Customs & Tariff Specialist

The Customs and Tariff Specialist is responsible for ensuring full compliance with all import and export regulations, customs requirements, tariff classifications, and international trade laws. This position supports daily international shipping operations while minimizing risk, controlling duty costs, and maintaining compliance with U.S. and global trade regulations.

The role works closely with supply chain, purchasing, logistics, finance, customs brokers, freight forwarders, suppliers, and government agencies to ensure efficient movement of goods across international borders.

This position also monitors changing tariff activity, trade agreements, and government regulations that impact business operations, sourcing strategies, and landed costs.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable import and export regulations, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements and other international trade regulations.
• Manage and maintain accurate HTS classifications for imported products and materials.
• Review customs documentation for accuracy, including:
• Packing lists
• Certificates of origin
• Bills of lading
• Ensure compliance with Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
• Coordinate with customs brokers and freight forwarders to ensure timely customs clearance. The position coordinates with brokers but does not formally manage broker performance.
• Support and manage customs audits, broker reviews, and internal compliance assessments.
• Conduct periodic internal audits of customs entries, trade compliance records, and import/export documentation to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
• Maintain import and export records in accordance with regulatory retention requirements.

• Monitor tariff changes, trade policies, anti-dumping duties, countervailing duties, and special trade programs.
• Analyze tariff impacts on purchased materials, components, and finished goods.
• Identify opportunities for tariff reduction and duty savings through:
• Free trade agreements
• Duty drawback
• Country of origin analysis
• Tariff engineering
• Temporary import programs
• Provide leadership with regular updates regarding tariff exposure and financial impact.
• Support sourcing and procurement teams with landed cost analysis and tariff forecasting.

• Manage compliance activities related to trade agreements such as:
• USMCA
• CAFTA
• Other regional or country specific agreements
• Validate supplier certificates and origin documentation.
• Coordinate annual solicitations and maintenance of supplier trade compliance records.

• Partner with purchasing, logistics, production, and finance teams to support uninterrupted material flow.
• Resolve customs holds, shipment delays, and classification disputes.
• Assist with ERP and SAP related trade compliance data accuracy.
• Develop and maintain internal procedures and work instructions related to customs and tariff compliance.

Prepare reports related to:

• Duty spends
• Tariff exposure
• Brokerage activity
• Compliance metrics
• Track and report key trade compliance KPIs.
• Recommend process improvements to reduce costs and improve compliance performance.

This position will not have supervisory responsibilities.

• HTS classification
• Customs valuation
• Country of origin rules
• Import/export regulations
• Trade agreements
• Tariff regulations

• USMCA
• CBP regulations
• EAR
• OFAC
• International trade compliance programs
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret complex government regulations and apply them operationally.
• Advanced Excel skills preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, International Business, Logistics, Business Administration, Finance, or related field preferred. Three to 7 years of experience in customs compliance, international trade, import/export operations, or tariff administration. Experience in a manufacturing environment is strongly preferred. Automotive industry experience preferred. Experience working with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and government agencies required.

• Licensed Customs Broker (LCB)
• Certified Customs Specialist (CCS)
• Certified Export Specialist (CES)

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers or regulatory agencies or members of the business community. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Bi-lingual communication in both English and Spanish is preferred.

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and…