Import export specialist

About this occupation

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.

A specialisation of forwarding manager.

• Pay, or arrange for payment of, taxes and duties on shipments.
• Classify goods according to tariff coding system.
• Clear goods through customs and to their destinations for clients.
• Prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or procedures.
• Stay abreast of changes in import or export laws or regulations by reading current literature, attending meetings or conferences, or conferring with colleagues.
• Calculate duty and tariff payments owed on shipments.

Preparation

Job Zone 3 of 5

Interests

Conventional, Enterprising, Realistic

Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Writing, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving

US median pay: US$80,730 a year (2025), 417,070 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentVery important (4.3)
• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.0)
• Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.6)
• Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.3)
• Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingImportant (3.3)
• Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.1)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.