Import Logistics & Compliance Specialist

Company Overview:

Cedar Electronics, a leading electronics firm known for its Cobra and Escort brands, is committed to innovation and quality. Head quartered in Chicago; Cedar Electronics offers a dynamic work environment focused on developing high-quality consumer electronics. The company is embarking on an exciting phase of growth and development, and this role is pivotal in driving product excellence and team leadership.

Role Summary:

Reporting to the VP of Global Supply Chain, the Import Logistics & Compliance Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring compliant, efficient, and cost-effective importation of consumer electronics into the United States. This position supports tariff classification, customs compliance, and import operations while partnering cross-functionally to improve speed-to-market and reduce duty exposure. You’ll work closely with Engineering, Product, Quality, Logistics, and external brokers to ensure accurate HTS classification, proper documentation, and adherence to U.S. Customs and Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements. This role offers strong visibility across the supply chain and the opportunity to build deep expertise in global trade compliance while influencing cost, process efficiency, and product readiness.

Essential Functions

HTS Classification & Tariff Compliance

1. Conduct accurate HTS classification of all consumer electronics products and related components, using technical specifications, engineering drawings, and product documentation.
2. Maintain and update the company’s HTS database, ensuring consistent use of codes, duty rates, and supporting rationales.
3. Monitor U.S. trade actions, including Section 301, 201, 232, and other tariff programs affecting imported electronics.
4. Prepare classification documentation packages and support requests for CBP binding rulings as needed.
5. Evaluate eligibility for preferential trade programs, special tariff provisions, and duty-saving opportunities.

Import Compliance Program Management

1. Ensure full compliance with CBP regulations (19 CFR), valuation requirements, country-of-origin rules, and PGA mandates (e.g., FCC, EPA, DOE, CPSC, FDA).
2. Review and validate commercial invoices, packing lists, HTS codes, COO statements, and product certifications prior to importation.
3. Conduct periodic internal audits of import entries, focusing on HTS accuracy, valuation, assists, origin, and PGA correctness.
4. Maintain import documentation in accordance with recordkeeping requirements and corporate policy.

Broker, Supplier & Logistics Coordination

1. Serve as the primary point of contact for customs brokers to ensure timely and accurate entry filings, PGA submissions, and document resolution.
2. Address customs holds, compliance issues, and documentation discrepancies with internal teams and external partners.
3. Coordinate with freight forwarders and other departments to schedule deliveries, support inbound shipment visibility, cycle-time adherence, and cost control.
4. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for import-related processes.

Product & Regulatory Compliance

1. Ensure imported consumer electronics meet applicable regulatory requirements (e.g., FCC Part 15, DOE efficiency standards, EPA regulations, UL certifications, RoHS/REACH).
2. Work closely with Engineering and Quality teams to obtain and validate technical data, test reports, and product certification files, where necessary.
3. Maintain a repository of compliance and certification documentation for all imported products.
4. Partner with Sales to ensure compliance with all applicable retail and distribution regulations.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

1. Prepare regular reports on import volume, duty spend, tariff exposure, compliance performance, and opportunities for cost reduction.\
2. Identify process enhancements, automation opportunities, and best practices to improve compliance and operational efficiency.
3. Perform all other duties and tasks assigned.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, International Business, Business Administration, or a related field required.
2. Minimum of 3 years of experience in import compliance, customs operations or ocean logistics, preferably in consumer electronics or a similarly regulated industry required.
3. Strong working knowledge of HTSUS classification, CBP regulations, product compliance, valuation principles, and PGA requirements required.
4. Experience partnering with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and global logistics providers required.
5. High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to accuracy required.
6. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are required.
7. Demonstrated cross-functional collaboration; skilled at working across teams including engineering, legal, logistics, and suppliers required.
8. Ability to interpret technical product specifications and apply them to classification and compliance decisions preferred.
9. Experience with ACE preferred.
10. Familiarity with consumer electronics certification frameworks (UL, FCC, RoHS/REACH, Prop 65) preferred.
11. Exposure to tariff mitigation or duty optimization strategies preferred.
12. Experience in a multi-product environment with global suppliers preferred.
13. Ability to travel via plane or automobile required, as needed.

Location: This role and can be based in either our West Chester, OH, Chattanooga, TN, or Rolling Meadows, IL office.

Type of Employment: Full-time salaried position with benefits.

Reporting: This position will report to the VP of Global Supply Chain.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Cedar Electronics is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.