ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Customs Inspector Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

LIDL US, LLC.

Customs Analyst, Supply Chain

Arlington, VA · On-site

$33.66/hr

Manage holds and maintain inventory accuracy for inspections * Ensuring supplier info is up to date prior to importation * Perform customs data entry tasks in various systems * Process mapping and ...

Securiport LLC

Senior Data Scientist

Reston, VA · On-site

... inspection-ready outputs and the reporting delivered to the customs administration. It is the pivotal quantitative role, and includes building the customs-revenue baseline analysis that underpins the ...

Securiport LLC

Senior Full-Stack Developer

Reston, VA · On-site

... inspection, analysis, certification, and compliance. The Senior Full-Stack Developer builds the software that makes the service operable - the integration with the national customs system and port ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCustoms Inspector JobsCustoms Inspector Jobs in Virginia

Customs Inspector information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$27

$51

How much do customs inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for customs inspector in Virginia is $27.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.37 and $31.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the qualification for custom inspector job?

To become a customs inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring a bachelor's degree. Applicants must pass written exams, physical fitness tests, background checks, and often have relevant skills such as attention to detail, communication, and knowledge of customs laws and procedures.

What are Customs Inspectors?

Customs Inspectors are government officials responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to the import and export of goods at borders, airports, and seaports. They inspect luggage, cargo, and vehicles to detect illegal or restricted items such as drugs, weapons, and undeclared goods. Customs Inspectors also verify documentation, collect duties and taxes, and help prevent smuggling and trafficking. Their work helps ensure national security and compliance with trade laws.

What does a customs inspector do?

A customs inspector is responsible for examining travelers' luggage, cargo, and shipments to enforce import and export laws, prevent illegal items from entering or leaving a country, and collect duties or taxes. They use inspection tools, review documentation, and may work in airports, seaports, or border crossings, often requiring knowledge of regulations and security procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Customs Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Customs Inspector, you need a solid understanding of customs regulations, investigative techniques, and often a bachelor's degree or relevant law enforcement experience. Familiarity with customs processing systems, X-ray scanners, and risk assessment tools is typically required, along with any necessary government certifications. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective interpersonal communication are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the accurate enforcement of laws, facilitate efficient border control, and help prevent illegal activities such as smuggling.

How do you become a customs inspector?

To become a customs inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and meet physical and medical requirements. Many positions require passing written exams and training programs, which cover customs laws, inspection procedures, and security protocols. Relevant skills include attention to detail, communication, and the ability to work in a security-sensitive environment.

What are some common challenges Customs Inspectors face during their daily inspections?

Customs Inspectors often encounter challenges such as identifying concealed or improperly declared items, managing high volumes of travelers or shipments, and staying current with constantly changing regulations. They must balance efficiency with thoroughness, ensuring that they do not disrupt trade or traveler flow while still preventing illegal activities. Additionally, working in diverse environments—from airports to shipping docks—requires strong adaptability and communication skills, especially when collaborating with other agencies or handling stressful situations.

What is the difference between Customs Inspector vs Customs Officer?

AspectCustoms InspectorCustoms Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; specialized training; sometimes certifications in inspection proceduresSimilar credentials; often includes training in customs laws and inspection techniques
Work EnvironmentBorder crossings, airports, ports; inspecting goods and travelersBorder stations, customs offices; enforcing customs regulations
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies at ports, airports, border crossingsSame as Customs Inspector, often overlapping roles

Customs Inspectors and Customs Officers share similar credentials and work environments, primarily focusing on inspecting goods and travelers at borders and ports. While their roles may differ slightly in scope or specific duties, they are often employed interchangeably within government agencies to enforce customs laws and regulations.

Is it hard to get into customs?

Becoming a customs inspector typically requires passing written exams, background checks, and physical assessments. Candidates often need relevant experience, such as law enforcement or security work, and must complete specialized training programs before starting the job.
What are popular job titles related to Customs Inspector jobs in Virginia? For Customs Inspector jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Customs Inspector jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Customs Inspector jobs in Virginia are:
Customs Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Customs Inspector job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,417 per year, or $27.1 per hour.
Senior Customs Modernization & Valuation Advisor

