Import/ Export Compliance Specialist

Aston Carter•Sparta, TN

3d•$80,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

Our client is an innovative manufacturing organization that develops advanced interior and exterior lighting solutions for the automotive and electronics industries. Focused on innovation, technology, and continuous improvement, the company is helping shape the future of mobility through cutting-edge lighting applications that enhance safety, functionality, and design. The organization values integrity, collaboration, and professional growth, offering employees the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while building rewarding careers in a dynamic and evolving industry. The Customs & Trade Compliance Specialist will be responsible for ensuring compliance with U.S. import, export, and international trade regulations. This role will support customs compliance activities, trade programs, duty management initiatives, and the development of internal compliance procedures. The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of trade regulations and work cross-functionally with logistics, purchasing, finance, customer service, and sales teams to mitigate risk and support operational efficiency.

Requirements

3+ years of hands-on experience in U.S. customs, import/export, or international trade compliance.
Strong knowledge and practical experience with HTS classification.
Understanding of U.S. Customs requirements, including classification, country of origin, customs valuation, and entry documentation.
Working knowledge of U.S. export control requirements.
Experience working with customs brokers and freight forwarders.
Strong research and analytical skills.
Ability to interpret regulations and apply them to products and transactions.
Exceptional attention to detail and documentation practices.
Ability to work independently and take ownership of compliance initiatives.
Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in automotive, electronics, or other manufacturing environments.
Experience with duty drawback programs.
Experience with tariff mitigation and duty reduction strategies.
Experience with USMCA and other preferential trade programs.
Experience with ACE and customs broker entry systems.
Experience responding to CBP inquiries.
Experience working with ERP systems and product master data.
Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) certification or similar trade compliance credential.
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, International Business, Logistics, or a related field preferred. Equivalent industry experience will also be considered.

Responsibilities

Classify imported automotive lighting products, components, raw materials, and other items under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).
Research HTS classifications and maintain appropriate supporting documentation.
Review and validate classifications provided by suppliers, customs brokers, and other third parties.
Determine and maintain accurate country-of-origin information.
Review customs entries, commercial invoices, valuations, and other import documentation for accuracy.
Manage relationships with customs brokers and freight forwarders.
Research and resolve customs entry issues, classification questions, and CBP inquiries.
Monitor changes in tariffs, HTS provisions, trade remedies, and other regulations that may impact imports.
Identify opportunities to reduce duties and improve landed costs while maintaining compliance.
Support customs audits and maintain documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance.
Support the organization's export compliance program for products shipped internationally.
Review export documentation and assist with determining when export licenses or other requirements may apply.
Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, Logistics, and customers to resolve export compliance issues.
Develop a working understanding of duty drawback and identify opportunities where the organization may benefit.
Evaluate opportunities for duty reduction, tariff mitigation, preferential trade programs, and other legitimate cost-saving strategies.
Support USMCA and other applicable free trade/preferential trade programs.
Monitor duty exposure and communicate significant changes or opportunities to leadership.
Assist Finance and Logistics teams with understanding the financial impact of tariffs and trade regulations.
Establish and maintain written trade compliance procedures and work instructions.
Maintain accurate classification and country-of-origin master data.
Conduct periodic reviews of product classifications and trade transactions.
Develop internal controls to reduce customs and export compliance risk.
Provide training and guidance to employees involved in purchasing, logistics, sales, and international transactions.
Stay current on changes to U.S. customs and export regulations and communicate relevant updates throughout the organization.
Identify compliance risks and recommend practical corrective actions.