Customs Classifier Specialist

About Grainger

W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. At Grainger, we keep the world working by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products and solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. Known for its commitment to service and award‑winning culture, the company had 2024 revenue of $17.2 billion across its two business models.

The anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $61,800.00 to $.

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
• 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full‑time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.
• 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
• Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
• Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non‑birth parents.

Reporting to the Manager, Customs Compliance, the Customs Classifier Specialist will classify Grainger items and Grainger sourced items within the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), including indicating special trade programs where applicable. You will support the Import and Export activity for Grainger’s North America and Latin America. You will apply Export Schedule B number and Commodity Control Number (ECCN) following the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

This position is hybrid requiring presence onsite at the Lake Forest, IL headquarters one day per week.

• Determine item classification and applicable duty rate using the HTS for U.S. and Canada imports.
• Interpret the U.S. Harmonized Tariffs along with chapter and explanatory notes.
• Identify applicable government agency requirements for U.S. and Canada (EPA, FDA, FCC, FWS, DOT, TSCA, Lacy Act, Steel License, Canada Health, Canada National Energy Board).
• Apply special trade programs and ensure long descriptions are accurate and complete.
• Determine and apply Antidumping and Countervailing case numbers and duty rates.
• Bring knowledge of the Commerce Control List (CCL) and ability to assign ECCNs.
• Determine if export license is required under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
• Respond to daily classification inquiries from customs brokers and internal customers.
• Develop and retain audit trails to support the classification assigned and update classification database system.
• Own daily HTS audits.
• Source customs rulings to support classification determinations.

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required.
• 2+ years in U.S. Import regulations and in U.S. Export regulations required.
• Experienced classifying products under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and Export Commodity Control Number (ECCN) following Export Administration Regulations (EAR) guidelines.
• Knowledge of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Regulations, including FTAs.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one’s employment, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process.

Note:

This position is not eligible for any form of sponsorship now or in the future. Individuals requiring sponsorship (e.g. OPT or H1B visa status) should not apply. Only individuals authorized to work in the United States now and for the foreseeable future will be considered for this position.