How To Become A Customs Entry Writer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a customs entry writer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Customs entry writers precisely identify all goods being transported and then order or compile the required paperwork, including cargo control records, customs invoices and certificates of origin. This includes experience with existing compliance protocols and relevant rules, which can be preserved by attending conventions or reading the literature. They also sign papers for clients using the power of attorney, track any customs refusals, and respond to consumer questions about the status of their products.

Customs entry writers should be well-prepared, well-versed in customs regulations, and keep an eye on detail, as incorrect records or incorrect details can create major problems for shipments at the point of entry. It is important to be a good time planner with the capacity to reach demanding deadlines and assign priority to assignments depending on the value or urgency of shipments.

Generally, a high school diploma or GED is a requirement to work as a customs entry writer, but certain organizations may need you to have a four-year degree in a similar area, such as communications or logistics management. Many employers are more interested in candidates who have knowledge of customs rules, the tariff schedule, and Incoterms.

ScoreCustoms Entry WriterUS Average

Salary

4.1

Avg. Salary $52,758

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

4.3

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.43%

Asian 8.83%

Black or African American 6.36%

Hispanic or Latino 9.39%

Unknown 4.56%

White 70.43%

Gender

female 72.41%

male 27.59%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Stress level

7.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.2

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a customs entry writer

Explore customs entry writer education requirements

Most common customs entry writer degrees

Bachelor's

37.3 %

High School Diploma

25.4 %

Associate

23.5 %

Start to develop specific customs entry writer skills

Skills	Percentages
Customer Service	20.61%
Data Entry	7.24%
CBP	5.98%
Sops	5.53%
Customs Regulations	5.02%

Complete relevant customs entry writer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New customs entry writers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a customs entry writer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real customs entry writer resumes.

Research customs entry writer duties and responsibilities

Manage inbound shipments for NAFTA and Europe.
Manage, maintain and review CIP, CDD and EDD documentation of current and propose clients.
Work with domestics and OUS freight forwarders to obtain documentation prior to shipment arrival.
Examine various documents including invoices, bill of ladings, NAFTA, ITAR, shipping documents.

Prepare your customs entry writer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your customs entry writer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a customs entry writer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable customs entry writer resume templates

Build a professional customs entry writer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your customs entry writer resume.