In-House Customs Broker

Costex Tractor Parts (CTP), a global supplier of replacement parts for Caterpillar®, Komatsu®, and other heavy equipment brands, is seeking a highly experienced Licensed Customs Broker to oversee and strengthen our U.S. customs compliance and international trade operations.

This position will serve as the company’s in-house subject matter expert for customs regulations, import clearance, tariff classification, duty optimization, and international trade compliance. The Licensed Customs Broker will be responsible for ensuring compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, overseeing customs entry activities, managing regulatory risks, and supporting the company’s Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) operations.

The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on customs brokerage experience, strong regulatory knowledge, and the ability to independently manage complex customs matters while collaborating with Purchasing, Logistics, Supply Chain, Finance, Warehouse Operations, and Executive Leadership.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities Customs Compliance Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, customs laws, and international trade requirements.
• Develop, implement, and maintain customs compliance policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Review and approve customs entries and supporting documentation prior to submission, as applicable.
• Maintain compliance with import and export regulations, including applicable trade restrictions and government agency requirements.
• Monitor changes in customs regulations, tariffs, trade policies, and international trade laws, implementing necessary procedural updates.
• Provide guidance to internal departments on customs compliance requirements and regulatory best practices.

Customs Entry & Clearance Oversight

• Oversee the preparation, review, and submission of import declarations, customs entries, entry summaries, Importer Security Filings (ISF), and other required documentation.
• Verify Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) classifications, customs valuations, country of origin determinations, and applicable duty rates.
• Ensure accurate and timely customs clearance of shipments through U.S. ports, airports, and other points of entry.
• Resolve customs holds, examinations, cargo release issues, documentation discrepancies, and shipment delays.
• Manage post-summary corrections, protests, reconciliation entries, and other customs-related adjustments.
• Utilize CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) to monitor customs activity, review entry data, and support compliance reporting.

Tariff Classification & Trade Expertise

• Determine and validate HTSUS classifications for imported merchandise, including heavy equipment replacement parts and related products.
• Conduct country of origin analysis and review customs valuation methodologies.
• Research applicable tariffs, trade remedies, additional duties, and import restrictions.
• Prepare and support CBP binding ruling requests involving tariff classification, valuation, and country of origin.
• Review eligibility for preferential trade treatment and applicable free trade agreements.
• Maintain accurate classification records and supporting documentation to ensure consistency and regulatory compliance.

Partner Government Agency (PGA) Compliance

• Coordinate import compliance requirements involving applicable Partner Government Agencies, including:
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
• Department of Transportation (DOT) / National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• Ensure all required permits, licenses, certificates, declarations, and supporting documentation are accurately completed and submitted.
• Monitor applicable PGA regulatory changes and ensure imported merchandise meets relevant admissibility requirements.
• Resolve agency-related holds, inspections, and compliance inquiries.

Duty Optimization & Cost Management

• Identify and implement opportunities to reduce customs duties, tariffs, and overall import costs while maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Evaluate and administer duty-saving programs, including:
• Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and preferential trade programs
• Duty drawback and applicable duty recovery programs
• First Sale valuation programs, where legally applicable
• Other available customs duty reduction and recovery opportunities
• Analyze customs expenses, tariff exposure, and import-related costs to recommend…