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Customs Compliance Officer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A Customs Compliance Officer in the UK is responsible for ensuring that goods entering or leaving the country comply with all relevant laws and regulations. This involves checking documentation, inspecting shipments, and working closely with importers, exporters, and other government agencies. Officers help to prevent illegal goods such as drugs or counterfeit items from crossing the border, and they collect duties and taxes where required. The role requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a good understanding of trade laws. Officers may be stationed at ports, airports, or inland offices, and the job can sometimes involve irregular hours or shift work. Ongoing professional development is important, as regulations and procedures often change.

Customs Compliance Officer

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a Customs Compliance Officer in the UK ranges from £24,000 to £40,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Job Openings

There are approximately 2,000 to 3,000 customs and border-related compliance positions advertised annually in the UK.

Qualification Requirements

Most roles require at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths, and many officers undertake further training or apprenticeships.

🚀 Careers in this path

Export Control Officer

Specialises in ensuring goods leaving the UK comply with export laws and international regulations, including licensing and documentation.

Import Documentation Specialist

Focuses on managing and verifying paperwork required for goods entering the UK, making sure all customs forms are accurate and compliant.

Customs Risk Analyst

Analyses data and processes to identify potential risks or violations in customs procedures, helping organisations avoid fines and delays.

Explore the Role and Requirements

Research Customs Compliance

Learn what a Customs Compliance Officer does, including the daily tasks and responsibilities.

Start by reading government careers websites, such as HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), to understand the purpose of customs compliance and what is expected from officers. Speak with professionals if possible and look for virtual or in-person information events.

Understand Entry Requirements

Find out what qualifications or experience are needed to apply for customs roles.

Customs Compliance Officers typically need a minimum of GCSEs, including English and Maths, but some employers may expect A-Levels or equivalent experience. Some roles are open to school leavers, while others may prefer candidates with experience in logistics, law, or international trade.

Gain Relevant Education and Experience

Achieve Required Qualifications

Complete the necessary GCSEs or A-Levels, focusing on subjects such as English, Maths, and Business.

Strong literacy and numeracy skills are essential. Consider taking A-Levels in Business Studies, Law, or Economics to develop relevant knowledge. Some universities offer degrees in international trade, logistics, or law, which may be helpful but are not strictly required.

Gain Work Experience

Seek part-time work, internships, or volunteering in logistics, import-export, or government agencies.

Experience in a related field will demonstrate your interest and build relevant skills. Look for opportunities at logistics companies, freight forwarders, or within government departments. Shadowing a Customs Officer or attending industry events can provide further insight.

Apply and Develop in the Role

Apply for Customs Officer Positions

Search and apply for entry-level Customs Compliance Officer roles, apprenticeships, or training schemes.

Check the HMRC website, civil service jobs, and logistics companies for vacancies. Prepare a CV and cover letter that highlights your understanding of customs regulations, attention to detail, and any relevant experience. Be ready for interviews and possible assessments.

Complete On-the-Job Training

Participate in training provided by your employer to learn specific processes and legal requirements.

Training may include learning about customs law, risk assessment, documentation, and using specialist software. You may also need to pass background checks and security clearance. Ongoing professional development opportunities exist to specialise further or move into management.

Available Apprenticeships

Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.

Click on any card to be redirected to their vacancy page.

Assistant Accountant Apprentice

UNIVERSAL ACCOUNTANCY LTD

( Added 10 Jul 2025 - 1 position available )

This exciting opportunity offers you the chance to develop your accounting skills and delve into the world of work. We are looking for a confident, reliable individual who has a strong interest in building a career in the finance sector.

Closing date: in 5 days

Possible start date: 27 Oct 2025

Accounts Apprentice

JSB Accountants

( Added 16 Jul 2025 - 1 position available )

Join JSB Accountants as an Accounts Apprentice! Gain hands-on experience while studying towards your AAT qualification. You'll assist with bookkeeping, payroll, and tax returns for diverse clients, under the guidance of experienced professionals. Apply now to develop essential skills and kickstart your career in accountancy!

Closing date: in 13 days

Possible start date: 10 Nov 2025

Apprentice Accountant Assistant

THE TRAINING PLACE OF EXCELLENCE LIMITED

( Added 04 Aug 2025 - 2 positions available )

An ideal opportunity which help candidates to build their future career in accounting through an apprenticeship program. Updating and reconciling nominal ledgers activities and transactions, updating the sales, purchase ledgers, dealing with bank postings and bank reconciliation.

Closing date: in 28 days

Possible start date: 15 Dec 2025

Apprentice Accountant Assistant

KACO LTD

( Added 04 Aug 2025 - 2 positions available )

This is an ideal opportunity which help candidates to start to build their future career in accounting through the apprenticeship programme. Duties will include; Updating and reconciling nominal ledgers activities and transactions. Maintaining the sales and purchase ledgers. Setting up and updating cash flow report.

Closing date: in 28 days

Possible start date: 15 Dec 2025

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

Both roles involve ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks, particularly related to customs, data, or information security. They require attention to detail, understanding of relevant policies, and the ability to implement procedures to ensure adherence to rules.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • training with a professional body

University

You would normally move into a data protection role after working with an organisation in a related area, like:

  • information management
  • media and communications
  • legal advice
  • digital security

Employers will accept most university subjects, for example:

  • business administration
  • law
  • marketing
  • English
  • modern languages
  • public administration

You could also apply to do a postgraduate course in data protection after completing a first degree.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship that covers data protection, for example:

  • Business Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Paralegal Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Data Protection and Information Governance Practitioner Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

These can take up to 2 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a learning provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could work with an organisation as an administrator or data protection assistant and become a data protection officer through training and promotion.

Other Routes

You could do training with a professional body to get industry-recognised data protection certification, for instance:

More Information

Career tips

You will need a good working knowledge of General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), the Data Protection Act (DPA) and Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Information & Records Management Society for access to training, resources and latest developments in data protection regulations.

Further information

You can find more details about a career in data protection from the Information Commissioner’s Office.

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