Trade Compliance Professional

Job Opportunity: Compliance Specialist

• The Trade Compliance Manager role oversees the adherence to all import and export regulations, particularly concerning operations under the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Manufacturing and Other Operations in Warehouse Regulations (MOOWR), and Export Oriented Unit (EOU) schemes.

This is a crucial position for ensuring seamless, compliant, and cost-effective cross-border movement of goods. The candidate will leverage SEZ and MOOWR benefits while mitigating risks.

1. Scheme Management & Compliance:
   1. Oversee day-to-day import/export operations for units registered under SEZ, MOOWR.
   2. Ensure full compliance with the SEZ Act & Rules, MOOWR Regulations (including Customs Act, the Foreign Trade Policy, and associated Customs/GST regulations).
   3. Manage the application, amendment, and renewal processes for SEZ/EOU Letters of Permission (LOP) and MOOWR licenses.
   4. Ensure adherence to specific scheme conditions, such as value addition norms, and operational procedures.
2. Customs Operations & Documentation:
   1. 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.
   2. Manage customs bonding requirements (Bond-cum-LUT for SEZ, Triple Duty Bond for MOOWR), including execution, monitoring, and cancellation.
   3. Coordinate with Customs House Agents (CHAs) for trade compliance and practices followed.
   4. Handle customs valuation procedures, classification (HSN), and duty calculations (including deferred duty under MOOWR and duty payment on DTA sales).
   5. Import Data Processing and Monitoring System (IDPMS) & Electronic Data Processing Management System (EDPMS) Compliance: Monitor the 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.
3. Warehouse & Inventory Management (esp. SEZ & MOOWR):
   1. Oversee compliant receipt, storage, processing, and removal of goods within bonded premises (SEZ & MOOWR).
   2. Ensure maintenance of accurate, digitally prescribed records for receipt, storage, operations, and removal of goods (e.g., Bond Register, material consumption records).
   3. Manage procedures for inter-unit transfers, job work (subcontracting) to/from DTA/other units, and waste/scrap disposal as per regulations.
4. Regulatory Reporting & Audits:
   1. 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.
   2. Act as the primary point of contact for customs audits, SEZ & MOOWR authority inspections, and internal compliance reviews related to trade operations.
   3. Ensure timely resolution of queries or discrepancies raised by authorities.
5. Process Improvement & Advisory:
   1. Stay updated on changes in India's FTP, Customs laws, SEZ rules, MOOWR regulations, GST, and other relevant trade policies.
   2. Analyses the impact of regulatory changes on business operations and advises management on necessary actions.
   3. Identify opportunities for process optimization and duty savings within the compliance framework of SEZ/MOOWR schemes.
   4. Provide guidance and training to internal stakeholders (logistics, procurement, finance, manufacturing) on trade compliance requirements.
   5. Liaise effectively with government authorities (Customs, DGFT, SEZ Development Commissioners, GST) as required.
   Essential Attributes:
   1. 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. BIS and Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
   2. 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.
   3. 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).
   4. Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret complex regulations, analyse trade data, identify compliance risks, and calculate duties/taxes accurately.
   5. Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective liaison with government authorities, CHAs, internal teams, and management.
   6. Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to documentation, record-keeping, and compliance checks.
   7. Problem-Solving: Ability to proactively identify and resolve compliance issues.
   8. Experience with Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program compliance.
   9. Knowledge of SCOMET regulations, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and Rules of Origin.

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.