Import/ Export Compliance Specialist

Job Title: Import/Export Compliance Specialist Job Description
The Import/Export Compliance Specialist plays a key role in ensuring that all U.S. customs, import, export, and international trade activities comply with applicable regulations. Working within an innovative manufacturing organization focused on advanced interior and exterior lighting solutions for the automotive and electronics industries, this position supports customs compliance, trade programs, duty management initiatives, and the development of internal compliance procedures. The role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on operational efficiency and risk mitigation while contributing to cutting-edge mobility and lighting applications in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.
Responsibilities
- Classify imported automotive lighting products, components, raw materials, and other items under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).
- Research HTS classifications and maintain accurate and complete supporting documentation.
- Review and validate classifications provided by suppliers, customs brokers, and other third parties to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Determine and maintain accurate country-of-origin information for all relevant products.
- Review customs entries, commercial invoices, valuations, and other import documentation for accuracy and regulatory compliance.
- Manage relationships with customs brokers and freight forwarders to support timely and compliant import and export operations.
- Research and resolve customs entry issues, classification questions, and inquiries from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
- Monitor changes in tariffs, HTS provisions, trade remedies, and other regulations that may impact trade activities, identifying opportunities to reduce duties and improve landed costs while maintaining compliance.
- Support customs audits and maintain documentation necessary to demonstrate ongoing compliance with customs and trade regulations.
- Support the organization’s export compliance program for products shipped internationally.
- Review export documentation and assist in determining when export licenses or other export control requirements may apply.
- Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, Logistics, and customers to resolve export compliance issues and ensure smooth international shipments.
- Develop a working understanding of duty drawback and identify opportunities where the organization may benefit from available programs.
- Evaluate opportunities for duty reduction, tariff mitigation, preferential trade programs, and other legitimate cost-saving strategies.
- Support USMCA and other applicable free trade and preferential trade programs, ensuring proper documentation and eligibility.
- Monitor duty exposure and communicate significant changes, risks, or cost-saving opportunities to leadership.
- Assist Finance and Logistics teams in understanding the financial impact of tariffs, trade regulations, and duty management initiatives.
- Establish and maintain written trade compliance procedures and work instructions to guide internal practices.
- Maintain accurate classification and country-of-origin master data within relevant systems.
- Conduct periodic reviews of product classifications and trade transactions to identify and address potential compliance issues.
- Develop and implement internal controls to reduce customs and export compliance risk across the organization.
- Provide training and guidance to employees involved in purchasing, logistics, sales, and international transactions on trade compliance requirements.
- Stay current on changes to U.S. customs and export regulations and communicate relevant updates throughout the organization.
- Identify compliance risks and recommend practical corrective actions to strengthen the trade compliance program.
Essential Skills
- At least 3 years of hands-on experience in U.S. customs, import/export, or international trade compliance.
- Strong knowledge and practical experience with Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification.
- Solid understanding of U.S. Customs requirements, including classification, country of origin, customs valuation, and entry documentation.
- Working knowledge of U.S. export control requirements and related licensing considerations.
- Experience working with customs brokers and freight forwarders to support import and export operations.
- Strong research and analytical skills to interpret regulations and resolve complex trade compliance questions.
- Ability to interpret customs and export regulations and apply them accurately to products and transactions.
- Exceptional attention to detail and disciplined documentation practices.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and take ownership of compliance initiatives.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams such as logistics, purchasing, finance, customer service, and sales.
- Experience with trade compliance, import compliance, export compliance, and customs compliance.
- Familiarity with international trade law and regulatory compliance frameworks.
- Experience with customs brokerage processes and interactions.
- Ability to support audit activities and respond to regulatory inquiries.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience in automotive, electronics, or other manufacturing environments.
- Experience with duty drawback programs and identifying duty recovery opportunities.
- Experience with tariff mitigation and duty reduction strategies.
- Experience with USMCA and other preferential trade and free trade programs.
- Experience with ACE and customs broker entry systems.
- Experience responding to CBP inquiries and managing follow-up documentation.
- Experience working with ERP systems and product master data, including platforms such as SAP or Oracle.
- Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) certification or similar trade compliance credential.
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, International Business, Logistics, or a related field preferred; equivalent industry experience will also be considered.
- Experience with trade management tools and processes.
- Manufacturing and automotive industry experience that supports understanding of product flows and supply chains.
Work Environment
This is an in-person position based in a manufacturing environment, operating on a first-shift schedule from Monday through Friday. The role involves close collaboration with logistics, purchasing, finance, customer service, sales, and other operational teams, providing exposure to innovative technologies and industry-leading projects in advanced automotive and electronics lighting solutions. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits program, a competitive compensation package, a 401(k) plan with company match, tuition reimbursement, and employee discount programs. The culture emphasizes integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and professional growth, with strong support for career development and continuous improvement in a dynamic and evolving industry.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sparta, TN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $38.46 - $52.88/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Sparta,TN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.