Manager / Senior Manager - Customs, SEZ & STPI Compliance

Job Title

Manager / Senior Manager - Customs, SEZ & STPI Compliance

Location

Kochi/Trivandrum

Role Summary

The role will be responsible for ensuring end-to-end compliance with applicable regulations governing Special Economic Zones (SEZ), Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Customs, Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), and related statutory requirements in multiple locations. The individual will manage import/export compliance, bonding and debonding activities, inter-unit transfers, regulatory filings, asset movement approvals, scrap disposal processes, and liaison with government authorities including Development Commissioners (DC), Additional Development Commissioners (ADC), Customs officials, Authorised officer, Specified Officer and STPI authorities.

Key Responsibilities

SEZ & STPI Compliance

• Manage end-to-end compliance for SEZ and STPI units across India.
• Coordinate approvals and permissions from SEZ Authorities, Development Commissioners (DC), ADC, Customs and STPI officials.
• Handle unit setup, expansion, renewal, amendment and regulatory approvals.
• Ensure compliance with SEZ Act, SEZ Rules, Customs Act, Foreign Trade Policy and related regulations.
• Act as the primary point of contact during audits and inspections by regulatory authorities.

Bonding & Debonding

• Manage customs bonding and debonding of capital goods, assets and infrastructure.
• Coordinate valuation, documentation and approvals required for debonding activities.
• Ensure compliance with customs duty calculations and applicable regulations during debonding.
• Vendor selection and quote evaluation for Scrapping activities.

Asset Transfers & Movement

• Manage transfer of assets between multiple location:
• STPI to SEZ units
• SEZ to SEZ units
• SEZ to DTA locations
• Inter-unit and inter-state transfers
• Coordinate approvals, documentation and customs procedures for movement of capital goods and equipment.
• Maintain accurate asset records and reconciliation with statutory requirements.

Imports & Customs Operations

• Oversee import clearances through customs brokers and logistics partners.
• Ensure timely customs documentation and compliance for imported goods.
• Review Bills of Entry, shipping documents, duty calculations and exemption applicability.
• Coordinate customs assessments, queries and post-clearance requirements.

DTA Sales & Procurement Compliance

• Manage Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) procurement and clearance processes.
• Ensure compliance with DTA sale regulations and related reporting requirements.
• Maintain records supporting duty payments and exemptions.

Scrap Management

• Handle disposal of scrap, obsolete assets and e-waste originating from SEZ/STPI units.
• Obtain required approvals from Customs and SEZ authorities.
• Ensure duty assessment and regulatory compliance for scrap disposals.

Regulatory Filings & Reporting

Prepare and submit:

• Monthly compliance reports.
• Quarterly returns and declarations.
• Half-yearly filings.
• Annual Performance Reports (APR).
• Asset reconciliation reports.
• Customs and SEZ compliance reports.
• Any statutory returns required by SEZ, STPI and Customs authorities.

Government Liaison & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with:
• Development Commissioners (DC)
• Additional Development Commissioners (ADC)
• Customs Authorities
• STPI Officials
• Logistics Service Providers
• Customs House Agents (CHA)
• Represent the organization during regulatory meetings, inspections and audits.
• Provide guidance to internal stakeholders on compliance requirements and regulatory changes.

Audit & Compliance Management

• Support internal, statutory and customs audits.
• Ensure documentation readiness and compliance record maintenance.
• Identify regulatory risks and implement corrective actions.
• Drive process improvements and compliance automation initiatives.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Commerce, Business Administration, Law, Supply Chain, International Business or related field.
• Professional certifications in Customs, Foreign Trade, Logistics or Trade Compliance preferred.

Experience

• 8-15 years of experience in SEZ, STPI, Customs, Import-Export Compliance or Trade Compliance.
• Strong experience in:
• SEZ operations
• STPI regulations
• Bonding and debonding
• Asset transfers
• DTA transactions
• Customs clearances
• Regulatory filings
• Experience working directly with SEZ Authorities, Customs and STPI officials.

Key Skills

• SEZ Act & Rules
• STPI Regulations
• Customs Compliance
• Import & Export Procedures
• Foreign Trade Policy (FTP)
• Asset Transfer Compliance
• Bonding & Debonding
• DTA Regulations
• Scrap Disposal Compliance
• Government Liaison
• Documentation & Regulatory Reporting
• Audit Support
• Stakeholder Management