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Occupation Details

Customs Officer



Fact Sheet

Inspecting goods for conformation with Australian importation laws

Customs officers work for the Australian Customs Service, mainly at major airports, seaports or outposts along the Australian coastline. Customs officers check passengers and crew before clearing them for entry into Australia. They check luggage and other cargo of ships and aircraft to prevent the illegal entry into Australia of prohibited, quarantined or dutiable goods.

Duties and Tasks

Customs officers may perform the following tasks:

  • assess risk levels of all passengers, crew, aircraft, ships' cargo and mail entering or leaving Australia
  • board ships and aircraft to detect illegal activity such as undocumented cargo, prohibited goods or stowaways
  • check documents, examine luggage and clear goods for import or export
  • write reports
  • collect tariffs and duty, and refund GST to tourists
  • patrol the coastline to detect illegal entry of people, drugs, firearms, and other goods and vessels
  • make arrests, assist with prosecution and give evidence in court
  • monitor security in customs-controlled areas

Quick Facts

School subjects that include some aspect of LANGUAGE provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a language-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs in accounting, administration, advertising, banking, distribution, economics, finance, marketing, personnel management, policy advice, public relations, real estate, sales and valuation.
Included are jobs associated with administration of the legal system, public and private protective services and the armed services.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH THINGS, using the hands, or special tools or equipment to make, fix, install or adjust them. Activities include doing practical and physical tasks, and may require an understanding of how equipment or machinery works.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH DATA to order, process or retrieve facts and figures, or to develop or administer policies and procedures. Activities include organising, using or updating information, such as files or accounts, developing or following procedures or systems, and the planning, budgeting, and staffing of an organisation.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to sell to, influence, motivate, negotiate with, or serve them. Activities include selling, promoting or providing goods or services, bargaining, or presenting a point of view.
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however further part-time study such as a Certificate III or IV, and on-the-job training, may be required.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of secondary education and/or completion of some further study of a vocational nature, such as a Diploma or an Advanced Diploma.

Work Conditions

Much of the work undertaken by Customs Trainees and Level 1 officers involves contact with the public, use of computers and clerical duties. Most positions involve shift work.

Customs officers usually work as part of a team or under general supervision. During initial training and the early stages of their careers, they can expect to be moved through a number of different areas, some of which may involve shift work and overtime. This may include periods of transfer to Customs centres around Australia. A Customs uniform is usually worn.

Personal Requirements

  • good communication and interpersonal skills
  • flexible and resourceful
  • good organisation and planning skills
  • able to work as part of a team
  • courteous and efficient with high ethical standards
  • pass a medical examination
  • satisfy Customs security requirements
  • at least 18 years of age
  • must be an Australian citizen

Related Industries

Transport Support Services

Related Courses

Queensland

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Further Information

Australian Customs Recruitment

Taking swab samples for drug testing