Head Customs and Foreign Trade

Objectives of the Position

• Lead and manage end-to-end customs clearance operations for both imports and exports.
• Ensure pre- and post-transaction compliance under the Customs Act, Foreign Trade Policy, and all applicable Allied Acts and Rules for Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Human and Animal Nutrition, Agricultural, and Food Products.
• Analyze and implement changes in customs laws and EXIM regulations, including those under allied legislations, ensuring timely communication and compliance across the organization.
• Strategize and develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and process notes for various customs-related transactions to ensure consistency, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Handle customs audits, investigations, and represent the company before customs and regulatory authorities.
• Maximize duty savings and export incentives through strategic planning, accurate classification, and leveraging available trade benefits.
• Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders—including business units, customs brokers, 3PLs, consultants, and regulatory bodies—to ensure smooth execution of customs and trade operations.
• Supervising Ongoing and Pending Litigation under Customs, Foreign Trade, Excise and Other Regulations.

Main Tasks

• Lead and oversee end-to-end customs operations related to import and export transactions, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
• Ensure clearance lead times and other KPIs are consistently met for all import and export activities.
• Identify, monitor, and ensure compliance with applicable provisions under Customs and Allied Acts and Rules for all cross-border transactions.
• Develop, implement, and audit SOPs and process documentation for customs operations to ensure adherence and continuous improvement.
• Draft or review responses to queries raised by Customs, DGFT, and other government authorities, including matters related to classification, valuation, and license/NoC applicability.
• Provide expert guidance on technical and operational matters related to customs and foreign trade regulations.
• Review and validate product classification, duty rates, and exemptions, including those under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
• Ensure compliance for related-party imports, including the management of NIL investigation reports and maintenance of SVB order status.
• Monitor and coordinate responses to notices, show cause notices, deficiency letters, and litigation matters; attend hearings and approve legal submissions.
• Administer audits under various indirect tax frameworks such as CERA, OSPC/PBA, EA 2000, and legacy service tax laws; manage investigations from DRI, DGCEI, and other enforcement bodies.
• Drive the application, maintenance, and compliance for AEO T3 certification, ensuring alignment with CBIC guidelines.
• Lead the implementation of new initiatives focused on duty/tax savings, regulatory compliance, and digital transformation of customs processes.
• Support audits (statutory, tax, IFC, internal) by providing reconciliations, contingent liabilities, tax demands, and revenue recognition data.
• Manage export-import incentive schemes including Advance Authorization, EPCG, RoDTEP, IGST refunds, and Duty Drawback (AIR/Brand Rate/Section 74).
• Conduct training and awareness sessions for internal stakeholders on customs and trade compliance requirements.
• Liaise effectively with customs, DGFT, and other regulatory authorities to resolve operational and compliance issues.
• Generate and maintain MIS reports on legal matters, incentives, and compliance metrics for internal and external reporting.

Minimum Education and qualification required for the Position

• Post graduation and Law Graduate / Diploma in Taxation law
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in customs, foreign trade, and indirect taxation, preferably in the chemical, Agro , pharmaceutical, Nutrition sectors.
• Proven track record of managing end-to-end import/export operations and customs compliance.
• Experience in handling audits, investigations, and litigation under Customs, DGFT, and other allied regulations.
• Hands-on experience with incentive schemes such as Advance Authorization, EPCG, RoDTEP, and Duty Drawback.
• Exposure to working with government authorities including Customs, DGFT, DRI, and other regulatory bodies.

Technical & Professional Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of the Customs Act, Foreign Trade Policy, and allied acts and rules (Hazardous Waste, Drugs & Cosmetics, FSSAI, Animal Quarantine etc.
• Strong understanding of product classification (HSN), valuation principles, and duty structures including FTA benefits.
• Proficiency in handling customs documentation, ICEGATE, DGFT portals, and SAP (EXIM module preferred).
• Knowledge of audit frameworks PBA and tax litigation procedures.
• Familiarity with AEO certification processes and compliance requirements.
• Experience of Handling Investigations – DRI, SIIB etc.
• Experience of Handling Litigation Management – Drafting Replies, Liasoning with Legal Attorneys etc. Attending PH & Representing Company.
• Experience of Handling Incentives Management.

Core skills

• Regulatory Compliance: Ability to interpret and apply complex customs and trade regulations.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong skills in analyzing duty structures, classification, and compliance risks.
• Leadership & Team Management: Capable of leading cross-functional teams and mentoring staff.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for drafting replies, reports, and stakeholder coordination.
• Decision-Making: Sound judgment in resolving classification, valuation, and regulatory issues.

Job-related preferred skills

• Strong stakeholder management skills, including coordination with internal departments, service providers, and government agencies.
• Ability to develop and implement SOPs and conduct internal audits/health checks.
• Training and capability-building experience for internal teams on customs and EXIM matters.
• Familiarity with international trade practices and global compliance standards.
• Experience in digital transformation projects related to customs and trade compliance.

Travel required for the position

• Visits to various customs ports. Customs Offices, DGFT and Other Government Offices