International Trade Compliance Specialist

Ashley Furniture Industries•Arcadia, WI

About The Position

The International Trade Compliance Specialist will support the processes and procedures established to ensure department compliance with international regulations. This position will review and analyze all products to determine the appropriate classification, free trade program eligibility, and country approval evaluation as well as accurately maintain all systems associated with these areas. In this role, there will be routine interaction with a variety of teams (both internal and external), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This position will facilitate the international new account set up process, ensuring consistency, and is expected to stay current with Customs laws and free trade agreement regulations.

Responsibilities

Determine the appropriate Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) number and Schedule B number for all products according to both CBP guidelines, CBSA and team standard operating procedures. Ensure processes are being completed within established deadlines
Determine whether or not product is eligible for any special trade programs such as Generalized System of Preference (GSP) or free trade agreements (FTA). Determine if product is subject to special trade requirements such as antidumping duty (ADD), countervailing duty (CVD) or visa/quota restrictions
Monitor special trade programs or requirements. Research the potential impact of changes on product line. Update the internal systems as needed. Ensure product line is in compliance with regulations and requirements. Keep appropriate personnel updated and escalate issues to upper managements as needed
Determine country approval restrictions according to established guidelines
Update and maintain the Company’s internal classification databases with accurate informtion and supporting documentation as needed
Prepare and present items for Classification Review process to ensure consistency and compliance. Be prepared to justify and support classification as needed
Complete the classification change process as needed in accordance with the established standard operating procedure
Collaborate with Design, Cost Accounting, Finance, and Purchasing teams to provide HTS and duty estimates for new product to allow for accurate costing evaluation and sale price determination
Complete the international account set up process. Ensure company’s ability to comply with new account trade requirements or requests and establish consistent requirements per country
Communicate with a variety of internal teams, legal council, as well as international offices and vendors to research and resolve issues that may arise in the classification process. Determine the appropriate course of action in accordance with established guideline and follow-up to ensure resolution
Research, prepare, and submit formal binding ruling requests to CBP in order to confirm classification. Ensure systems are updated in relation to their response and direction
Assist the Customs Entry team with responding to CBP inquiries. Provide information and support to explain and justify classification
Maintain and retain international correspondence in accordance with established U.S. customs requirements
Collect and update information in accordance with team key process measures. Generate and analyze reports; make recommendations as appropriate
Assist in the maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures for the International Trade Compliance Team; make recommendations for changes and implement upon Manager’s approval
Determine areas in need of improvement, make recommendations and assist with creating, implementing and monitoring process improvement changes
Stay current with Customs regulations and compliance requirements; communicate relevant findings to management
Demonstrate the company’s Core and Growth Values in the performance of each job function