Customs Compliance Specialist, APAC

Customs Compliance Specialist, APAC

We are looking for a Customs Compliance Specialist to join our APAC Customs Compliance Team. In this role, you will play a key part in executing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) compliance programs across APAC markets, helping to optimize duty-saving opportunities while ensuring full compliance with rules of origin, customs regulations, and internal control requirements.

This is a hands-on role for a customs compliance professional who enjoys working with data, systems, and operational processes related to customs and trade compliance.

Main Assignments

• Manage day-to-day FTA compliance activities, including FTA qualification reviews, Origin Criteria determination, raw material HS classification reviews, supplier declaration management, and supporting documentation assessments to ensure compliance with applicable FTA requirements.
• Partner with Customs Operations teams across APAC markets to ensure efficient end-to-end processes are executed for FTA utilization and to maximize customs duty savings in a compliant and sustainable manner.
• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of FTA compliance programs, including new FTA initiatives across APAC markets, to strengthen compliance and optimize preferential duty benefits.
• Support customs and trade compliance activities, including internal and external audits related to FTA qualification, origin determination, record-keeping, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in defining business requirements, testing, and implementing customs compliance tools and digital solutions that support effective FTA qualification, compliance management, and utilization.
• Work closely with FTA topic owner to develop and deliver customs and FTA-related training programs, enhancing compliance awareness, knowledge, and capabilities within IKEA and its supplier network.
• Monitor FTA regulatory developments, assess potential business impacts, and support the implementation of necessary compliance measures across APAC markets.

Qualifications

1. Education and Experience

- Bachelor’s degree or above, preferably in International Trade, Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management, Customs Administration, or related discipline.

- 1-3 years of experience in customs and trade compliance, with exposure to tariff classification, country of origin determination, and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) compliance.

2. Knowledge and Competencies

- Good understanding of customs regulations, rules of origin, and international trade compliance requirements, preferably within a multinational business environment.

- Familiarity with FTA qualification processes, origin documentation, and customs compliance controls is an advantage.

3. Capabilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• A collaborative team player who enjoys working with people and building effective relationships across functions, markets, and external partners.
• Fluent in written and spoken English, with the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders globally.

4. Motivation and Mindset

• Strong interest in customs, international trade, and regulatory compliance, with a willingness to continuously develop professional expertise.
•  A curious and continuous learner who seeks to understand the rationale behind regulations, processes, and business requirements.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable identifying improvement opportunities, developing practical solutions, and enhancing operational efficiency.
• Results-oriented, with a strong sense of ownership and commitment to delivering high-quality compliance outcomes.

Additional Information

- Professional certifications in customs declaration, customs inspection, tariff classification or trade compliance will be considered an advantage.

- Experience with Python, Power Automate, AI tools, or data analytics tools.