The Lead Specialist – Customs & FTZ Compliance will serve as the primary onsite authority overseeing all U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) compliance activities for our Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) manufacturing facility.
This role is responsible for ensuring the lawful, efficient, and timely movement of imported goods, maintaining the integrity of our FTZ program, and acting as the organization's subject‑matter expert on customs laws, regulations, valuation, admissibility, and documentation requirements.
As the sole person responsible for customs compliance, the Lead Specialist must be a licensed U.S. Customs Broker and demonstrate strong command of federal regulations, including 19 CFR and the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS). CBP requires licensed brokers to have expertise in entry procedures, admissibility requirements, classification, and valuation.
Key Responsibilities
Customs Compliance
- Serve as the company’s Licensed Customs Broker, filing and overseeing all import‑related activities in accordance with federal regulations, consistent with CBP’s licensing and compliance requirements.
- Assist in classifying goods using HTSUS with accuracy and defend classification decisions; CBP notes classification as a core broker obligation.
- Ensure compliance with valuation, duty calculation, admissibility, documentation, and partner government agency requirements (e.g., EPA, DOT, FDA).
- Maintain all customs records as required, including 5‑year documentation retention per CBP guidance.
- Assist in response and preparation for CBP audits, reviews, and inquiries.
Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Operations
- Oversee all FTZ filings including Admissions (214), Weekly Entries, zone status changes, inventory control, and reconciliation entries (when applicable).
- Ensure alignment with FTZ regulatory requirements, leveraging CBP’s regulations on entry, valuation, and broker responsibilities.
- Maintain close coordination with FTZ Operator Systems, ensuring inventory accuracy and compliance with CBP-mandated controls.
Regulatory Expertise & Oversight
- Stay current on updates to 19 CFR, CBP rulings, trade agreements, and tariff modifications to maintain compliance. Licensed brokers are required to maintain knowledge of customs laws and regulations.
- Interpret government regulations and communicate requirements to internal stakeholders and external partners.
Internal Controls & Process Leadership
- Collaborate cross‑functionally with supply chain, procurement, logistics, and operations to ensure early involvement in trade compliance matters.
Systems & Data Management
- File and manage entries via the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), consistent with CBP procedural requirements for brokers.
- Maintain accurate electronic records and manage classification databases and import documentation systems.
Qualifications
Licensing Requirements
- Active U.S. Customs Broker License, meeting CBP requirements for citizenship, age, moral character, and passage of the CBLE - Strongly preferred.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in: Supply Chain Management, International Business, Logistics, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field preferred.
Experience
- 3–7+ years in customs brokerage, import compliance, or trade compliance.
- Direct FTZ experience in a manufacturing or distribution environment strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated proficiency in HTS classification, valuation, duty calculation, and import documentation.
- Experience interacting with CBP, Partner Government Agencies, and FTZ officials.
Technical Skills
- Skilled in ACE/ABI platforms for customs entry filing.
- Strong understanding of 19 CFR, HTSUS, duty assessment, and trade agreement applicability.
- Proficient in ERP and inventory control systems; FTZ system experience preferred.
Key Competencies
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong analytical and regulatory research skills
- Ability to operate independently with minimal oversight
- Excellent communication skills for internal and external stakeholders
- High integrity and adherence to compliance standards, aligned with CBP’s moral character expectation for license holders
