Customs Specialist

A Customs Specialist role is responsible for overseeing all customs classification activities, ensuring full compliance with U.S. import/export regulations, and managing complex international flows, particularly triangular trade scenarios. This role is the first point of contact for shipments held at customs, coordinating timely resolution and keeping the Customer Service team informed until final delivery is confirmed.

Key Responsibilities And Accountabilities

• Work closely with logistics, compliance, and external customs brokers to ensure smooth customs clearance for customers’ imports.
• Manage any shipments stuck at customs, coordinate with brokers or authorities to resolve the issue, and ensure timely communication with the Customer Service team until successful delivery.
• Perform customs clearance checks, control, and monitoring of the related duty-payments (ACH procedure)
• Work closely with HQ customs & compliance team to ensure proper alignment of European customs codes and US-HTS-codes
• Review, audit, and maintain the company’s HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) codes database; remove outdated codes and propose updates based on new trade regulations.
• Monitor and interpret U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations to ensure continuous compliance across import/export activities.
• Proactively identify opportunities to optimize duties and tariffs through proper classifications, rulings, and use of Free Trade Agreements.
• Lead the transition of our Canadian incoterm to Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) and fully manage the drawback process.
• Support and advise on triangular flow operations, ensuring proper documentation, legal compliance, and flow of goods across complex global trade paths.
• Act as an internal subject-matter expert and train or guide cross-functional teams when necessary.
  
  

Essential Qualifications, Knowledge And Skills

• 3-5 years of experience in customs compliance, trade operations, or international logistics.
• Experience with Export Administration Regulations (EAR) as well as Sanction Programs (OFAC).
• Proven knowledge of HTS classification, U.S. Customs regulations, incoterms, and drawback processes.
• Strong understanding of international trade flows, especially complex triangular models.
• Experience managing stuck shipments and navigating customs clearance efficiently.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills – able to clearly articulate customs requirements and impacts to non-experts.
• Proficient with tools such as Microsoft Excel; experience with trade management software is a plus.
• Strong communication.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines.
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Experience working with Canadian customs and DDP setups preferred.
• Familiarity with ACE, AESDirect, and/or any U.S. CBP portals preferred.
• Additional language skills (e.g., French, Italian, or Spanish) are a plus.
  
  

Upon request, we will provide reasonable accommodation for disabilities to support participation of candidates in all aspects of the recruitment process. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

We thank all those who apply. However, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.