gain new insights and to fully comprehend the message of the interviewee.write work-related reportswrite work-related reportsCompose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligib...check official documentscheck official documentsCheck an individuals' official documentation, such as driver's licenses and identification, to ensure compliance with legal regulations, and to identify and assess individuals.select items for auctionselect items for auctionResearch and select products to be auctioned.train animals for professional purposestrain animals for professional purposesTrain animals for specific activities in order to help humans carry out their professional tasks.provide advice to clients in terms of export restrictionsprovide advice to clients in terms of export restrictionsInform clients about the export restrictions, which consist of regulations about limitations on the quantity of exported goods imposed by a specific country or government.process paymentsprocess paymentsAccept payments such as cash, credit cards and debit cards. Handle reimbursement in case of returns or administer vouchers and marketing instruments such as bonus cards or membership cards. Pay attent...provide advice to clients in terms of import restrictionsprovide advice to clients in terms of import restrictionsInform clients about import restrictions such as import tariffs, licenses, quotas, currency restrictions, prohibition and other related regulations.maintain operational communicationsmaintain operational communicationsMaintain communications between different departments of an organisation, between the staff, or during specific operations or missions, to ensure that the operation or mission is successful, or that t...patrol areaspatrol areasPatrol a designated area, watch out for and respond to suspicious and dangerous situations, and communicating with emergency response organisations.prepare documentation for international shippingprepare documentation for international shippingPrepare and process official documents for international shipping.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

Frequently asked questions

What does a customs and excise officer do?

Customs and excise officers approve or deny the passage of goods through customs barriers for international business and ensure compliance with consignment legislation. They facilitate communication between import and export trading institutions and government officials, and are responsible for taxation calculation and ensuring payment.

What skills does a customs and excise officer need?

A customs and excise officer needs 12 essential skills, including import export regulations of dangerous chemicals, international business, international taxation of transfer prices, illegal substances, international import export regulations.

Will AI replace customs and excise officer jobs?

The AI disruption score for customs and excise officer is 57/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: calculate tax, process payments, control trade commercial documentation. Most resilient: train animals for professional purposes, give instructions to staff, present evidence.

AI Replacement Risk

57/ 100

High Risk

Low riskHigh risk

Skills most at risk from AI

calculate tax process payments control trade commercial documentation

Skills resilient to automation

train animals for professional purposes give instructions to staff present evidence

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Quick Facts

SectorAccountancy

ISCO GroupBusiness and administration associate professionals

Essential Skills12

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