Customs Specialist

Customs Specialist

The Customs Specialist supports the successful execution of trade compliance initiatives by coordinating customs-related activities in alignment with U.S. customs laws and import/export regulations. This role serves as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders and external trade compliance subject matter experts, ensuring project deliverables remain on track, data is accurately maintained, and customs processes are effectively implemented. The position focuses on project coordination, product master data management (including HTS classifications), monitoring progress through reporting and KPIs, and supporting audits and statutory reporting.

The role offers the opportunity to shape and grow a newly established trade compliance function within a dynamic logistics environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate HTS code management and maintenance activities in partnership with third-party trade compliance subject matter experts and internal stakeholders.
• Support the preparation, review, and submission of import and export documentation and declarations to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinate the migration and ongoing maintenance of customs classification data within ERP and other internal systems.
• Partner with freight forwarders, customs brokers, parcel service providers, and external consultants to support import clearance and customs-related activities.
• Coordinate the classification of products and parts by gathering required information, facilitating external review, and maintaining approved HTS codes and customs-relevant master data.
• Support product classification activities, including documentation associated with licenses, permits, and binding tariff information.
• Assist with sanctions, restricted-party, and embargo screening processes and promptly escalate potential concerns to appropriate subject matter experts.
• Track changes to applicable customs and trade compliance requirements and support the implementation of updates within internal processes and systems.
• Support compliance with U.S. customs laws, export control regulations, and established trade compliance procedures.
• Assist with preference, country-of-origin, and supplier declaration processes, including the collection and maintenance of supporting documentation.
• Review customs and shipping documents for completeness, consistency, and accuracy, and ensure records are properly maintained and archived.
• Serve as an internal point of coordination for communication with customs authorities, regulatory bodies, brokers, and external trade compliance partners.
• Review shipping, freight, brokerage, and import-related invoices for accuracy and coordinate resolution of discrepancies with relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor project timelines, deliverables, action items, and key performance indicators, and provide regular progress updates to internal stakeholders.
• Support the translation and conversion of vendor-provided classification data into standardized formats for use within company systems.
• Assist with statutory, customs, and project-related reporting in accordance with regulatory and internal requirements.
• Maintain organized records, project documentation, status reports, and data logs for more than 2,000 parts and products.
• Support internal and external audits, regulatory reviews, and inspections by gathering documentation and coordinating responses.
• Identify and escalate issues related to data accuracy, project timing, customs documentation, or regulatory compliance to appropriate stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with the logistics team while serving as the primary onsite resource focused on trade compliance as the department expands.

Essential Skills

• 2–3+ years of professional experience in customs compliance, international trade, import/export operations, supply chain, or logistics.
• Hands-on experience with customs entry preparation and review.
• Experience reviewing shipping, freight, brokerage, and import-related invoices for accuracy and compliance.
• Experience supporting regulatory compliance initiatives, trade compliance activities, or business process implementation projects.
• Working knowledge of customs compliance, international…