Customs Specialist

Aston Carter; California (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Customs Specialist to support trade compliance initiatives and coordinate HTS classifications across internal and external partners. The role focuses on data integrity, regulatory alignment, and process improvements within a dynamic logistics environment.

You will collaborate with brokers, freight forwarders, and internal teams to ensure accurate documentation, classifiable product data, and timely reporting.

Qualifications

• 2–3+ years in customs compliance or international trade.
• Experience with HTS classifications and US import/export rules.
• Experience reviewing shipping invoices for accuracy and compliance.
• Proficiency with MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint and data reporting.
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP or Syspro is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate HTS code management with stakeholders and SMEs.
• Prepare, review, and submit import/export documentation for compliance.
• Maintain and migrate classification data in ERP and internal systems.
• Collaborate with freight forwarders, brokers, and consultants for clearances.
• Support product classification and licenses with required documentation.
• Assist with sanctions, restricted-party, and embargo screening.
• Track regulatory changes and implement updates in processes.
• Support audits, statutory reporting, and data logs for thousands of parts.

Skills

HTS classifications

Customs compliance

ERP systems

Data management

MS Office

Tools

SAP

Syspro

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Customs Specialist

Job Description

The Customs Specialist supports the successful execution of trade compliance initiatives by coordinating customs-related activities in alignment with U.S. customs laws and import/export regulations. This role serves as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders and external trade compliance subject matter experts, ensuring project deliverables remain on track, data is accurately maintained, and customs processes are effectively implemented. The position focuses on project coordination, product master data management (including HTS classifications), monitoring progress through reporting and KPIs, and supporting audits and statutory reporting. The role offers the opportunity to shape and grow a newly established trade compliance function within a dynamic logistics environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate HTS code management and maintenance activities in partnership with third-party trade compliance subject matter experts and internal stakeholders.
• Support the preparation, review, and submission of import and export documentation and declarations to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinate the migration and ongoing maintenance of customs classification data within ERP and other internal systems.
• Partner with freight forwarders, customs brokers, parcel service providers, and external consultants to support import clearance and customs-related activities.
• Coordinate the classification of products and parts by gathering required information, facilitating external review, and maintaining approved HTS codes and customs-relevant master data.
• Support product classification activities, including documentation associated with licenses, permits, and binding tariff information.
• Assist with sanctions, restricted-party, and embargo screening processes and promptly escalate potential concerns to appropriate subject matter experts.
• Track changes to applicable customs and trade compliance requirements and support the implementation of updates within internal processes and systems.
• Support compliance with U.S. customs laws, export control regulations, and established trade compliance procedures.
• Assist with preference, country-of-origin, and supplier declaration processes, including the collection and maintenance of supporting documentation.
• Review customs and shipping documents for completeness, consistency, and accuracy, and ensure records are properly maintained and archived.
• Serve as an internal point of coordination for communication with customs authorities, regulatory bodies, brokers, and external trade compliance partners.
• Review shipping, freight, brokerage, and import-related invoices for accuracy and coordinate resolution of discrepancies with relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor project timelines, deliverables, action items, and key performance indicators, and provide regular progress updates to internal stakeholders.
• Support the translation and conversion of vendor-provided classification data into standardized formats for use within company systems.
• Assist with statutory, customs, and project-related reporting in accordance with regulatory and internal requirements.
• Maintain organized records, project documentation, status reports, and data logs for more than 2,000 parts and products.
• Support internal and external audits, regulatory reviews, and inspections by gathering documentation and coordinating responses.
• Identify and elevate issues related to data accuracy, project timing, customs documentation, or regulatory compliance to appropriate stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with the logistics team while serving as the primary onsite resource focused on trade compliance as the department expands.

Essential Skills

• 2–3+ years of professional experience in customs compliance, international trade, import/export operations, supply chain, or logistics.
• Hands-on experience with customs entry preparation and review.
• Experience reviewing shipping, freight, brokerage, and import-related invoices for accuracy and compliance.
• Experience supporting regulatory compliance initiatives, trade compliance activities, or business process implementation projects.
• Working knowledge of customs compliance, international trade, and import/export processes.
• Knowledge of Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications and U.S. customs or import/export compliance regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, with strong data management and reporting skills.
• Experience working with ERP systems; familiarity with SAP or Syspro is beneficial, though other ERP experience i