Declaration Officer for Bonded Warehouse

Role Overview

This role keeps a bonded warehouse moving: goods cannot enter, shift between holds, or leave the facility until the customs paperwork behind them is correct, and the Declaration Officer is the person who makes that happen. Working alongside KRA officers, clearing agents, shipping lines and warehouse staff, you will lodge entries, reconcile declared details against physical stock, and chase approvals so cargo clears on schedule rather than sitting idle. For the employer, the value is straightforward — clean declarations, an audit-ready paper trail, and no surprises when customs arrives to verify.

Key Responsibilities

• Lodge customs entries for cargo arriving into and departing from the bonded facility, confirming tariff classification, customs value, quantities and permit references are accurate before submission.
• Review trade paperwork — commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, permits and entries — and resolve gaps or mismatches before goods are moved or released.
• Book imported consignments into the warehouse, verifying that documentation accompanying each shipment is complete and consistent with what was declared.
• Prepare and process documentation for cargo transfers, removals, re-exports and duty-paid releases within the scope authorised by customs.
• Track the status of entries, approvals and pending declarations, following up with clearing agents, shipping lines, transporters and KRA officers to keep clearance on timeline.
• Reconcile declared quantities, descriptions and values against physical stock, warehouse records and shipping documents, investigating and escalating any variances.
• Support customs inspections, cargo verification exercises and regulatory audits by producing records and explanations on request.
• Maintain an organised filing system for all customs and warehouse documentation and compile periodic reports on declaration activity, clearance status, stock movements and outstanding entries.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Customs Administration, Clearing and Forwarding, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, or a comparable discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years' hands-on experience in customs declarations, clearing and forwarding, or bonded warehouse operations.
• Completion of the relevant customs training or certification through the Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA), where applicable to the position.
• Solid working knowledge of KRA customs procedures, bonded warehouse regulations, and import/export documentation requirements.
• Demonstrated experience preparing customs entries and handling release, transfer and re-export documentation end to end.
• Practical familiarity with customs declaration platforms and warehouse management systems, plus confident use of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Proven ability in cargo documentation, inventory reconciliation and customs compliance monitoring.
• Strong organisational and record-keeping discipline, clear communication with external stakeholders, and the composure to meet tight clearance deadlines under pressure.
• High integrity, precision and attention to detail in handling confidential company, client and customs information.