Customs Specialist

Primary Responsibilities:

• Drive business-wide compliance with import regulations, including tariff classification, value, trade remedies, and free trade agreements.
• Interface with purchasing, logistics, and external vendors; conduct rulings research to determine Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification for imports; and develop and maintain a centralized HTS database.
• Communicate with customs brokers and other service providers to facilitate cross-border clearances, ensure timely entry filing, and avoid storage charges and delays to customers or greenhouse projects.
• Conduct post-entry import reviews to ensure compliance with customs regulations including examination of entry documents, receiving, and payment. Prepare duty refund claims, as well as duty paid or duty impact analysis, as appropriate.
• Support the Periodic Monthly Statement Program (PMS) with U.S. Customs and generate ACE reports to support compliance and duty analysis.
• Manage recordkeeping in compliance with customs regulations, including data required for valuation and free trade agreement compliance.
• Identify and report potential trade compliance risks to senior management and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to develop and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Continuously evaluate and optimize customs processes to streamline operations, reduce lead times, and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to customs clearance and compliance, implementing corrective actions as needed to achieve operational targets.
• Manage records, databases, spreadsheets, project management tools, etc. to meet efficiency, recordkeeping, and reasonable care standards.
• Write and maintain import and export desk level work instructions and procedures that align with MPL customs compliance program, including record-keeping and reporting requirements.

Education/Background Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in international trade, supply chain, logistics, business administration, or a related field or equivalent relevant experience in trade/customs compliance is required.
• Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in customs compliance with a large importer or customs brokerage.
• Experience with produce or sustainable agriculture (US-FDA, USDA-APHIS, CA-CFIA), and/or with U.S.-Canada/U.S. Mexico supply chains and Canadian customs regulation preferred.
• Certification in customs/trade compliance, such as Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) or Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) is preferred.

Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• In-depth knowledge of customs laws and regulations, import clearance procedures, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, and international supply chain and logistics operations.
• Self-starter with strong organization and planning skills, with ability to complete tasks with minimal direction and the ability to produce results with minimal supervision.
• Ability to operate independently and collaborate with Supply Chain, Operations, Purchasing and Supplier Management, Marketing, Finance, Tax, in-house/external service providers, and government officials.
• Proficiency in customs brokerage software and electronic data interchange (EDI) systems.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy and analytical ability.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Working Conditions:

• Normal office environments

Salary information pending