Pannkaj Upadhyay

Dawn India is an AEO-certified, ISO 9001:2015 customs broker and bonded warehouse operator with a 75-year legacy, serving pharmaceutical, medical device, and life sciences clients across regulated air and ocean imports. Lead customs compliance and cross-border governance, with a mandate to design and institutionalize a governance-led operating model across brokerage operations. Architected a four-layer governance framework integrating policy, SOP architecture, performance measurement, and cost and delay analytics. Delivered ISO-aligned policies, role-stratified SOPs, and a weighted KPI structure, establishing a structured control environment within operations. Led the rollout of a client-facing digital visibility and document repository platform, driving adoption, enforcing milestone discipline, and integrating workflows across the compliance lifecycle. Resolved high-risk and dual-PGA shipments through proactive statutory coordination for pharmaceutical and medical device accounts, achieving zero penalty exposure. Strengthened SLA governance and scope control for multinational clients, applying a control-based responsibility framework to align operational accountability with legal boundaries. Delivered 30% improvement in clearance cycle time through governance-led execution and process discipline.

Responsible for Customs Brokerage operations for Cross Border Trade (Import & Export), Express Cargo, and Regulatory Compliance, managing ~2300 shipments annually with an entry value of ~$105M. Key responsibilities included process implementation, regulatory compliance, and liaising with authorities. Mitigated regulatory risks, saving ~$10M annually, and successfully onboarded key customs brokers (DHL, Geodis, DSV) to streamline operations. Played a pivotal role in launching ~350 projects, including fulfillment centers and offices, with a total spend of ~$1B, and maintained Customs Clearance SLAs between 93-97% through risk assessment across 25 categories. Contributed to the successful 2016-17 launch of Motorola mobiles on Amazon and collaborated with manufacturers/vendors to establish scalable import processes. Spearheaded the rollout of GST in India in 2017, auditing ~7500 product HS classifications, ensuring accurate GST rates. Led initiatives with customs and regulators, improving processing times by 80%, and enhanced business processes, reducing compliance errors by 85%. Evaluated global trade risks, provided strategic recommendations for market expansion, and managed HTS, import duties, and regulatory requirements. Managed quality assurance programs, including on-site assessments, internal audits, and customer surveys, and implemented changes that reduced regulatory breaches by 85% while increasing profit margins. Represented the company in trade bodies and regulatory meetings, liaising with customs officials, and increased compliance efficiency by 80%. Conducted regular compliance reviews and audits, identifying gaps, developing corrective action plans, and implementing a robust trade compliance audit system, reducing risks by 85% and improving adherence rates by 60%. Streamlined trade processes by revising 13 SOPs, reducing compliance issues by 80%, and developed comprehensive training programs, reducing cross-border compliance issues by ~90%.

Responsible for Custom Brokerage Operations for imports, inclusive of Ocean/Air import for a global Logistics Company. Job involved customs clearance at both the origin and destination ports etc., leading a team of 19 and reporting to Manager – Customs – Brokerage (Import). Achieved a ~40% increase in import clearance speed and significantly reducing processing errors. Improved clearance for 100% export-oriented units, SEZ units, and SVB shipments by ~60%, reducing processing time,. Provided brokerage quotes based on INCOTERMs (DDP, DDU, DAP). Optimized customs processes, achieving 35% faster clearance times. Ensured adherence to customs rules, statutory bodies, and service provider policies. Established customs broker KPIs, conducted trade compliance audits, and drove corrective actions, significantly enhancing compliance and operational efficiency. Optimized clearance procedures, reducing processing time by 30%. Collaborated with bonded facilities to process over 50 import shipments monthly, reducing clearance times by 40%.

Responsible for Customs Clearance Operations for Import / Exports, managing Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) operations and India Logistics (Road and Air Transport) for a leading European Logistics company. Reporting to Branch Manager. Established the Customs Clearance Department. Achieved timely and accurate clearance processes by scrutinizing documents, handling goods for importers/exporters, and filing documents online via ICEGATE and SEZ ONLINE. Directed compliance initiatives, ensuring adherence to customs regulations, resulting in a 70% decrease in shipment delays. Implemented enhanced record-keeping protocols, reducing data retrieval time by 50% and ensuring compliance. Steered purchase order booking and billing to customers for custom clearances. Liaised with customs offices, statutory bodies, service providers, and customers to maintain regulatory compliance.

> Handled the documentation and cleared the goods for the Importer / Exporter in Air Cargo Complex, on behalf of the company. > Coordinated with the Shipping Company and Freight Forwarder. Looked after sales and marketing for customs clearance business.

> Involved in documentation and customs clearance of the goods for the Importer at Nhava Sheva, on behalf of the company. > Maintained communication with the customers. Assisted with projects to increase partner performance and ultimately improve customer experience. > Updated the operations manager daily on the progress of larger orders.

> Generated Revenue for the company along with keeping in mind the profits of the client. Advised and provided the right calls to the clients according to the risk appetite. > Provided recommendation by interpreting the data, technical & sector wise movement. > Gave presentations on fundamentals, capital expansion, research based data etc. of various companies and sector.

> Handled diamond studded jewellery production, sales and marketing.