Customs Compliance Specialist

Responsibilities

• Perform classification functions including maintenance of applicable databases by reviewing product build of materials and images of craft components and activity kits to classify under the US & Canada, LATAM, EUR and Asian HTS schedules.
• Research & verify duty rates and classifications for products for multiple countries.
• Communicate with customs brokers on any documentation or classification issues to ensure the proper and timely filing of customs entries.
• Provide instructions to overseas offices/agents concerning classification and/or documentation issues, trade developments established by government agencies and related compliance measures.
• Research trade websites to stay abreast of trade developments and negotiations. Communicate updates to production and logistics departments as required.
• Work closely with HGU global offices for US and International HTS/Duty related support.
• Responsible for documentation requirements in accordance with FDA (including Product Codes), TSCAs, LADs, and any other government partnering agencies (GPAs) relating to our product lines.
• Respond to customs audits and trade compliance verification programs issued by Customs.
• Conduct periodic internal reviews or audits to ensure that compliance procedures are followed.
• Able to work with internal stakeholders to minimize any adverse impact from US tariff changes.
• Accurately classify imported products under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and applicable International Tariff Schedules.
• Apply GRI’s, Explanatory Notes, and Customs rulings (i.e., CROSS) to determine and document correct classifications.
• Maintain up-to-date expertise on HTSUS changes, rulings, and legal notes to ensure full compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
• Determine tariff classifications for complex, multi-component, and custom-built products using GRIs 1-6 and CBP guidelines.
• Research and analyze CBP Binding Rulings (CROSS) to validate and support classification.
• Maintain and apply detailed knowledge of Section 301 (China Tariffs), Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum/Copper) including applicable exclusions and compliance requirements, and any other applicable tariffs related to our product base.
• Assess product eligibility for tariff exclusions and work with cross-functional teams to implement duty mitigation strategies.
• Monitor and analyze changes in global tariff schedules, trade remedies, and trade agreements (i.e., USMCA, EU TARIC).
• Collaborate with internal teams to collect and review specifications for classification purposes.
• Support IL Manager with classification reviews as part of import audits and reviews.
• Contribute to the development of internal classification standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training materials for broader compliance awareness.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of product classification and tariff schedules (HTS code knowledge is required).
• Knowledge of Section 301, 232, and Reciprocal Tariffs required.
• Toys and/or arts & crafts product classification experience HIGHLY preferred.
• Knowledge and active usage of US HTS website required.
• Strong knowledge of HTSUS, GRIs, Explanatory Notes, and CBP classification regulations.
• 5+ years of experience in HTS classification required.
• Experience in Global Trade Compliance and classification.
• US Licensed Customs Broker a plus.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills required (oral and written) with ability to relate with multiple internal (i.e., Buying Office, Finance, Product Development, etc.) and external (i.e. brokers, US and/or Canadian government agencies, etc.) stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and PC skills required, with an emphasis on Microsoft Office products (i.e. Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Detail-oriented, able to multi-task critical classification priorities, and possess a sense of urgency to consistently complete assignments on-time.