Customs Compliance Specialist

Makita Corporation; Whitby; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international power tools brand seeks a Customs Compliance Specialist to support Supply Chain operations in Whitby, Canada. This role involves managing customs compliance, tariff classifications, and liaising with various stakeholders to ensure adherence to Canadian customs regulations. Ideal candidates will have experience in logistics and possess strong analytical and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

Competitive salary and incentive program

Company paid benefits (medical/dental/vision)

RSP Plan

Paid vacation and family leave

Career growth opportunities

Education reimbursement program

Qualifications

• CCS certification or enrollment is a plus.
• Experience in logistics with a global perspective is preferred.
• Familiarity with customs documentation is required.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze product SKUs for accurate tariff classifications.
• Ensure compliance with Canada Customs and manage audits.
• Liaise with Customs broker and internal teams on compliance matters.

Skills

Logistics

Compliance

Documentation

Trade Agreements

MS Office

Education

Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) designation

Understanding of Harmonized Commodity System

Job description

Makita is a leading international brand that produces cordless and electrical power tools. Our focus is Customer First – a simple concept and we get it. We design and develop our tools with the user in mind, answering a simple question : How do we make the job easier and more efficient for the customer?

How Makita supports our team members :

• Competitive salary and incentive program.
• Company paid benefits (medical / dental / vision / employee assistance plan).
• RSP Plan.
• Work life balance with paid / unpaid leave, including paid vacation, family related leave & personal days.
• Opportunities for career growth and an Education Reimbursement Program.

What will you do?

The Customs Compliance Specialist is responsible for providing support and direction for day-to-day Supply Chain and Logistics operations to ensure % compliance for all products imported and exported into / out of Canada. This position is based out of Makita Canada’s Head Office in Whitby, ON and reports to the Purchasing and Inventory Manager.

What will you work on?

• Review and analyze complex product SKUs to maintain accurate tariff classification database (compile all information necessary to properly classify products).
• Assign proper classification codes ensuring the correct duty is paid.
• Manage and maintain the origination process and records for Trade Agreements.
• Ensure that import entries are properly valued.
• Audit all Customs entries for accurate tariff classification, country of origin and valuation.
• Maintain related records both electronically and mechanically for defenses in a customs audit.
• Manage all CBSA requests and audits.
• Audit Brokerage billing and import documentation for compliance and payment.
• Monitor new developments and changes in customs laws, trade agreements, transportation regulation, port policies and communicate this information internally as necessary.
• Maintain overall customs compliance procedures to ensure Makita complies with Canada Customs and other Government Department regulations.
• Liaise with Customs broker, CBSA, Finance, product groups and support internal teams on significant issues pertaining to deliveries, duties, valuation etc.

To be successful you will have :

• Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) designation or enrollment is an advantage (but not required).
• An understanding of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System and working within the Customs Automated Reference Library (CARL) an asset.
• Be able to identify documentation for Customs entries (commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading, etc.).
• Experience in logistics, preferably with a mix of air / sea / truck on a Global level.

What you bring to the team :

• Superior MS Office skills with a focus on Excel and Access.
• Positive attitude : Must have the desire to connect and create connections with coworkers and approach challenges with a can-do attitude.
• Self reliance : Must take initiative and be a self-starter.
• Multitasking : Must be able to strategize priorities and work well in growing business setting as well as working with different system integrations.
• Business acumen : strategic thinking, planning, and organizing skills to successfully manage a variety of initiatives and responsibilities.
• Interpersonal skills : the ability to develop strong working relationships with internal and external customers is essential.
• Communications skills : ability to communicate in a clear and professional manner verbally and in writing, and comfortable presenting to a group of people.
• Teamwork : ability to work in a team environment and be productive with minimal per hour