Import Compliance Specialist, US

US Import Compliance Specialist, UNASCC

Background & Purpose of the Job

The US Import Compliance Specialist oversees the import operations of finished goods into the United States, ensuring full compliance with government regulations. This role is pivotal in managing product flows across the Mexico-US-Canada borders and from overseas sources.

You’ll coordinate closely with customs brokers and logistics teams to ensure timely and efficient customs clearance. You’ll also collaborate with finance, operations, and logistics to leverage Free Trade Agreements and import quotas to reduce duty spending while maintaining regulatory compliance.

This role involves cross-functional engagement with manufacturing, customer service, transportation, and planning teams to support import processes, manage permit applications, and identify opportunities for process improvement and cost savings. Additionally, the specialist will occasionally support special imports such as machinery and equipment for Unilever factories, ensuring compliance and timely delivery for operational needs.


Who You Are & What You’ll Do

• Process Coordinator: Liaise with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and government agencies to ensure smooth customs clearance and regulatory adherence.
• HTS Classification Expert: Ensure accurate classification of import operations to facilitate seamless border crossings.
• Strategic Collaborator: Partner with finance, tax, planning, and logistics to maximize benefits from Free Trade Agreements, import quotas, duty drawbacks, and other programs.
• Permit Specialist: Manage timely import permit applications via government portals and identify process improvement opportunities.
• Regulatory Partner: Support Regulatory Affairs in working with Government agencies (e.g. FDA) to unblock detained import product at Ports of Entry due to Import Alerts or other challenges.
• Document Auditor: Validate import documents (e.g., invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin) for compliance before arrival at ports or borders.
• Compliance Evaluator: Monitor import activities to identify gaps and implement corrective actions.
• Constant Learner: Stay updated on regulatory changes through seminars and publications.
• Leadership Role: Provide clear guidance to third-party suppliers and ensure consistent documentation and communication.
• Team Integrator: Align the needs of departments within the International Supply Chain.
• Supportive Colleague: Collaborate on product launches, packaging changes, and innovations.
• Learning Catalyst: Train colleagues on trade compliance and import procedures.
• Special Imports Support: Coordinate compliance with occasional special imports of machinery and equipment, raw and packaging material or product samples for Unilever factories or R&D facilities.

You’re an Importing Engine:
• You’re the go-to person for import operations, known for navigating regulations and solving compliance challenges in the most efficient way. You can identify roadblocks and propose creative solutions to compliance hurdles. You anticipate bottlenecks and proactively engage stakeholders to keep the import flow moving without delays.

You’re an effective communicator:
• You simplify complex regulations and maintain clear communication with brokers, agencies, and internal teams. You can untangle the web of regulations and requirements of different government agencies. You keep your peers updated on your progress and informed of your needs so that necessary import documents are complete, accurate, and submitted on time. You are open-minded and listen to different points of view when working with cross-functional teams.

You’re a global operator:
• You bridge the operational and regulatory gap between the US and international partners. You speak the language of customs, forwarders, and compliance, and translate business needs into actionable logistics plans. Your ability to navigate multi-stakeholder environments ensures that imports arrive on time, every time.

What You’ll Need To Succeed
- Bachelor’s degree in Trade Compliance, International Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in international trade and imports logistics, preferably handling shipments from Mexico and Canada into the United States.
• Strong knowledge of customs procedures, import documentation, and trade compliance.
• Experience working with ERP systems (SAP preferred), USCBP-ACE Portal, and Excel.
• Reporting skills and ability to summarize Import Entry data into monthly KPIs for senior leadership.
• Familiarity with government agencies such as USCBP, USFDA, USDA, and other regulatory agencies.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving sk