Cross-Border E-Commerce Trade Compliance / Customs Manager (DTC)

Employment Type: Full-time

Target Markets: EU & US (Exporting from Mainland China)

Role Overview

We are seeking a proactive Trade Compliance & Customs Manager to safeguard our fast-growing, all-category DTC independent site. In this role, you will build and govern our global trade compliance infrastructure, manage dual-track customs clearance (direct-mail parcels and bulk overseas warehousing), and mitigate overseas regulatory and tax risks across EU and US markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Compliance Infrastructure & SOPs: Design and enforce global trade compliance systems and export Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) tailored to DTC independent site operations.
• Dual-Track Customs Management: Oversee global customs execution across direct-mail small parcels (9610/express lines) and bulk overseas warehouse shipments (0110/9810). Evaluate and manage 3PLs, customs brokers, and logistics partners to optimize clearance speed and minimize inspection rates.
• Product Classification & Access: Lead HS Code pre-classification, tariff planning, and rules of origin for all product lines. Secure market access certifications across target markets (CE, FCC, FDA, RoHS, EPR).
• Tax Policy & Policy Tracking: Partner with Finance to govern overseas VAT, GST, Sales Tax filings, and import tax deferments. Monitor global regulatory shifts, including US de minimis threshold changes, EU tax reforms, anti-dumping rules, and export controls.
• Audit & Risk Defense: Lead emergency responses for overseas customs inspections, detentions, audits, and royalty declarations. Manage IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) customs recordation and prevent infringement risks.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 3–5+ years in cross-border e-commerce customs or trade compliance, including at least 1–2 years in-house at a DTC brand or specialized DTC logistics provider.
• Technical Mastery: Deep knowledge of US/EU import clearance, e-commerce tax laws, and HS Code classification for sensitive or complex categories (e.g., liquids, built-in batteries, magnetic items).
• Proven Crisis Handling: Track record of resolving overseas customs detentions, inspections, and product holds.
• Systems & Languages: Professional working proficiency in written and spoken English (ability to liaise directly with overseas customs brokers and legal counsel). Proficient with mainstream cross-border ERPs and customs data tools.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Logistics, Law, Foreign Languages, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications (Bonus)

• Certified Senior AEO Specialist, Licensed Customs Broker, or Certified Supply Chain Manager.
• Hands-on experience building a global compliance architecture for a DTC brand from 0 to 1.