A Customs Clearance Manager in UAE earns between AED 120,000 and AED 240,000 per year. The role manages customs declarations, import and export compliance, and relationships with UAE Federal Customs Authority, Dubai Customs, and Abu Dhabi Customs. It requires a bachelor’s degree or diploma in trade, 6 to 12 years of customs experience, and a UAE Customs Broker licence.
UAE and Saudi Arabia
Salary: AED 120,000–240,000
Updated 2025
Customs Clearance Manager Responsibilities
The table below lists the primary responsibilities of a Customs Clearance Manager in UAE and Saudi Arabia as of 2025. Each responsibility is stated as a discrete, measurable activity.
| Responsibility | Frequency | Output / Deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| Manage customs declarations for all import and export shipments | Daily | Zero customs penalties per quarter |
| Ensure HS code classification accuracy across all product lines | Per product | Classification verified against WCO Harmonised System 2022 |
| Liaise with Dubai Customs, Abu Dhabi Customs, and UAE Federal Customs Authority | Per query | Customs queries resolved within authority response time |
| Manage duty drawback and free zone re-export documentation | Per claim | Claims submitted within limitation period with full documentation |
| Train logistics and procurement team on customs compliance requirements | Quarterly | Training completed and records maintained |
| Maintain customs records in compliance with UAE 5-year retention requirement | Ongoing | Audit trail complete and accessible for all shipments |
Customs Clearance Manager Qualifications and Requirements
The following qualifications apply to a Customs Clearance Manager role in UAE and Saudi Arabia. Requirements vary by sector and employer size.
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor’s degree or diploma in International Trade, Logistics, or Business |
| Experience | 6 to 12 years in customs clearance in UAE |
| Licence | UAE Customs Broker Licence (issued by UAE Federal Customs Authority) required |
| Systems | Mirsal 2 (Dubai), Abu Dhabi Customs online portal, and EXAD system proficiency |
| Languages | Arabic and English bilingual proficiency required for customs correspondence |
| Communication | Regulatory correspondence, duty dispute management, and team training |
All employment contracts in the UAE are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. A Customs Clearance Manager employed in mainland UAE requires a Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) approved contract. ADGM, DIFC, and free zone employees are subject to their respective authority’s employment regulations.
How RFS Recruits a Customs Clearance Manager
- You brief RFS with the role specification, seniority level, and team structure. The briefing call takes 30 minutes.
- RFS searches its active candidate database and activates direct outreach within 24 hours of instruction.
- RFS delivers a shortlist of 3 to 5 pre-screened Customs Clearance Manager candidates within 48 to 72 hours.
- You conduct interviews. RFS coordinates scheduling and candidate communication throughout.
- RFS supports offer negotiation and manages the candidate’s notice period and onboarding.
- The 6-month replacement guarantee activates from the candidate’s start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Customs Clearance Manager earn in UAE?
A Customs Clearance Manager in UAE earns between AED 120,000 and AED 240,000 per year. Managers at large 3PLs and freight forwarders earn AED 168,000 to AED 240,000. In-house corporate customs managers earn AED 120,000 to AED 168,000. UAE Customs Broker licence holders earn 15 to 20 percent above unlicensed peers.
What licence is required to work as a Customs Clearance Manager in UAE?
A UAE Customs Broker Licence issued by the UAE Federal Customs Authority is required to submit customs declarations on behalf of third parties. Dubai Customs and Abu Dhabi Customs have their own agent registration requirements. The licence requires a UAE national sponsor in most emirates for the broker entity.
How does RFS recruit Customs Clearance Managers?
RFS sources Customs Clearance Manager candidates for freight, 3PL, and trading companies across UAE and Saudi Arabia. A shortlist of 3 to 5 pre-screened candidates is delivered within 48 to 72 hours. The retained search fee is 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation.
What a Customs Clearance Manager does in UAE
A Customs Clearance Manager in UAE manages the import, export, and transit customs clearance operations for a trading company, 3PL, or freight forwarder, ensuring timely and compliant customs processing through Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and UAE land border customs channels.
Key responsibilities
- Manage all UAE customs clearance activities including import, export, re-export, and in-transit operations
- Ensure compliance with UAE FTA customs regulations and tariff classification requirements
- Manage the customs brokerage team and coordinate with UAE Customs electronic clearance systems (Mirsal 2, BAYAN)
- Handle duty and VAT calculations for commercial imports under UAE Customs tariff
- Manage ATA Carnet, TIB (Temporary Import Bond), and duty exemption applications
- Coordinate free zone to mainland transfers and ensure JAFZA, DMCC, and DWC free zone compliance
- Manage customs documentation including commercial invoices, certificates of origin, and packing lists
- Handle customs audit responses and resolve FTA customs disputes
- Manage dangerous goods and temperature-controlled customs clearance procedures
- Report monthly clearance performance including clearance times, duty costs, and hold resolution
Qualifications required
- Bachelor degree in logistics, trade, or business administration
- UAE FTA Customs Agent licence awareness or active brokerage qualification
- 5 to 10 years UAE customs clearance management experience
- Proficiency in UAE Mirsal 2 and Abu Dhabi BAYAN customs clearance systems
- Deep knowledge of UAE GCC Common External Tariff and Rules of Origin
- Arabic language skills strongly preferred for UAE Customs authority interaction
- JAFZA, DMCC, and Dubai Airports free zone customs procedures knowledge
- Dangerous goods and ADR certification awareness for hazardous cargo clearance
Customs Clearance Manager salary by employer type in UAE
| Employer type | Annual salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| Large freight forwarder or 3PL UAE (Kuehne+Nagel, DHL Global Forwarding) | 200,000–360,000 |
| Trading company or commodity house (DMCC) | 190,000–340,000 |
| Retail or FMCG import company UAE | 180,000–320,000 |
| Free zone operator or bonded warehouse (JAFZA, DMCC) | 190,000–350,000 |
Contract terms for this role in UAE
Customs Clearance Manager roles carry a 30 to 60 day notice period. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 applies to your end-of-service gratuity at 21 days basic salary per year for the first five years.
Hire a Customs Clearance Manager in UAE or Saudi Arabia
RFS delivers a shortlist of pre-screened Customs Clearance Manager candidates in 48 to 72 hours. Retained search fee: 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation. 6-month replacement guarantee on all placements.
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