Import Export Specialist

Manage customs, duty, documentation and shipping arrangements for international trade.

This UK import export specialist career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.

Quick facts

Starting salary
£28,000 - £34,000
Mid-career salary
£36,000 - £48,000
Senior salary
£55,000 - £75,000
Work environment
Office
Time to entry
1 - 3 years
Degree required
Preferred
Category
Logistics and Supply Chain

What a Import Export Specialist does

Manage customs, duty, documentation and shipping arrangements for international trade.

How to become a Import Export Specialist

  1. Look up Import Export Specialist roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
  2. Talk to someone already working as a Import Export Specialist - even a 15-minute call helps
  3. Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
  4. Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
  5. Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month

Key skills

  • Customs / HMRC procedures
  • Incoterms
  • Documentation
  • Languages helpful