What are the responsibilities and job description for the Trade Compliance Specialist position at Sofidel S.p.A.?
Sofidel America is part of the Sofidel Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of tissue paper products. We are committed to operational excellence, innovation, sustainability, and the development of our employees.
The Trade Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring compliance with U.S. and international trade regulations related to the Company's import and export activities. This role oversees customs compliance, tariff classification, import documentation, broker management, and regulatory reporting while supporting efficient global supply chain operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, Customs Modernization Act (Mod Act) requirements, and other applicable trade regulations by auditing and verifying import and export documentation, classifications, valuations, and related records.
- Classify imported products using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and maintain accurate tariff classifications, duty rates, and product records within company systems.
- Review customs documentation (commercial invoices, packing lists, engineering drawings, technical specifications, and other supporting documentation) for accuracy to ensure accurate tariff classification and maintain all required records in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.
- Monitor import shipments and proactively resolve Customs holds, Requests for Information (RFIs), examinations, and clearance issues by coordinating with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, ports, and government agencies.
- Coordinate customs clearance activities with Customs Broker.
- Analyze tariff classifications and trade programs to support compliance and identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Coordinate international shipments with internal stakeholders, overseas affiliates, suppliers, customs brokers, freight forwarders, consolidators, carriers, and other service providers.
- Validate customs broker invoices, identify billing discrepancies, pursue credits when appropriate, and track cost savings related to tariff classifications and billing corrections.
- Ensure document retention practices comply with company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Develop, maintain, and improve trade compliance procedures, internal controls, and best practices.
- Support employee training related to import and export compliance requirements.
- Educate stakeholders regarding changes in trade regulations, tariffs, anti-dumping measures, sanctions, and other compliance matters that may impact business operations.
- Assist with customs audits, compliance reviews, and regulatory inquiries.
- Monitor changes in tariffs, trade remedies, Section 301 tariffs, Section 232 tariffs, anti-dumping (AD), countervailing duties (CVD), and other import-related trade measures.
- Partner with Purchasing, Supply Chain, Finance, Logistics, and Operations teams to support compliant and efficient international trade activities.
- Support export compliance activities by reviewing export documentation and coordinating with freight forwarders as required.
- Assist with export documentation, AES filing coordination, denied party screening, and recordkeeping.
- Support compliance with applicable U.S. export regulations and customer-specific shipping requirements.
- Monitor export shipments to help resolve documentation or customs issues when necessary.
- Prepare reports, analyses, and compliance metrics for management.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Supply Chain, International Trade, Logistics, or a related field required.
- Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) certification preferred.
- U.S. Customs Broker License preferred.
- Candidates actively pursuing Customs Broker certification are encouraged to apply.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in trade compliance, customs compliance, import/export operations, or a related field.
- Experience working with U.S. Customs regulations, import documentation, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and government agencies required.
- Experience with HTS classifications, customs valuation, country of origin determination, tariff analysis, customs entry processes, audits, compliance reviews, or regulatory inquiries preferred.
- Export compliance experience is beneficial but secondary to import compliance expertise.
- Manufacturing industry experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, HTS classifications, tariffs, duty programs, sanctions, trade restrictions, and international trade compliance requirements.
- Working knowledge of trade remedies, Section 301, Section 232 tariffs, AD/CVD requirements, duty optimization strategies and ability to interpret Customs rulings, CBP guidance, CSMS messages, Federal Register notices, and technical product documentation
- Experience with Customs ACE (Automated Commercial Environment Secure Data Portal) required.
- Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- SAP experience preferred.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively both independently and across departments.
Why Join Sofidel America?
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package
- Annual company performance bonus and 401(k) with company match
- Career growth opportunities within a global organization
- Opportunity to support international trade compliance and global business operations
- Collaborative and team-oriented work environment
Equal Opportunity Employer
Sofidel America is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.