Customs Classifier Specialist

W.W. Grainger, Inc.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits on day one

18 PTO days per year

6% 401(k) employer contribution

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts and financial tools

Job summary

W.W. Grainger, Inc. is seeking a Customs Classifier Specialist to ensure accurate product classification and compliant imports across North America. This hybrid role combines on-site work two days weekly in Lake Forest or Chicago with collaboration across internal teams and external brokers.

You will apply HTS codes, EAR regulations, and export controls, maintain documentation, and support regulatory risk management while upholding Grainger's standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in business or logistics or equivalent.
• 1+ years in customs/international supply chain with CBSA/US CBP knowledge.
• 5+ years in customs/international supply chain; CBSA/US CBP preferred.
• Mastery of U.S. import regulations: FTAs, anti-dumping, EAR.
• Experience with CTPAT and trade compliance programs.
• Proven project management and ability to multi-task.
• Strong attention to detail; able to work independently.
• Continuous improvement mindset and root-cause analysis.

Responsibilities

• Classify products using HTS codes for U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
• Apply trade programs and government requirements to ensure accurate descriptions.
• Assign Export Schedule B numbers and ECCNs; determine licensing.
• Ensure compliance with U.S., Canada, and Mexico regulations.
• Respond to inquiries from brokers and stakeholders.
• Maintain classification databases and audit trails.
• Perform daily HTS audits to ensure accuracy.

Skills

Customs & HTS classifications

Export control knowledge (EAR)

Global supply chain

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Attention to detail

Independent communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's in business or logistics

Mastery of U.S. import regs (FTAs, anti-dumping, EAR)

Job description

Requisition ID334428-Posted10/16/2026

W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America and Japan. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working®by serving more than4.6 million customersworldwide with maintenance, repair andoperating(MRO) products and value-added solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customerexpertise. Known for its commitment to service and purpose-driven culture, the Company reported2025 revenue of$17.9 billion. For more information, visit www.grainger.com.

Compensation

The anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $61,800.00 - $102,900.00. This role is eligible for an incentive target of up to 5 % or $ $, based on the achievement of individual and company performance objectives in accordance with the current terms of the incentive program which are subject to change.

Rewards and Benefits

With benefits starting on day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members' individual needs, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
• 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.
• 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
• Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
• Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.

The pay range provided above is not a guarantee of compensation. The range reflects the potential base pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual base pay compensation will depend, in part, on factors such as geographic work location and relevant experience and skills.

The anticipated compensation range described above is subject to change and the compensation ultimately paid may be higher or lower than the range described above.

Grainger reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion at any time, consistent with applicable law.

The Customs Classifier Specialist ensures Grainger products are accurately classified, admissible and eligible for imports and exports across North America and Latin America, in compliance with U.S., Canadian, and Mexican trade regulations. The role applies Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes, Export Administration Regulations (EAR), special trade programs and tariff landscape while supporting internal teams and customs brokers. The Specialist maintains audit trails and classification documentation, contributing to regulatory compliance and risk management.

This is a hybrid position that is based onsite 2 days a week in Lake Forest or Chicago.

You Will

• Classifies products using HTS codes and determine applicable duties for U.S., Canada, and Mexican imports.
• Applies special trade programs, antidumping/countervailing duties, government agency requirements, and ensure accurate product descriptions.
• Assigns Export Schedule B numbers and ECCNs and determine export licensing requirements under EAR.
• Ensures compliance with relevant U.S., Canada and Mexico government regulations.
• Responds to classification inquiries from customs brokers and internal stakeholders.
• Maintains classification databases, audit trails, and source customs rulings to support decisions.
• Performs daily HTS audits to ensure accurate classification and compliance.

You Have

• Bachelor's Degree in business or logistics, or equivalent experience required
• 1+ years in customs and international supply chain logistics with knowledge of CBSA and US CBP regulations required
• 5+ years in customs and international supply chain logistics with knowledge of CBSA and US CBP regulations preferred
• Mastery of U.S. import regulations: classification, valuation, FTAs, special import programs (anti-dumping, countervailing/SIMA), PGAs, and entry processes.
• Experience with CTPAT Security and Trade Compliance Programs.
• Proven project management skills; ability to prioritize, multitask, and drive projects to completion.
• Strong attention to detail for reviewing complex import transactions; ability to work independently and communicate findings clearly.
• Continuous improvement mindset; able to analyze problems and identify root causes.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one’s employment, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, including, but not limited to use of our website, any part of the application, interview or hiring process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.