Which job responsibilities appear most frequently in relevant job postings? What are the requirements for import/export clerk positions that require certification?

Was wird in Sachbearbeiter Import/Export Jobs mit Zertifikat gemäss Stelleninserate verlangt?

Import/export clerks work in international trade and logistics companies and are responsible for ensuring the smooth handling of cross-border shipments. They ensure that shipments are properly cleared through customs, documented, and transported on time.

An analysis of current job postings for import/export clerks shows that candidates with training in logistics or business, excellent language skills, and a strong understanding of international processes are in particularly high demand. Typical employers include freight forwarders, industrial companies, trading firms, and logistics service providers.

Job postings for import/export clerks use various job titles, depending on the industry and area of specialization:

  • Import/Export Clerk (Male) / Import/Export Clerk (Female)
  • Export Clerk (Male) / Export Clerk (Female)
  • Import Clerk (Male) / Import Clerk (Female)
  • Freight Forwarding Clerk
  • Customs Specialist
  • Import/Export Sea Freight Clerk
  • Air Freight Import/Export Clerk
  • Export Coordinator
  • International Trade Assistant
  • Freight Forwarding Clerk (Male/Female)
  • Logistics Clerk (Male/Female)

The distribution of responsibilities varies depending on the company and the mode of transportation. Job postings for import/export clerks typically paint the following picture:

Processing of import and export orders approx. 25% of the time
Customs and Documentation approx. 20% of the time
Coordination with freight forwarders and partners approx. 15% of the time
Customer Communication and Support approx. 15% of the time
Schedule and Transportation Monitoring approx. 10% of the time
Administrative Tasks and Data Maintenance approx. 10% of the time
Complaints and Special Cases approx. 5% of the time

Requirements Listed in Job Postings for Import/Export Clerk Positions

Employers are looking for reliable, organized professionals who enjoy working with international processes and demonstrate a high degree of precision when handling documents and customs procedures.

Professional requirements
  • Basic Business Training (KV) or Logistics Training
  • Continuing education, further training in freight forwarding, foreign trade, or customs is a plus
  • Experience in import/export or freight forwarding
  • Strong knowledge of international trade processes
  • Excellent knowledge of MS Office and ERP systems
Expertise for Import/Export Clerk Positions
  • Customs and Export Clearance (including documentation)
  • Incoterms and International Trade Terms
  • Transportation Logistics (Air, Sea, Road)
  • Shipping and Freight Documents
  • ERP Systems and Digital Logistics Tools
Personal characteristics
  • Accuracy and a sense of responsibility
  • Organizational skills
  • Strong communication skills
  • Resilience in day-to-day operations
  • Ability to work in a team and customer focus
Other Information About Import/Export Clerk Jobs

Very good German and English language skills are frequently required, as communication with international partners is essential. Depending on the company, knowledge of additional languages (e.g., French) is an asset. In addition, candidates are often expected to be able to coordinate multiple shipments simultaneously in a dynamic environment and to work accurately even under time pressure.

In addition:Here you will find more interesting links on the subject of job advertisements and job search:

*The information provided here is based on an ad hoc study designed to offer unique insight into the job market and the requirements for import/export clerk positions.

Go directly to providers of continuing education, further training for Import/Export Clerk jobs