Trade Compliance Specialist

Aston Carter•Lake Forest, CA

3d•$30 - $47•Remote

About The Position

The Trade Compliance Specialist supports the import and trade compliance program by ensuring accurate product classification, country of origin determinations, supplier outreach, data validation, and trade agreement reviews. This role collaborates closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, customs brokers, and trade compliance leadership to support accurate customs declarations, tariff application, USMCA qualification analysis, and maintenance of trade compliance records, escalating complex or high-risk matters to Sr trade compliance staff when needed.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience in trade compliance, customs operations, import/export compliance, logistics, or a related field.
Working knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, including HTS classification, country of origin rules, tariffs, valuation, and recordkeeping requirements.
Handson experience with trade compliance activities such as import documentation, import compliance, and customs compliance.
Ability to conduct detailed product classification and country of origin determinations using technical product information.
Strong attention to detail with effective documentation and organizational skills to manage multiple SKUs, records, and audits.
Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including sorting, filtering, lookups, and basic data reconciliation.
Experience working with ERP or MRP systems to manage SKUs, trade data, and import/export information.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with suppliers, customs brokers, and internal stakeholders regarding compliance requirements.
Capability to research trade compliance issues and interpret customs law and tariff databases to support decisionmaking.

Nice To Haves

Professional trade compliance certifications such as CCS, CES, or equivalent training are preferred.
Familiarity with QAD and/or SAP is preferred, though experience with other ERP/MRP systems is also valuable.
Experience working with tariff databases and customs law references to support HTS and duty determinations.
Experience in logistics and import/export operations, particularly related to ocean and air shipments.
Ability to support USMCA qualification analysis and other trade agreement reviews.
Comfort working in a fastpaced environment where priorities may shift and workload can be high due to team capacity.
Strong analytical skills and problemsolving abilities to identify compliance risks and recommend mitigation strategies.

Responsibilities

Perform HTS classification reviews for products and determine accurate country of origin for all relevant items.
Conduct steel and antidumping/countervailing duty (ADD/CVD) reviews and maintain supporting databases and documentation.
Obtain and analyze product specifications, bills of materials (BOMs), manufacturing details, and supplier certifications to support classification and origin determinations.
Communicate directly with suppliers to obtain information needed for product classification, country of origin, USMCA qualification, and other trade compliance requirements.
Review customs entry data for accuracy and completeness and support postentry audit activities as needed.
Maintain trade compliance records and reporting in accordance with applicable regulations and internal policies.
Support audit readiness efforts and track corrective actions to ensure timely and effective resolution of compliance issues.
Research trade compliance issues and provide clear, practical recommendations to internal stakeholders.
Escalate complex classification, valuation, origin, or trade remedy issues to the Trade Compliance Analyst or trade compliance leadership.
Add new SKUs to the ERP system and classify any new SKU requests in alignment with HTS and country of origin requirements.
Check for any tariff derivatives and assess potential tariff impacts on imported products.
Assign country of origin for new and existing SKUs and maintain accurate origin data within relevant systems.
Identify and support potential opportunities for tariff mitigation based on product design, sourcing, and trade agreements.
Manage incoming ocean and air shipments from a trade compliance perspective, ensuring proper documentation and customs compliance.
Collaborate with logistics and other internal teams to ensure import documentation and customs compliance requirements are met.