AccountancyISCO 3331
Import export specialist
Import export specialists have and apply deep knowledge of import and export goods including customs clearance and documentation. They declare goods that cross the border, inform customers about customs and give advice concerning disputes related to customs legislation. They prepare the documents needed and make sure they are delivered to customs. They check and process duty and make sure VAT payments are done as applicable.
Check yourself in a minute: import export specialist
Rate 5 of the 27 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
apply for refunds
create solutions to problems
apply conflict management
apply export strategies
handle quotes from prospective shippers
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (27)
embargo regulationsembargo regulationsThe national, international and foreign sanctions and embargo regulations, e.g. Council Regulation (EU) No 961/2010.international commercial transactions rulesinternational commercial transactions rulesPre-defined commercial terms used in international commercial transactions which stipulate clear tasks, costs and risks associated with the delivery of goods and services.international businessinternational businessThe processes related to production or distribution of goods and services across borders.value-added tax lawvalue-added tax lawTaxes imposed on the purchase prices of goods and the legislation that governs this activity.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.apply for refundsapply for refundsMake inquiries at the supplier in order to return, exchange or refund goods.create solutions to problemscreate solutions to problemsSolve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising informat...create import-export commercial documentationcreate import-export commercial documentationOrganise the completion of official documents such as letters of credit, shipping orders, and certificates of origin.apply conflict managementapply conflict managementTake ownership of the handling of all complaints and disputes showing empathy and understanding to achieve resolution. Be fully aware of all Social Responsibility protocols and procedures, and be able...apply export strategiesapply export strategiesFollow and implement strategies according to the size of the company and possible advantages towards the international market. Set goals to export products or commodities to the market, in order to mi...handle quotes from prospective shippershandle quotes from prospective shippersEvaluate the quotes fares and services offered from prospective transporters on the market.speak different languagesspeak different languagesMaster foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.ensure customs complianceensure customs complianceImplement and monitor compliance with import and export requirements in order to avoid customs claims, supply chain interruption, increased overall costs.administer multi-modal logisticsadminister multi-modal logisticsManage the flow of products through multi-modal transportation.build rapport with people from different cultural backgroundsbuild rapport with people from different cultural backgroundsUnderstand and create a link with people from different cultures, countries, and ideologies without judgements or preconceptions.manage import export licensesmanage import export licensesEnsure the effective issuing of permits and licenses in import and export processes.communicate with shipment forwarderscommunicate with shipment forwardersMaintain a good flow of communication with shipper and freight forwarders, who ensure a correct delivery and distribution of goods.meet deadlinesmeet deadlinesEnsure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.apply import strategiesapply import strategiesFollow and implement strategies for importing according to the size of the company, the nature of its products, the available expertise, and business conditions on the international markets. These str...file claims with insurance companiesfile claims with insurance companiesFile a factual request to an insurance company in case a problem occurs which is covered under an insurance policy.handle carriershandle carriersOrganise the transportation system through which a product is conveyed to its buyer, through which a product is sourced from a supplier, including customs.perform clerical dutiesperform clerical dutiesPerform administrative tasks such as filing, typing up reports and maintaining mail correspondence.monitor merchandise deliverymonitor merchandise deliveryFollow up logistical organisation of products; ensure that products have been transported in a correct and timely fashion.have computer literacyhave computer literacyUtilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.arrange customs documentsarrange customs documentsMake sure goods have the proper documentation and information to pass customs.plan transport operationsplan transport operationsPlan mobility and transport for different departments, in order to obtain the best possible movement of equipment and materials. Negotiate the best possible delivery rates; compare different bids and ...arrange customs inspectionarrange customs inspectionContact customs in order to let them inspect the import or export goods. Make sure every shipment has the proper documentation and conform to legislation and regulations.
