Profession shipping agent
Shipping agents represent the ship owner in a foreign port. They make sure customs is cleared in a timely manner so that the cargo doesn't have to stay too long in the port. Shipping agents also ensure that insurance, licences and other formalities are in order.
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Personality Type
- Conventional / Enterprising
- Conventional / Realistic
Knowledge
- Port regulation
Know port standards and legal regulations, based primarily on municipal laws, port laws or the Maritime Code.
- International import export regulations
Know the principles that govern the import and export of products and equipment, trade restrictions, health and safety measures, licenses, etc.
Skills
- Control trade commercial documentation
Monitor written records containing information related to commercial transactions such as invoice, letter of credit, order, shipping, certificate of origin.
- Comply with regulations related to export in different countries
Check that the labels of products and the packaging are compliant with different regulations in the countries where they are exported.
- Manage import export licenses
Ensure the effective issuing of permits and licenses in import and export processes.
- Provide advice to clients in terms of export restrictions
Inform clients about the export restrictions, which consist of regulations about limitations on the quantity of exported goods imposed by a specific country or government.
- Apply procedures to ensure cargo complies with customs regulations
Apply the different procedures required to meet customs obligations when transporting goods across borders and arriving via ports/airports or any other logistics hub, such as producing written customs declarations. Apply different procedures for different types of goods, and ensure compliance with shipping regulations.;
- Ensure compliance with port regulations
Enforce compliance with regulations in harbours and sea ports. Communicate with relevant authorities to identify potential risks.
- Provide advice to clients in terms of import restrictions
Inform clients about import restrictions such as import tariffs, licenses, quotas, currency restrictions, prohibition and other related regulations.
- Make bids in forward auctions
Create and provide forward bids, taking into account possible special requirements such as refrigeration of goods or transport of potentially hazardous materials.
- Keep up-to-date to current customs regulations
Follow the latest developments and changes occurred in customs regulations and government policies related to international trade.
- Liaise with port users
Communicate and cooperate with port users such as shipping agents, freight customers and port managers.