Job Purpose
The Senior Clearance Officer is responsible for managing the end-to-end import clearance process for pharmaceutical raw materials, packaging materials, and finished products. The role ensures full compliance with Jordanian customs regulations and Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) requirements, while optimizing clearance timelines, minimizing demurrage and storage costs, and maintaining audit-ready documentation at all times.
Key Responsibilities
Import Clearance & Customs Compliance
- Manage the complete import clearance cycle for pharmaceutical shipments (APIs, excipients, packaging materials, finished goods) from port arrival through customs release and delivery to warehouse
- Prepare, review, and submit customs declarations, import permits, and supporting shipping documentation (invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin/analysis, bills of lading)
- Coordinate with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and shipping lines to ensure timely, cost-effective clearance
- Classify goods under correct HS codes and apply applicable duty exemptions/incentives available for pharmaceutical imports
JFDA & Regulatory Liaison
- Prepare and submit JFDA import clearance applications and required technical documentation (GMP certificates, Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product, batch release documents, labeling approvals)
- Act as the primary point of contact with JFDA for import-related registrations, renewals, and clearance approvals
- Monitor and interpret changes in JFDA regulations, customs law, and international trade agreements affecting pharmaceutical imports, and update internal procedures accordingly
- Support JFDA and Customs inspections/audits related to import compliance, ensuring all records are readily available
Process & Stakeholder Management
- Track and report shipment status, clearance lead times, and demurrage/storage costs
- Identify, escalate, and resolve customs holds, clearance delays, or documentation discrepancies before they impact production or supply
- Collaborate with Procurement, QA/QC, Regulatory Affairs, Warehouse, and Finance to ensure smooth end-to-end import-to-inventory flow
- Maintain organized, audit-ready records of clearance certificates, permits, and regulatory correspondence
- Provide guidance, training, and day-to-day support to junior clearance/logistics staff
- Prepare periodic KPI reports (clearance lead time, cost per shipment, compliance rate) for management review
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field
- Certification in Customs Clearance, International Trade, is an advantage
Experience
- Minimum 5–7 years of experience in import/customs clearance, including at least 3 years within the pharmaceutical industry
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with JFDA import registration and clearance processes
- Experience managing relationships with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and government authorities
Knowledge, Skills & Competencies
- In-depth knowledge of JFDA regulations, pharmaceutical import licensing, and registration requirements
- Solid understanding of Jordanian customs law, HS classification, tariffs, and duty exemption schemes
- Familiarity with GMP/GDP requirements as they apply to imported goods
- Strong English and Arabic communication skills, written and spoken
- Excellent negotiation, problem-solving, and stakeholder-management skills
- Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
