Import Compliance Specialist (Bilingual in Mandarin and English)

Compliance Officer Jobs; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Plan

Career development opportunities

Job summary

N.A. Trading Company is seeking an Import Compliance Specialist to support international sourcing and import operations, ensuring compliance with CBP, FDA, USDA, and other regulations.

You will work with overseas suppliers, customs brokers, and freight forwarders to ensure accurate documentation and timely clearance. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and experienced in international trade compliance, with strong bilingual communication skills in Mandarin and English.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• Fluent in Mandarin and English (written and verbal).
• 1+ year of experience in import compliance, customs compliance, international logistics, or global trade.
• Working knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, FDA and USDA import requirements, and import documentation.
• Experience working with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and international suppliers.
• Familiarity with HTS classifications, country of origin requirements, and Incoterms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Ensure imported products comply with U.S. Customs, FDA, USDA, and other applicable import regulations.
• Prepare, review, and maintain import documentation, including invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and origin certificates.
• Coordinate with brokers, forwarders, and government agencies to facilitate clearance.
• Verify HTS classifications, country of origin, valuation, and duty assessments.
• Review import documentation for accuracy and resolve discrepancies before shipment arrival.
• Communicate with overseas suppliers in Mandarin to obtain required documentation and resolve issues.
• Monitor regulatory changes affecting imported food products and recommend process improvements.
• Maintain import records per CBP requirements and company policies.
• Assist with customs audits, internal compliance reviews, and government inquiries.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Logistics, QA, Warehouse Operations, and Finance.
• Assist with product launches ensuring regulatory documentation is completed before shipment.
• Support special projects and other import compliance initiatives.

Skills

Mandarin

English

Attention to detail

Communication

Analytical skills

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/International Business/Business Administration/Logistics

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Salary Range: $50,000 - $60,000

Schedule: 5-Day Work Week (Onsite)

Site Address: 6500 W 51st Street, Chicago, IL 60638

Who We Are

N.A. Trading Company is America's leading Southeast Asian Food Importer with a national distribution network importing over 2,500 containers each year. It's our mission to share the finest foods with every household in the world, so that everyone, no matter their background, can enjoy and share delicious, authentic Asian foods. Conveniently located in the city of Commerce, we distribute our food products both locally and nationwide. Our facility includes a spacious warehouse of over 141,000 square feet with 11 convenient loading docks and a 60,000 square feet parking lot.

At N.A. Trading Company, we believe that teamwork and collaboration are the keys to success. We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of integrity and honesty in everything we do and building strong relationships with our clients. We're looking for individuals who share our values and are committed to excellence. Join our team and contribute to our culture of collaboration and integrity while growing your own skills and expertise. Together, we'll deliver high-quality products and exceptional service to our clients and achieve great things.

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented Import Compliance Specialist to support our international sourcing and import operations by ensuring all imported products comply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), FDA, USDA, and other applicable regulatory requirements. This position partners closely with overseas suppliers, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and internal departments to ensure import documentation is accurate, shipments are compliant, and products are cleared efficiently. The ideal candidate is highly organized, analytical, and experienced in international trade compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure imported products comply with U.S. Customs, FDA, USDA, and other applicable import regulations.
• Prepare, review, and maintain import documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, and other required compliance documents.
• Coordinate with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and government agencies to facilitate timely customs clearance.
• Verify Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications, country of origin, valuation, and duty assessments for imported products.
• Review import documentation for accuracy and resolve discrepancies before shipment arrival.
• Communicate with overseas suppliers in Mandarin to obtain required documentation, resolve compliance issues, and ensure shipment readiness.
• Monitor regulatory changes affecting imported food products and recommend process improvements to maintain compliance.
• Maintain import records in accordance with CBP recordkeeping requirements and company policies.
• Assist with customs audits, internal compliance reviews, and government inquiries.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Logistics, Quality Assurance, Warehouse Operations, and Finance to support compliant import operations.
• Support product launches by ensuring all regulatory documentation and import requirements are completed before shipment.
• Assist with special projects and other import compliance initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, International Business, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field preferred.
• Fluent in both Mandarin and English (written and verbal) is required.
• 1+ year of experience in import compliance, customs compliance, international logistics, or global trade.
• Working knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, FDA and USDA import requirements, and import documentation.
• Experience working with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and international suppliers.
• Familiarity with HTS classifications, country of origin requirements, and Incoterms.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the food import, food distribution, or wholesale industry.
• Knowledge of FDA Prior Notice, FSMA, food labeling requirements, and government agency import regulations.
• Experience with ERP systems and international trade compliance software.
• Familiarity with free trade agreements and duty optimization programs.

Benefits Offered

• Medical Insurance – Comprehensive coverage to help you and your family stay healthy.
• Dental Insurance – Preventive care and treatments to keep your smile bright.
• Vision Insurance – Coverage for eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses.
• Life Insurance – Financial protection for your loved ones in the event of the unexpected.
• 401(k) Plan – Save for your future with access to a retirement savings plan.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with 3% Company Match – Grow your retirement savings with company contributions.
• Career development opportunities within a growing organization.

Sponsorship for Employment

N.A. Trading Company does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status). To be considered for permanent employment, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.