Classification Specialist

MSD Malaysia; West Point (PA); Hybrid; USD 79,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in the United States seeks a Classification Specialist to manage product level classifications and respond to inquiries, ensuring compliance with trade standards.

You will work with SAP GTS and One Source, handling HTS, ECN/ECCN, and related classifications, while contributing to internal standards and audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Scientific background preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of working experience.
• Experience with SAP GTS or One Source preferred.
• Understanding of chemical and biological product attributes preferred.
• Functional expertise in international trade or equivalent preferred.
• Strong communication and writing skills.
• Awareness of inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Classify items with HTS, ECN/ECCN, and other classifications.
• Communicate with requestors to obtain information.
• Research classification resources and rulings.
• Provide background information for classification rulings.
• Maintain classifications in SAP GTS, One Source, and other systems.
• Record reasonable care in relevant systems to support classifications.
• Guide use of tariff provisions like 9817 prototype for US imports.
• Collaborate with SAP GTS and One Source for master data upkeep.
• Support classification audits and develop related standards.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Compliance Activities

Compliance Analytics

Regulatory Compliance

Product Classification

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

SAP GTS

One Source

Job description

Job Description Customs and International Trade (CIT) is primarily responsible to determine trade compliance requirements and processes, as well as executing select trade compliance functions that are best performed on a global and/or cross-divisional level. Among other centralized trade compliance activities, CIT manages and monitors compliance with our Company's classification standards. The Classification Specialist position’s key responsibilities are to provide and maintain correct product level classifications; and handling classification related questions and issues, where applicable. The position is required to work effectively both within CIT and with other our Company groups to ensure compliance with Company standards.

Responsibilities

• Classify items (chemicals, biologics, lab and ancillary supplies, finished drugs, equipment, etc.) with accurate Harmonized Tariff classifications (HTS), Export Control Numbers (ECN/ECCN), Controlled Substance Schedules, and other government agency classifications based on product attributes;
• Effectively communicate with requestors to obtain information or use source systems/activity, to enable the correct classification of items;
• Research classification resources, complex classification rulings and court decisions to facilitate classifications;
• Provide background information to obtaining classification rulings, as required;
• Maintain classifications in our Company's trade managements systems and other databases, i.e., SAP GTS, One Source and other systems;
• Record “reasonable care” in relevant systems to support the classifications determined;
• Provide guidance on the use of certain special tariff provisions like 9817 prototype provision for US imports;
• Work with global trade management programs like SAP GTS and One Source to ensure all master classification data and processes are maintained;
• Provide classification expertise to support trade compliance audits;
• Assist the development and maintenance of classification related internal standards and procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field;
• scientific background preferred;
• Minimum of 2 years of working experience;
• Ability to work with global trade management systems like SAP GTS or One Source;
• Prior tariff classification expertise preferred;
• Understanding of chemical and biological product attributes (chemical structures, biological activity, etc) preferred;
• Functional expertise with international trade or equivalent preferred;
• Strong communication and writing skills;
• Demonstrated good analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Sustained level of high performance;
• Awareness of inclusion.

Required Skills

• Analytical Thinking
• Analytical Thinking
• Compliance Activities
• Compliance Analytics
• Compliance Investigations
• Compliance Monitoring
• Compliance Policies
• Compliance Program Development
• Compliance Reporting
• Conceptual Thinking
• Critical Thinking
• Exercises Judgment
• Financial Compliance
• Logical Thinking
• Operational Compliance
• Performance Improvements
• Performance Monitoring
• Position Classification
• Product Classification
• Product Compliance
• Professional Integrity
• Regulatory Communications
• Regulatory Compliance
• Regulatory Training
• Request for Information (RFI) {+ 4 more}

Preferred Skills

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds.

The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment.

We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is $79,200.00 - $124,700.00 This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.

An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

Employee Status: Regular Relocation: No relocation VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: No Travel Required Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: Not Indicated Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): n/a Job Posting End Date: 09/22/2026 *A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.