Customs Entry Writer

Position Summary

The Entry Specialist is responsible for preparing, reviewing, and transmitting customs entries to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal regulations.

This position manages import shipments from document receipt through customs release, serving as a primary point of contact for customers, carriers, government agencies, and internal departments to facilitate timely and compliant cargo clearance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and electronically transmit customs entries through the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) in accordance with CBP regulations.
• Review commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, arrival notices, and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance prior to submission.
• Verify tariff classification, customs valuation, country of origin, admissibility requirements, and applicable duties, taxes, and fees.
• Determine and process Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements, including FDA, APHIS/USDA, EPA, Fish & Wildlife, and other applicable agency filings.
• Monitor shipment arrivals, prioritize time-sensitive clearances, and track entry status through cargo release.
• Coordinate with customers, overseas agents, carriers, warehouses, terminals, truckers, and internal operations to facilitate timely customs clearance and cargo delivery.
• Serve as the primary customer contact for assigned shipments by:
• Providing shipment updates
• Requesting required documentation
• Resolving clearance issues
• Responding to customer inquiries professionally and promptly
• Identify documentation discrepancies and compliance concerns and coordinate corrective actions with customers, vendors, or government agencies to prevent delays.
• Coordinate Customs examinations, agriculture inspections, and other government agency inspections, while communicating status updates to all stakeholders.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and organized electronic shipment files in accordance with company policies and CBP recordkeeping requirements.
• Review customs duty calculations, brokerage charges, and billing information to ensure financial accuracy and proper invoicing.
• Maintain compliance with CBP regulations, company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and internal quality standards.
• Stay current on changes to customs regulations, tariff schedules, trade programs, and government agency requirements through ongoing training and professional development.
• Recommend process improvements that enhance operational efficiency, service quality, compliance, and accuracy.
• Assist with cross-training, departmental initiatives, special projects, and other duties as assigned.
  

Experience

• 2–5 years of customs brokerage or import operations experience preferred.
• Experience preparing customs entries using ABI.
• Working knowledge of CBP regulations, customs entry procedures, and the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Understanding of:
• Customs valuation
• Incoterms®
• Country of origin rules
• Import compliance requirements
• Experience using ACE, ABI, and customs brokerage software.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple shipments and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail with a strong commitment to accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, and Word.