Customs Specialist

Job Title: Sr. Customs Entry Writer

Location: 3545 Whitehall Park Drive Charlotte, NC / 305 Bridgepoint Drive Saint Paul, MN / 1320 Henry Brennan Drive El Paso, TX / 1901 Raymer Ave Fullerton, CA

Duration: Fulltime/long term (C2H)

M-Th onsite role (Fridays remote only)

Onsite Job Summary :

• The Custom House Brokerage Import / Export Entry Writer – FTZ Specialist is responsible for the accurate and compliant preparation, submission, and management of U.S. Customs import and export entries, with a strong emphasis on Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) admissions, filings, and compliance.
• This role requires deep knowledge of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, tariff classification, valuation, PGA requirements, and FTZ program rules to ensure regulatory compliance, mitigate risk, and support efficient cargo movement.

Key Responsibilities

Import / Export Entry Management

• Prepare, validate, and transmit import and export entries (CBP Forms 3461, 7501, 7512, AES, etc.) in compliance with CBP regulations
• Ensure timely and accurate clearance of cargo while meeting client and operational deadlines
• Review commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, and other supporting documentation
• Determine correct HTS classification, duty rates, valuation, country of origin, and applicability of trade programs (USMCA, GSP, ADD/CVD, etc.)
• Coordinate with carriers, terminals, warehouse operators, and internal teams to resolve discrepancies or clearance issues

FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone) Operations – Heavy Focus

• Prepare and file FTZ admissions, withdrawals (Consumption, Transportation, Export), and zone status changes
• Ensure compliance with 19 CFR Part 146 and FTZ Board regulations
• Manage weekly and monthly FTZ entries, including reconciliation and duty optimization strategies
• Verify zone status (Privileged Foreign, NonPrivileged Foreign, Domestic, Zone-Restricted) and ensure proper reporting
• Support FTZ recordkeeping, inventory control, admission documentation, and audit readiness
• Collaborate with FTZ operators and clients to maintain compliant zone processes

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure compliance with CBP, Census, FDA, USDA, EPA, FCC, and other Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements
• Monitor regulatory changes affecting imports, exports, and FTZ programs
• Identify and escalate compliance risks, potential penalties, or audit concerns
• Support CBP Requests for Information (CF28) and Notices of Action (CF29)
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with CBP recordkeeping requirements

Client & Internal Support

• Serve as a subject matter expert for FTZ and customs brokerage entry questions
• Communicate clearly with clients regarding documentation requirements, clearance status, and compliance impacts
• Assist in onboarding new clients, especially those utilizing FTZ programs
• Provide guidance on duty savings, compliance strategies, and operational efficiencies

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience as an Import / Export Entry Writer within a licensed Custom House Brokerage
• Extensive handson FTZ experience (admissions, withdrawals, weekly entries, compliance)
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, HTSUS, valuation, and trade compliance
• Proficiency with customs brokerage software systems (e.g., Descartes, CargoWise, SAP GTS, ACS/ACE environments)
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple entries and deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) or working toward licensure
• Experience supporting CBP audits, reconciliations, or FTZ compliance reviews
• Familiarity with duty drawback, reconciliation, and special trade programs
• Experience working with highvolume or complex FTZ operations

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of FTZ regulations and compliance requirements
• Analytical and problemsolving skills
• Ability to work independently in fastpaced, deadlinedriven environments
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Collaborative mindset with internal and external stakeholders

Working Conditions

• Office or hybrid environment (depending on company policy)
• May require extended hours during peak shipping periods