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Image of career: Import/Export Administrative Assistant

Import/Export Administrative Assistant

Overview

An import/export administrative assistant handles the movement of goods in and out of the country, ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Description

  • Calculate duties, tariffs and price conversions for goods exported to and imported from foreign destinations.
  • Track and complete paperwork and monetary transactions related to international distribution of goods.
  • Handle order entry, customer service areas and customers' enquiries.
  • Provide consultancy and shipping advice to customers.
  • Help with market research, including trend analysis and identification of potential suppliers and customers.

Entry requirements

  • You'll need minimally GCE 'O' Level qualification, though a Diploma or Degree in Operations or Logistics Management is preferred.
  • Experience with logistics software and familiarity with trade regulations are advantageous.

Salary

$2,300 – 3,100

/mo

Salary ranges are estimated based on public information found on Singaporean job portals, including MyCareersFuture, MySkillsFuture. Updated as of 2026.

Trivia

Import/export administrative assistants should be confident with numbers as they will need to convert weights, volumes, and currencies for international shipments. Speaking multiple languages is also valuable to work in international trade.

What to expect

You should stay updated on trade laws and forge strong client relations through understanding their needs for success in Singapore's import/export sector.

Soft
skills

Communication

Able to communicate clearly and well with multiple stakeholders.

Adaptability

Able to stay flexible when challenges and situations happen in international trade.

Business and Client-oriented

Ability to focus on client and business needs and goals to provide excellent service.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Systems, Applications and Products (SAP)

Familiar with using ERP and SAP software to manage business processes and data.

Manage Inventory Through Data Entry

Able to enter data accurately for inventory management and tracking of goods.

Knowledge of Laws and Regulations

Good understanding of international compliance laws and regulations for different countries.

Hard
skills

Frequently asked questions

They spend most of their working day in an office verifying that all documentation follows import/export policies and laws while managing data for international shipments.

They manage data using automated systems, fill in import-export documentation, compile carrier assignments, compute international fees, and track shipment payments and quotas.

They calculate duties based on the declared value of shipment contents on commercial invoices, including any insurance and transportation costs.

They follow standard office hours from 9am to 5pm.

There are many different shipment tracking software options available, and the software used depends on the specific shipping company they work for.