Senior Customs Modernization & Valuation Advisor

Securiport LLC

Reston, VA • On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

KIBO is a registered United States company dedicated to providing governments worldwide its services of inspection, analysis, certification, and compliance.
The Customs & Valuation Subject-Matter Expert provides the domain authority behind the service - spanning customs practice and international best practice, customs valuation, tariff classification and origin, and risk-analysis practice - and ensures KIBO's methods align with recognized customs standards. Beyond valuation and risk scoring, the role grounds the whole service in sound, modern customs procedure: how declarations are processed, how clearance and controls work, and what good practice looks like against World Customs Organization (WCO) and WTO norms. It also maps and coordinates with other customs-modernization initiatives in Haiti so KIBO's work complements rather than duplicates them.
Key Responsibilities
  • Customs practice & best practice. Serve as the authority on modern customs procedure and international best practice - declaration processing, clearance, controls and trade facilitation - benchmarked against WCO instruments (such as the Revised Kyoto Convention and the SAFE Framework) and WTO trade-facilitation norms, and advise how the service reflects and reinforces good practice.
  • Procedure & controls guidance. Advise on customs procedures, controls and clearance workflows, and on how KIBO's verification and inspection activities fit within them without disrupting legitimate trade.
  • Valuation methodology. Own the price-verification methodology under the WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation and the Article VII (GATT 1994) hierarchy, and ensure outputs are technically sound and defensible.
  • Classification & origin. Advise on tariff (HS) classification and origin determination as they bear on risk and valuation.
  • Risk-management practice. Guide risk-rule design and prioritization so the risk assessment reflects sound customs practice, and advise on the review workflow with the customs administration.
  • Programmed coordination. Map other customs-modernization activities in Haiti (including EU- and World Bank-supported programs) and coordinate so KIBO's service avoids duplication and aligns with wider efforts.
  • Training design. Design and help deliver training for customs officials on customs procedure and best practice, verification, valuation, risk and inspection.
  • Advisory posture. Advise the team while recognizing that final customs decisions rest with the customs administration.

Required Qualifications
  • 10+ years of experience in customs administration, customs modernization, trade facilitation, customs valuation, tariff classification, origin, or related international trade advisory work.
  • Deep practical knowledge of customs procedure and international best practice, including declaration processing, clearance workflows, controls, post-clearance review, inspection practices, and trade facilitation.
  • Strong command of the WTO Customs Valuation framework, including the GATT Article VII valuation hierarchy, and the ability to apply valuation principles in real operating environments.
  • Working knowledge of WCO instruments and international standards, including the Revised Kyoto Convention, SAFE Framework, and WTO trade-facilitation norms.
  • Strong understanding of HS classification, rules of origin, customs risk management, and how valuation, classification, and origin affect revenue and enforcement risk.
  • Experience applying, benchmarking, or improving customs procedures and controls in operational customs environments.
  • Ability to translate complex customs and valuation concepts into clear, practical guidance for analysts, engineers, program leaders, customs officials, and other non-specialist stakeholders.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing guidance, training materials, technical notes, or advisory briefings.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior advisory work with a national customs administration or customs-modernization program.
  • Experience benchmarking or reforming customs procedures against WCO, WTO, or other international standards.
  • Experience coordinating with EU, World Bank, IMF, WCO, IDB, or other multilateral customs-reform or trade-facilitation programs.
  • Familiarity with ASYCUDA/SYDONIA or other customs declaration and clearance systems.
  • Regional experience in Haiti, the Caribbean, or Latin America.
  • Working French or Haitian-Creole language skills.
  • #LI-NA1

What Success Looks Like in Your First Few Months
During your first months, you will:
  • Confirm the price-verification methodology and the risk-practice framework and brief the analysis team.
  • Complete a landscape review of related customs initiatives and an alignment approach.
  • Shape training content for customs officials ahead of inspection getting under way.

Reporting and Working Relationships
Advises the Engagement / Delivery Lead and the Senior Data Scientist on method; coordinates with the Field-Operations Lead on inspection practice; interfaces with counterparts on related programs. Advisory only - final decisions rest with the customs administration.
What KIBO Offers
  • Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.
  • High-impact, mission-driven work supporting the modernization of a national customs administration.
  • The opportunity to help design a platform with long-term economic, operational, and public-sector impact.
  • A collaborative, multidisciplinary team of customs, technology, data, and engineering specialists.
  • Significant ownership and influence during a critical program build-out phase.
  • Opportunities for professional growth as the platform and program expand.

Join Us
If you are motivated by mission-driven work and want to help establish the architecture behind a transformative customs-modernization program, we encourage you to apply.
KIBO Laboratories LLC is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes qualified applicants of all backgrounds. Offers are contingent on background, right-to-work and - where applicable - sanctions-screening checks.

Apply