Customs Specialist

Job summary

The primary objective of this role is to lead the implementation of the company's new U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ), including FTZ activation, customs compliance, and Inventory Control and Recordkeeping System (ICRS) implementation. Following project completion, this role will manage daily customs, FTZ, and logistics coordination activities to ensure regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

Primary Responsibilities

1. FTZ Project Implementation

• Lead the implementation of the new U.S. FTZ project from planning through CBP activation and operational readiness.
• Coordinate FTZ Activation and Production Authority applications.
• Develop the Inventory Control and Recordkeeping System (ICRS), FTZ SOPs, and customs compliance procedures.
• Partner with IT teams to implement FTZ system functionality.
• Coordinate CBP site reviews, audits, and activation activities.
• Serve as the customs and FTZ subject matter expert during factory setup.

2. Customs Compliance & Operations

• Manage daily import/export customs activities and ensure compliance with U.S. customs regulations and FTZ requirements.
• Maintain accurate tariff classifications (HTS), customs valuation, and country of origin data for imported materials and products.
• Oversee FTZ inventory control, admissions, withdrawals, transfers, and recordkeeping.
• Coordinate with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and government agencies to ensure compliant and efficient customs operations.
• Monitor regulatory changes, support customs audits, and drive continuous improvement of customs processes and internal controls.
• Resolve customs and trade compliance issues to support uninterrupted business operations.

3. Logistics Coordination

• Coordinate inbound and outbound logistics to support production and customer deliveries.
• Work with Supply Chain, Procurement, Warehouse, and logistics providers to ensure timely material flow.
• Support transportation planning, shipment scheduling, and logistics activities during factory ramp-up and new product introductions.
• Ensure logistics operations comply with FTZ requirements and company policies.

4. Cross-functional Collaboration

• Partner with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Warehouse, Finance, Procurement, IT, and external service providers to support business operations.
• Provide customs and FTZ guidance to internal stakeholders.
• Support process optimization and cross-functional initiatives related to customs, FTZ, and logistics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in International Trade, Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in customs compliance, international trade, or FTZ operations, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with U.S. FTZ regulations, CBP requirements, and FTZ implementation (e.g., FTZ Activation, Production Authority, or ICRS).
• Strong knowledge of U.S. import/export regulations, tariff classification (HTS), customs valuation, and country of origin requirements.
• Familiarity with SAP/ERP systems, customs management systems, and ACE/e214 transactions.
• Experience working with customs audits, FTZ compliance reviews, and bonded inventory controls is preferred.
• Strong communication, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.