BASF Looking For Head Customs and Foreign Trade at Mumbai Metropolitan Region Full Time

BASF has successfully partnered India’s progress for more than 130 years. As of the end of 2024, BASF had 2,411 employees in India with 8 production sites and 42 offices throughout the country. The Innovation Campus Mumbai and the Coatings Technical Center in Mangalore are both part of BASF’s global technology platform. In 2024, BASF registered sales of approximately €2.4 billion to customers in India. Further information is available on www.basf.com/in.

Objectives of the Position

• Lead and manage end-to-end customs clearance operations for both imports and exports.
• Ensure pre- and post-transaction compliance under the Customs Act, Foreign Trade Policy, and all applicable Allied Acts and Rules for Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Human and Animal Nutrition, Agricultural, and Food Products.
• Analyze and implement changes in customs laws and EXIM regulations, including those under allied legislations, ensuring timely communication and compliance across the organization.
• Strategize and develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and process notes for various customs-related transactions to ensure consistency, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Handle customs audits, investigations, and represent the company before customs and regulatory authorities.
• Maximize duty savings and export incentives through strategic planning, accurate classification, and leveraging available trade benefits.
• Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders—including business units, customs brokers, 3PLs, consultants, and regulatory bodies—to ensure smooth execution of customs and trade operations.
• Supervising Ongoing and Pending Litigation under Customs, Foreign Trade, Excise and Other Regulations.

Main Tasks

• Lead and oversee end-to-end customs operations related to import and export transactions, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
• Ensure clearance lead times and other KPIs are consistently met for all import and export activities.
• Identify, monitor, and ensure compliance with applicable provisions under Customs and Allied Acts and Rules for all cross-border transactions.
• Develop, implement, and audit SOPs and process documentation for customs operations to ensure adherence and continuous improvement.
• Draft or review responses to queries raised by Customs, DGFT, and other government authorities, including matters related to classification, valuation, and license/NoC applicability.
• Provide expert guidance on technical and operational matters related to customs and foreign trade regulations.
• Review and validate product classification, duty rates, and exemptions, including those under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
• Ensure compliance for related-party imports, including the management of NIL investigation reports and maintenance of SVB order status.
• Monitor and coordinate responses to notices, show cause notices, deficiency letters, and litigation matters; attend hearings and approve legal submissions.
• Administer audits under various indirect tax frameworks such as CERA, OSPC/PBA, EA 2000, and legacy service tax laws; manage investigations from DRI, DGCEI, and other enforcement bodies.
• Drive the application, maintenance, and compliance for AEO T3 certification, ensuring alignment with CBIC guidelines.
• Lead the implementation of new initiatives focused on duty/tax savings, regulatory compliance, and digital transformation of customs processes.
• Support audits (statutory, tax, IFC, internal) by providing reconciliations, contingent liabilities, tax demands, and revenue recognition data.
• Manage export-import incentive schemes including Advance Authorization, EPCG, RoDTEP, IGST refunds, and Duty Drawback (AIR/Brand Rate/Section 74).
• Conduct training and awareness sessions for internal stakeholders on customs and trade compliance requirements.
• Liaise effectively with customs, DGFT, and other regulatory authorities to resolve operational and compliance issues.
• Generate and maintain MIS reports on legal matters, incentives, and compliance metrics for internal and external reporting.

Minimum Education And Qualification Required For The Position

Education and Working Experience:

• Post graduation and Law Graduate / Diploma in Taxation law
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in customs, foreign trade, and indirect taxation, preferably in the chemical, Agro , pharmaceutical, Nutrition sectors.
• Proven track record of managing end-to-end import/export operations and customs compliance.
• Experience in handling audits, investigations, and litigation under Customs, DGFT, and other allied regulations.
• Hands-on experience with incentive schemes such as Advance Authorization, EPCG, RoDTEP, and Duty Drawback.
• Exposure to working with government authorities including Customs, DGFT, DRI, and other regulatory bodies.

Technical & Professional Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of the Customs Act, Foreign Trade Policy, and allied acts and rules (Hazardous Waste, Drugs & Cosmetics, FSSAI, Animal Quarantine etc.
• Strong understanding of product classification (HSN), valuation principles, and duty structures including FTA benefits.
• Proficiency in handling customs documentation, ICEGATE, DGFT portals, and SAP (EXIM module preferred).
• Knowledge of audit frameworks PBA and tax litigation procedures.
• Familiarity with AEO certification processes and compliance requirements.
• Experience of Handling Investigations – DRI, SIIB etc.
• Experience of Handling Litigation Management – Drafting Replies, Liasoning with Legal Attorneys etc. Attending PH & Representing Company.
• Experience of Handling Incentives Management.

Core skills:

• Regulatory Compliance: Ability to interpret and apply complex customs and trade regulations.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong skills in analyzing duty structures, classification, and compliance risks.
• Leadership & Team Management: Capable of leading cross-functional teams and mentoring staff.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for drafting replies, reports, and stakeholder coordination.
• Decision-Making: Sound judgment in resolving classification, valuation, and regulatory issues.

Job-related preferred skills:

• Strong stakeholder management skills, including coordination with internal departments, service providers, and government agencies.
• Ability to develop and implement SOPs and conduct internal audits/health checks.
• Training and capability-building experience for internal teams on customs and EXIM matters.
• Familiarity with international trade practices and global compliance standards.
• Experience in digital transformation projects related to customs and trade compliance.

Travel

required for the position:

• Visits to various customs ports. Customs Offices, DGFT and Other Government Offices