Customs Compliance Specialist

SRAM; Coimbra; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

SRAM Portugal seeks a Customs Compliance Specialist to own EU and Portuguese customs matters, ensuring accurate CN/TARIC classifications, duty analyses, and audit readiness.

You will act as the primary contact for trade compliance, work within SRAM's global team, and manage data sharing with freight forwarders and customs agents while driving continuous improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 4–6 years in customs/import/export compliance.
• Strong knowledge of EU Customs Code (UCC) and TARIC.
• Experience driving continuous improvement in compliance or logistics.
• Tariff classification across diverse commodities.
• Working knowledge of SAP and EU customs IT systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Proven success advising business partners on trade compliance.

Responsibilities

• Regulatory and Compliance Management across EU/Portugal operations.
• Manage import duty impact analysis and trade defense tools.
• Ensure compliance with EU Customs Code and AT regulations.
• Oversee customs audits for SRAM Portugal and support global audits.
• Maintain accurate customs data with suppliers, agents, and internal partners.
• Escalate corrective actions and drive process improvements.
• Maintain documentation traceability for exports and intra-EU sales.
• Coordinate with customs agents and freight forwarders.

Skills

EU customs knowledge

Taric classification

Audits & compliance

Documentation management

Vendor management

Regulatory updates

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in International Trade or related field

Tools

SAP

TARIC/EU customs IT systems

Job description

Overview

SRAM is seeking a Customs Compliance Specialist with strong experience in import and export compliance within a manufacturing and distribution environment. This role serves as the subject matter expert for EU and Portuguese customs matters and the primary point of contact for all customs and trade compliance activities at SRAM Portugal. The ideal candidate takes full ownership of core customs compliance functions, including CN/TARIC classification, duty analysis, customs audits, document management, and freight forwarder/customs agent management. This role reports within SRAM's global trade compliance team to ensure consistency and continuity across all jurisdictions.

Overview

SRAM is seeking a Customs Compliance Specialist with strong experience in import and export compliance within a manufacturing and distribution environment. This role serves as the subject matter expert for EU and Portuguese customs matters and the primary point of contact for all customs and trade compliance activities at SRAM Portugal. The ideal candidate takes full ownership of core customs compliance functions, including CN/TARIC classification, duty analysis, customs audits, document management, and freight forwarder/customs agent management. This role reports within SRAM's global trade compliance team to ensure consistency and continuity across all jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

• Regulatory and Compliance Management
• Stay current on EU and Portuguese trade regulations affecting SRAM's import, export, and intra-EU operations, and communicate relevant updates across the business.
• Serve as the primary resource for import duty impact and analysis, including anti-dumping measures, safeguard duties, and other EU trade defense instruments.
• Ensure full compliance with EU Customs Code (UCC) requirements and applicable Portuguese Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (AT) regulations.
• Manage customs audits for SRAM Portugal and support audits for global subsidiaries as required.
• Ensure supplier, freight forwarder, and internal partner accountability for accurate, complete, and compliant customs data.
• Escalate corrective actions and oversee both short- and long-term process improvements.
• Maintain document retention in compliance with EU and Portuguese customs requirements, ensuring full traceability of import, export, and intra-EU documentation.
• Monitor, assess, and communicate changes to EU trade measures and regulatory updates affecting SRAM's operations.
• Data Management and System Administration
• Ensure CN/TARIC codes and updates are accurately maintained in SRAM's MRP system (SAP).
• Maintain tariff classifications and applicable duty rates within SAP across all relevant product lines.
• Participate in HS/CN code classification projects across multiple jurisdictions.
• Facilitate accurate and timely data sharing with customs agents, freight forwarders, and other relevant partners.
• Collect, validate, archive, and guarantee the traceability of documentation for exports and intra-EU sales.
• Customs Agent and Vendor Management
• Provide full oversight and performance management of Portuguese customs agents (despachantes) and freight forwarders (transitários).
• Ensure agents are properly equipped to represent SRAM and meet all regulatory and operational expectations.
• Facilitate regular meeting cadence with customs agents and if needed with freight forwarders (virtual and in-person).
• Maintain and update SOPs with external partners as processes and regulations evolve.
• Review and approve invoices from freight forwarders and customs agents for transport and clearance services.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work independently and cross-functionally with internal departments, external vendors, and customs authorities.
• Support the logistics and supply chain teams on shipment compliance, ensuring all documentation flows meet regulatory requirements.
• Identify, analyze, and communicate to the right stakeholders legal and operational risks associated with logistics processes.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives for trade compliance processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in International Trade, Logistics, Supply Chain, or a related field — or equivalent professional experience.
• 4–6 years of experience in customs and import/export compliance within an importer/manufacturer environment.
• Strong knowledge of EU Customs Code (UCC), TARIC, and intra-EU trade regulations.
• Demonstrated experience driving continuous improvement initiatives in a compliance or logistics function.
• Tariff classification skills across diverse commodities (e.g., bicycle components, apparel, electronics).
• Working knowledge of SAP and EU customs IT systems (e.g., TARIC, EORI, AT Portal).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Proven success advising business partners on trade compliance matters.
• Strong end-to-end process and vendor management abilities.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Licensed customs agent (despachante oficial) or equivalent recognized trade compliance credential.
• Demonstrated expertise in tariff classification with defensible, audit-ready documentation.
• Understanding of EU customs law and regulatory frameworks, including preferential origin and Free Trade Agreements.
• Knowledge of EU export controls and dual-use goods regulations (EU Dual-Use Regulation 2021/821).
• Expertise in customs valuation and EU Free Trade Agreement origin determination.
• Experience with EU anti-dumping and trade defence measures.
• Prior experience in customs operations within a manufacturing or distribution importer environment.
• Expertise in conducting precise and thorough compliance audits.
• Fluency in English and Portuguese; additional European languages are an advantage.

About SRAM

SRAM LLC is one of the world's largest suppliers of components to the bike industry. Established in Chicago in 1987, SRAM continues to promote cycling through its products, its advocacy, and its employees who are dedicated to improving the cycling experience. Today, SRAM employs more than 5,000+ employees, in 20+ locations, across 10+ countries. SRAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.