Job Overview
We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly knowledgeable Import & Export Compliance Specialist to oversee regulatory compliance and inventory control within our bonded warehouse and Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) operations. This role is critical in ensuring adherence to U.S. Customs regulations, excise tax requirements, and all applicable federal and state laws governing tobacco and cigarette manufacturing.
The ideal candidate will have experience with customs compliance, duty and tax management, and inventory controls within regulated environments.
Key Responsibilities
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), FTZ regulations, and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) requirements.
- Interpret and apply import/export laws, tariff classifications, and duty structures specific to tobacco products.
- Prepare for, support, and respond to regulatory audits and inspections.
- Maintain compliance with bonded warehouse operating procedures.
Recordkeeping & Reporting
- Maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready records of all inventory and trade transactions.
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory record retention requirements.
- Prepare and submit required customs, FTZ, and tax reports.
- Support internal and external audits through detailed documentation and reporting.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with warehouse, logistics, finance, and production teams to ensure compliance across operations.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for customs brokers and regulatory agencies.
- Provide training and guidance to internal teams on compliance procedures and best practices.
Risk Management & Process Improvement
- Identify compliance risks and implement mitigation strategies.
- Develop, document, and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Stay current on regulatory changes impacting tobacco import/export and FTZ operations
- Maintain compliance with bonded warehouse operating procedures.
Duty & Tax Liability Management
- Monitor, calculate, and reconcile customs duties and tobacco excise tax liabilities.
- Track duty deferral, reduction, or elimination through FTZ and bonded warehouse programs.
- Ensure accurate reporting and timely payment of all duties and taxes.
- Oversee compliance related to withdrawals for domestic consumption and taxable events.
Inventory Control & Verification
- Maintain strict inventory controls in accordance with CBP and FTZ requirements.
- Perform routine cycle counts and full physical inventories.
- Investigate discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
- Track all inventory movements including receiving, storage, production usage, and withdrawals.
Import (Receiving) Operations
- Review and process import documentation including entry summaries, bills of lading, and commercial invoices.
- Ensure accurate admission of goods into the bonded warehouse or FTZ.
- Coordinate with customs brokers and carriers to ensure compliant and timely import processing.
- Verify shipment accuracy against documentation and internal systems.
Export & Shipping Compliance
- Coordinate and document export shipments and domestic withdrawals.
- Ensure proper filing of Electronic Export Information (EEI) when required.
- Verify shipping documentation accuracy and completeness.
- Monitor export transactions to ensure proper application of duty benefits
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 3+ years of experience in import/export compliance, customs brokerage, or FTZ/bonded warehouse operations.
- Working knowledge of CBP, FTZ procedures, and excise tax regulations (TTB preferred).
- Strong analytical, auditing, and problem-solving skills.
- High attention to detail and accuracy in recordkeeping.
Preferred
- Experience in the tobacco or regulated goods industry.
- Familiarity with customs compliance software and inventory management systems.
- Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) certification is a plus.
Key Competencies
- Regulatory expertise
- Attention to detail
- Data accuracy and integrity
- Communication and coordination
- Risk assessment and mitigation
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
