Customs Compliance Specialist

In Customs and Trade Compliance we act as a strategic partner and trusted resource to create a culture of compliance and drive the continuous pursuit of operational excellence. Our mission is to enable an agile and compliant value chain through active customs and trade facilitation to make the IKEA vision and strategies a living reality.

We are now looking for a new colleague to join us in this exciting mission! The role as Customs Compliance Specialist will provide expertise on customs and trade requirements to support business expansion optimization tariff classification free trade agreement assessments bonded/FTZ compliance post entry and other crossborder logistics projects.  The purpose includes leveraging customs regulations and requirements to facilitate trade in the most efficient and costeffective manner. There will be a focus on the building up a network of excellence across IKEA customs regional teams that is designed to maximize the utilization of free trade agreements (FTAs) in endtoend processes and when coupled with use of bonded and foreign trade zones.   

Qualifications :

Main responsibilities:

Focus will be on the development implementation and effectiveness of a Free Trade Agreement network of excellence to maximize the utilization of free trade agreements in IKEA endtoend value chain.

Other areas of responsibility could include input and project work in the following areas:

• Support the development of internal competencies and ensures robust customs compliance controls and processes are in place that enable compliant customs declarations while mitigating risks and costs associated with noncompliance for IKEA.
• Serve as liaison with customs authorities specific for compliance activities and special regulatory procedures and programs such as free trade agreements. Provide support to IKEA Supply AG (ISAG) a wholesale subsidiary Customs Operations team(s) and the countries assigned within a designated geographical region with regulatory requirements as needed.
• Collaborate with ISAG Customs and Trade Compliance management team to establish and maintain controls that ensure compliance and mitigate risks of noncompliance. Lead or support the resolution of customs compliance issues as they arise.
• Together with ISAG Customs and Trade Compliance Manager or Deputy establish and maintain compliance procedures working methods and systems/tools requirements relative to Free Trade Agreements and other associated compliance activities. 
• Assist Customs and Trade Compliance activities in the areas of audits investigations rulings court cases as well as single window initiatives.
• Lead or support periodic selfreviews and audits and aid with external customs audits as needed.
• Provide customs and trade advice to key stakeholders and projects to integrate customs and compliance into IKEAs value chain delivering both compliance and cost reduction.
• Contribute to IKEA Requirements and Compliance working groups (PRIO/CRIO) in IKEA when needed and anchor results in working methods with ISAG Process Development Customs Operations and countries assigned within the region. 
• As needed assist in defining requirements and testing for customs tools and solutions that support compliance with legal requirements. Provide support with regulatory interpretation and gap analyses of current working methods and solution configuration.
• Build strategic relationships and networks with internal and external business partners including Customs or Government officials/agencies to minimize risk and maximize customs and trade benefits supporting compliance and improving operational efficiency to lower costs.
• In collaboration with ISAG and manager in assigned region conduct customs related training and education programs to enhance customs compliance awareness knowledge and capabilities in IKEA and among suppliers relative to Free Trade Agreements.

To be successful in this role we believe you need to have

• Strong knowledge of customs and trade compliance including classification valuation country of origin free trade agreements bonded management and other customs related topics.
• A comprehensive understanding of how customs functions within the value and supply chain and how to incorporate customs and trade compliance controls into operations.
• Proficiency in conducting compliance reviews and working with external customs audit.
• 3 years of experience in Customs or Customs Compliance activities.
• Strong interest in regulatory requirements and compliance with a focus on multinational customs and trade knowledge.
• Enthusiastic about import/ export processes and supply chain operations in a global environment.
• Passionate about working with people and building collaborative relationships.
• Strong analytical investigative and interpersonal skills.
• A continuous learner with an eye for detail and a curiosity to understand the why behind processes.
• Motivated to drive change and discover optimal solutions.
• Proactive in taking leadership to develop new solutions and optimize existing ones.
• University degree in business or related field or equivalent experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Fluent in English both written and spoken and can easily communicate complex compliance topics.

Additional Information :

Please note that we only accept applications in English.  We look forward to receiving your application by latest 17th March.

If you have any questions about the role please reach out to Linda Rothfield Deputy Customs and Trade Compliance Manager Email: For questions about the recruitment process feel free to connect with Angla Milanczyk P&C Generalist Email:

About IKEA 

At IKEA we do things a little different. We think differently. Act differently. And work differently as well. We like to break things. And then make things. Like musicplaying lamps. And beds disguised as sofas. Even plantballs that help us look after our planet. Its all part of our vision to create a better everyday life for the many. And its been keeping our coworkers going for over 75 years. By 2030 we hope to help millions more look forward to going home. Maybe you can help us

Inter IKEA Group brings together three areas: Retail Concept Range and Supply. Together we work constantly to improve the IKEA home furnishing offer and make it more accessible for the many people.  

IKEA Supply is responsible for securing that the product offer is produced and delivered to our customers. We lead the supply agenda across many functions and work together with all business areas different business units but also retail markets to secure customer availability in all markets and sales channels at lowest total cost.

At IKEA we believe that were better when were physically together for collaboration dialogues and conversations. We believe in the power of human interactions; the informal chats the energy belonging and creativity generated by people being in the same place. Our approach is that we spend most of our time in the IKEA workplace and with flexibility to work from home when relevant.

Another thing fueling our success is our valuesbased culture. While we are unique individuals with endless differences something we share is our commitment to lead by example work together find better ways and to get things done. We believe in lifelong learning where we all play a part in helping each other (and our business) grow. 

Read more about us at