Customs Declarations Officer
Union International Ltd | Uniting Borders, Inspiring Growth
About the Role
We are looking for a meticulous, compliance-minded Customs Declarations Officer to prepare, lodge and clear import, export and transit declarations through Kenya’s customs and trade systems. You will protect our clients and the company from declaration errors, duty leakage, penalties and avoidable demurrage, while keeping cargo moving.
Every shipment we handle passes through the declaration desk. A wrongly classified tariff code, an undervalued invoice or a missing certificate can mean penalties, demurrage and unhappy clients. You will be the person who gets it right the first time.
Who We Are
Union International Ltd is a regional business built around one idea: Uniting Borders, Inspiring Growth. We help businesses move goods across borders faster, at lower cost and in full compliance with the law, through three connected lines of work:
Logistics and Customs Brokerage
End-to-end clearance, transit and cargo coordination across East African trade routes.
Technology and Automation
Digital tools that make trade documentation and operations quicker and more accurate.
Research, Innovation and Business Solutions
Practical insight that helps clients grow and trade smarter.
Key Responsibilities
Declarations and clearance
- Prepare, verify and lodge import, export, transit and re-export declarations on KRA iCMS.
- Process permits and approvals through the KenTrade single window (Kenya TradeNet).
- Classify goods under the EAC Common External Tariff and apply the right procedure codes, valuation and duty rates.
- Follow each consignment through verification and release, resolving KRA queries quickly.
Documents, duties and payments
- Review invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, airway bills, certificates of origin, permits and KEBS PVoC certificates.
- Calculate duties, taxes and levies and raise payments on time to prevent demurrage.
- Handle amendments, cancellations, refunds and drawback claims with a clear audit trail.
Compliance and risk
- Comply with the EAC Customs Management Act, Kenyan customs law and Single Customs Territory rules.
- Apply EAC, COMESA and AfCFTA preferences only where eligibility is proven.
- Spot misclassification, undervaluation and documentation risks early, and track KRA public notices and the Finance Act.
Transit, bonds and tracking
- Process transit entries and manage bonds and guarantees through to acquittal.
- Monitor consignments on the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS).
Coordination
- Work daily with KRA, KPA, shipping lines, airlines, transporters, CFSs and ICDs.
- Coordinate with procurement, finance and warehouse teams so documents are ready before cargo arrives.
Records and reporting
- Keep audit-ready records and reconcile duties paid against declarations.
- Report on clearance lead times, duties and demurrage, and support KRA post-clearance audits.
- Help improve SOPs, pre-arrival processing and our AEO readiness.
What Success Looks Like
- Declarations right first time, with very few post-lodgement amendments.
- Shorter clearance times and little or no demurrage from documentation delays.
- No penalties arising from declaration errors.
- Transit bonds acquitted on time and clean internal and KRA post-clearance audits.
Who We Are Looking For
Essential
- Degree or diploma in Customs, Logistics, Business or a related field.
- East African Customs and Freight Forwarding Practising Certificate (EACFFPC) or equivalent.
- Hands-on experience lodging declarations on KRA iCMS (or Simba) and using the KenTrade single window.
- Strong knowledge of HS classification, customs valuation and EAC rules of origin.
Added advantage
- Valid KRA customs agent licence, or eligibility for licensing.
- Experience at Mombasa Port, Nairobi ICD or a border station.
- Exposure to bonded warehousing, transit, refunds or drawback and AEO compliance.
Skills and qualities that will set you apart
What We Offer
Competitive pay
Salary based on your experience, with statutory benefits in line with Kenyan employment law.
Regional exposure
Hands-on experience in cross-border trade across East African hubs.
Real responsibility
Work at the centre of the business from day one.
Room to grow
A supportive team and clear paths in customs brokerage and logistics.
Our Hiring Process
How to Apply
Email the following together in one message:
- A detailed CV
- A cover letter stating your current and expected salary
- Copies of academic and professional certificates, including your EACFFPC and any KRA licence
- Your phone number and details of two referees
Apply by email
Send to info@unioninternational.co.ke | Subject line: Customs Declarations Officer – Your Full Name | Enquiries: +254 769 021 111
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a KRA customs agent licence to apply?
No. The licence is an added advantage. The EACFFPC and hands-on iCMS or Simba experience are what we look for first.
Where will I be based?
At our Mariakani office, with regular liaison at Mombasa Port and inland depots.
Do you charge any fee at any stage of recruitment?
Never. Our recruitment is completely free. Please report anyone asking you for money in our name to info@unioninternational.co.ke.
When will I hear back?
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the closing date.
- Appointment is subject to a satisfactory probation period, verification of certificates, and standard checks including a Certificate of Good Conduct.
- Union International is an equal opportunity employer. Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
- Our recruitment is free of charge. We never ask applicants for money at any stage. Canvassing will lead to disqualification.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. By applying, you consent to us processing your personal data for recruitment in line with the Data Protection Act, 2019.