Trade Compliance Specialist

We are seeking a seasoned professional to manage and ensure adherence to all import and export regulations, specifically concerning operations under the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Manufacturing and Other Operations in Warehouse Regulations (MOOWR), and Export Oriented Unit (EOU) schemes.

The ideal candidate should have extensive knowledge of Indian Customs law, foreign trade policy (FTP), the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), SCOMET regulations, and the specific regulatory frameworks that govern these schemes. This role is essential for ensuring the smooth, compliant, and cost-effective cross-border movement of goods.

• Scheme Management & Compliance:
  • Oversee day-to-day import/export operations for units registered under SEZ, MOOWR.
  • Ensure full compliance with the SEZ Act & Rules, MOOWR Regulations (including Customs Act, the Foreign Trade Policy, and associated Customs/GST regulations)
  • Manage the application, amendment, and renewal processes for SEZ/EOU Letters of Permission (LOP) and MOOWR licenses.
  • Ensure adherence to specific scheme conditions, such as value addition norms, and operational procedures.

Customs Operations & Documentation:

• Prepare, review, and file necessary customs documentation for imports and exports under these schemes, including Bills of Entry (for Warehousing, Home Consumption, Ex-Bond), Shipping Bills, ARE forms, etc.
• Manage customs bonding requirements (Bond-cum-LUT for SEZ, Triple Duty Bond for MOOWR), including execution, monitoring, and cancellation.
• Coordinate with Customs House Agents (CHAs) for trade compliance and practices followed.
• Handle customs valuation procedures, classification (HSN), and duty calculations (including deferred duty under MOOWR and duty payment on DTA sales).

Warehouse & Inventory Management (esp. SEZ & MOOWR):

• Oversee compliant receipt, storage, processing, and removal of goods within bonded premises (SEZ & MOOWR).
• Ensure maintenance of accurate, digitally prescribed records for receipt, storage, operations, and removal of goods (e.g., Bond Register, material consumption records).
• Manage procedures for inter-unit transfers, job work (subcontracting) to/from DTA/other units, and waste/scrap disposal as per regulations.

Regulatory Reporting & Audits:

• Prepare and submit periodic reports required by Development Commissioners (SEZ) and Customs authorities (MOOWR), such as MPR, APR, QPR, and monthly returns for bonded warehouses.
• Act as the primary point of contact for customs audits, SEZ & MOOWR authority inspections, and internal compliance reviews related to trade operations.
• Ensure timely resolution of queries or discrepancies raised by authorities.

Process Improvement & Advisory:

• Stay updated on changes in India's FTP, Customs laws, SEZ rules, MOOWR regulations, GST, and other relevant trade policies.
• Analyze the impact of regulatory changes on business operations and advise management on necessary actions.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and duty savings within the compliance framework of SEZ/MOOWR schemes.
• Provide guidance and training to internal stakeholders (logistics, procurement, finance, manufacturing) on trade compliance requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage IDPMS & EDPMS compliance with respective authorities, monitor the Import Data Processing and Monitoring System (IDPMS) portal/reports from Authorized Dealer (AD) Banks for tracking Bills of Entry (BoE). Prepare and submit BoE data/documents to AD banks within the stipulated RBI timelines for closure of IDPMS entries.

Essential Attributes:

• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of the Customs Act 1962 (esp. warehousing provisions), Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), SEZ Act 2005 & Rules 2006, Manufacture and Other Operations in Warehouse Regulations (MOOWR), Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, relevant GST provisions impacting trade, and related circulars/notifications.
• Procedural Expertise: Proven experience in handling customs documentation (BoEs, Shipping Bills), customs clearance processes under different schemes, bonding procedures, DTA sales procedures, job work regulations, and record-keeping requirements for SEZ/MOOWR/EOU.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in using relevant government portals (e.g., ICEGATE, SEZ Online) and familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) related to logistics and inventory management. Proficient in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word).
• Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret complex regulations, analyze trade data, identify compliance risks, and calculate duties/taxes accurately.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective liaison with government authorities, CHAs, internal teams, and management.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to documentation, record-keeping, and compliance checks.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to proactively identify and resolve compliance issues.
• Experience with Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program compliance.
• Knowledge of SCOMET regulations, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and Rules of Origin.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in commerce/law/international business, or a related field.

Desired Experience Level:

• Minimum of 12-15 years of direct, hands-on experience in Indian import/export operations and trade compliance for a manufacturing unit, with a strong focus specifically on managing SEZ and MOOWR.

Important Note:

This role is a critical function for ensuring the company's compliance with all relevant regulations and laws. The selected candidate must be able to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.