Optional (63) — show
general principles of food lawgeneral principles of food lawThe national and international legal rules and requirements applied in the food industry.international regulations for cargo handlinginternational regulations for cargo handlingThe body of conventions, guidelines and rules which dictate the activity of loading and unloading cargo in international ports.metal and metal ore productsmetal and metal ore productsThe offered metal and metal ore products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.pharmaceutical productspharmaceutical productsThe offered pharmaceutical products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.types of coffee beanstypes of coffee beansMost known coffee types, Arabica and Robusta, and the cultivars under each one of those types.chemical productschemical productsThe offered chemical products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.agricultural raw materials, seeds and animal feed productsagricultural raw materials, seeds and animal feed productsThe offered agricultural raw materials, seeds and animal feed products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.textile industry machinery productstextile industry machinery productsThe offered textile industry machinery products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.protective measures against the introduction of organismsprotective measures against the introduction of organismsThe national and international protective measures against the introduction of organisms, e.g. Council Directive 2000/29/EC, on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organ...footwear industryfootwear industryMajor brands, manufacturers and products available on the footwear market including the different types of shoes, components and materials used.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.clothing and footwear productsclothing and footwear productsThe offered clothing and footwear products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.electronic and telecommunication equipmentelectronic and telecommunication equipmentThe offered electronic and telecommunication equipment and products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.types of aircrafttypes of aircraftThe various types of aircraft, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.office equipmentoffice equipmentThe offered office machinery and equipment products, its functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.tobacco productstobacco productsThe varieties of products that can be manufactured using tobacco leaves as a base. The types of tobacco products which are smoked tobacco products, smokeless tobacco products, and byproducts of tobacc...import export regulations of dangerous chemicalsimport export regulations of dangerous chemicalsThe international and national legal rules for exporting and importing dangerous chemicals.agricultural equipmentagricultural equipmentThe offered agricultural machinery and equipment products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.types of maritime vesselstypes of maritime vesselsVarious types of maritime vessels such as container ships, passenger ships and fishing vessels, and their characteristics and specifications, security, technical, and maintenance requirements.export control principlesexport control principlesThe restrictions a country imposes on its exported products and goods.dairy and edible oil productsdairy and edible oil productsThe offered dairy products and edible oil products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.fish, crustacean and mollusc productsfish, crustacean and mollusc productsThe offered fish, crustacean and mollusc products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.sugar, chocolate and sugar confectionery productssugar, chocolate and sugar confectionery productsThe offered sugar, chocolate and sugar confectionery products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.textile products, textile semi-finished products and raw materialstextile products, textile semi-finished products and raw materialsThe offered textile products, textile semi-finished products and raw materials, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.machinery productsmachinery productsThe offered machinery products their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.food hygiene rulesfood hygiene rulesThe set of national and international regulations for hygiene of foodstuffs and food safety, e.g. regulation (EC) 852/2004.hides, skins and leather productshides, skins and leather productsThe offered hides, skins and leather products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.furniture, carpet and lighting equipment productsfurniture, carpet and lighting equipment productsThe offered furniture, carpet and lighting equipment products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.meat and meat productsmeat and meat productsThe offered meat and meat products, their properties and legal and regulatory requirements.hardware, plumbing and heating equipment productshardware, plumbing and heating equipment productsThe offered hardware, plumbing and heating equipment products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.beverage productsbeverage productsThe offered beverage products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.computer equipmentcomputer equipmentThe offered computers, computer peripheral equipment and software products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.fruit and vegetable productsfruit and vegetable productsThe offered fruit and vegetable products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.animal health rules of distribution of products of animal originanimal health rules of distribution of products of animal originTypes of national and international animal health rules governing the distribution and introduction of products of animal origin for human consumption, e.g. Directive 2002/99/EC.electrical household appliances productselectrical household appliances productsThe offered electrical household appliances products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.industrial toolsindustrial toolsThe tools and equipment used for industrial purposes, both power and hand tools, and their various uses.clothing industryclothing industryMajor suppliers, brands and products involved in the clothing industry.multimedia systemsmultimedia systemsThe methods, procedures and techniques pertaining to the operation