Trade Compliance Specialist: HTS, USMCA & Tariffs

Aston Carter; United States; Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

HSA

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Trade Compliance Specialist in Lake Forest, CA, to support import and compliance programs. The role involves HTS classification, origin determinations, and USMCA qualification analysis, with collaboration across suppliers, brokers, and leadership.

The contract position emphasizes data validation, audit readiness, and maintenance of compliance records, with hybrid work and potential transition to direct hire for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in trade compliance, customs operations, or related field.
• Knowledge of HTS classification, origin rules, tariffs, and recordkeeping.
• Experience with import documentation and customs compliance.
• Ability to interpret tariff databases and support decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Perform HTS classification reviews and determine country of origin.
• Conduct ADD/CVD reviews and maintain documentation.
• Analyze BOMs, manufacturing details, supplier certifications for classification/origin.
• Communicate with suppliers for information on classification, origin, USMCA.
• Review customs entry data for accuracy and support post-entry audits.
• Maintain and report trade compliance records per regulations.
• Support audit readiness and track corrective actions.
• Research trade compliance issues and provide practical recommendations.
• Escalate complex issues to higher-level staff.
• Add new SKUs to ERP and classify per HTS/origin requirements.
• Assess tariff derivatives and potential impacts.
• Assign country of origin for SKUs and maintain data in systems.
• Identify opportunities for tariff mitigation based on sourcing/agreements.
• Manage incoming ocean/air shipments from a compliance perspective.
• Collaborate with logistics to meet import documentation requirements.

Skills

HTS classification

Origin determinations

Communication with suppliers

Data validation

Excel proficiency

ERP/MRP systems

Attention to detail

Audit readiness

Problem solving

Tariff/USMCA knowledge

Tools

QAD

SAP

Job description

Aston Carter is seeking a Trade Compliance Specialist in Lake Forest, CA, to support import and compliance programs. The role involves HTS classification, origin determinations, and USMCA qualification analysis, with collaboration across suppliers, brokers, and leadership.

The contract position emphasizes data validation, audit readiness, and maintenance of compliance records, with hybrid work and potential transition to direct hire for the right candidate.