Career outlook for customs officer
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£35,360
Currently employed in Scotland
5,000
Average UK salary
£35,360
Currently employed in Scotland
5,000
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would check that people arriving at UK borders are not bringing in or taking out banned goods. You’d stop smuggling and illegal trade.
You’d also explain to people if they need to pay a charge to take certain items in or out of the country. You’d collect these customs duties and taxes so the rules are being applied fairly to everyone.
You would work in airports and seaports for UK Border Force.
You would:
- Search luggage, vehicles and travellers
- Check customs documents
- Question people who have been found with illegal items or more goods than they are allowed
- Arrest and charge people
- Prepare reports and witness statements
You might take on specialist roles such as dog handling or undercover and surveillance work.
When necessary, you would go to court as a witness and would work closely with other agencies, like the police and the Home Office.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
80%
Part-time
15%
Self employed
6%
Create a qualification route
We’ve found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.
Discover my routeTop skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Cooperating
- Listening
- Verbal communication
- Observation
- Questioning
- Attention to detail
- Taking initiative
- Making decisions
Skills Explorer
Your skills can help you choose the career that’s right for you. You can build your skills through work, study or activities you do in your spare time.
To understand more, have a look at What are my skills?
Our Skills Explorer tool will help you understand what skills you have and match them to jobs that might suit you.
Use the Skills Explorer toolGetting in
Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.
Qualifications
For entry at officer level you need two to three Highers (SCQF level 6). Or a degree in any subject (SCQF level 9/10) to enter the graduate trainee scheme.
Alternatively you can enter an administrative role with qualifications at SCQF level 4/5 and work toward promotion.
Useful subjects
- English (required)
- Maths (required)
- Administration
- ICT subjects
- Business subjects
You will also need
You need to meet the Civil Service nationality requirement. All jobs are open to British nationals and many are also open to Commonwealth citizens or European Union nationals.
See the Civil Service website for more information.
Helpful to have
Qualifications and experience that demonstrate understanding of the security industry, the ability to pay attention to detail and being tactful such as Skills for Work Uniformed and Emergency Services (SCQF level 4).