of multimedia systems, usually a combination of software and hardware, presenting various types of media such as video and audio.teamwork principlesteamwork principlesThe cooperation between people characterised by a unified commitment to achieving a given goal, participating equally, maintaining open communication, facilitating effective usage of ideas etc.waste and scrap productswaste and scrap productsThe offered waste and scrap products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.watches and jewellery productswatches and jewellery productsThe offered watches and jewellery products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.wood productswood productsThe various wood products such as lumber and furniture, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.perfume and cosmetic productsperfume and cosmetic productsThe offered perfume and cosmetic products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.export regulations of dual-use goodsexport regulations of dual-use goodsField of information distinguishing national and international regulations concerning the export of dual-use goods.mining, construction and civil engineering machinery productsmining, construction and civil engineering machinery productsThe offered mining, construction and civil engineering machinery products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.regulations on substancesregulations on substancesThe national and international regulations on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, e.g. regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.coffee, tea, cocoa and spice productscoffee, tea, cocoa and spice productsThe offered coffee, tea, cocoa and spice products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.food and beverage industryfood and beverage industryThe respective industry and the processes involved in the food and beverage industry, such as raw material selection, processing, packaging, and storage.office furniture productsoffice furniture productsThe offered office furniture products, its functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.household productshousehold productsThe offered household products or goods, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.live animal productslive animal productsThe offered live animal products, their specificity and legal and regulatory requirements.flower and plant productsflower and plant productsThe offered flower and plant products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.machine toolsmachine toolsThe offered machine tools and products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.glassware productsglassware productsThe offered china glassware and other glassware products such as cups and vases, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.communication principlescommunication principlesThe set of commonly shared principles in regards with communication such as active listening, establish rapport, adjusting the register, and respecting the intervention of others.communicate with customerscommunicate with customersRespond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.apply regulations regarding the sale of alcoholic beveragesapply regulations regarding the sale of alcoholic beveragesComply to government regulations concerning the sale of alcoholic beverages and obtain a license if required.perform export of commoditiesperform export of commoditiesUse tariff schedules and obtain the right logistics and licenses for the export of different types of products and commodities to foreign countries.abide by business ethical code of conductsabide by business ethical code of conductsConform and follow the ethical code of conducts promoted by companies and businesses at large. Ensure that operations and activities do comply with the code of conduct and ethical operations the suppl...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...investigate manufacturing facilitiesinvestigate manufacturing facilitiesInspect foreign manufacturing facilities for violations of child labour laws, product safety, hygiene, or other areas of concern.perform import of commoditiesperform import of commoditiesOversee the activities for buying and importing products and commodities by obtaining the right import permits and tariffs. Perform any other follow-up actions.perform market researchperform market researchGather, assess and represent data about target market and customers in order to facilitate strategic development and feasibility studies. Identify market trends.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
import export specialist in agricultural raw materials, seeds and animal feeds21 shared essential skillsimport export specialist in beverages21 shared essential skillsimport export specialist in chemical products21 shared essential skillsimport export specialist in china and other glassware21 shared essential skillsimport export specialist in dairy products and edible oils21 shared essential skillsimport export specialist in household goods21 shared essential skillsimport export specialist in pharmaceutical goods21 shared essential skillsimport export specialist in agricultural machinery and equipment20 shared essential skills
Frequently asked questions
What does an import export specialist do?
Import export specialists have and apply deep knowledge of import and export goods including customs clearance and documentation. They declare goods that cross the border, inform customers about customs and give advice concerning disputes related to customs legislation. They prepare the documents needed and make sure they are delivered to customs. They check and process duty and make sure VAT payments are done as applicable.
What skills does an import export specialist need?
An import export specialist needs 27 essential skills, including embargo regulations, international commercial transactions rules, international business, value-added tax law, international import export regulations.
Will AI replace import export specialist jobs?
The AI disruption score for import export specialist is 44/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: perform clerical duties, value-added tax law, create import-export commercial documentation. Most resilient: types of aircraft, build rapport with people from different cultural backgrounds, types of coffee beans.
AI Replacement Risk
44/ 100
Moderate Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
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