Trade Compliance Specialist Job Description
A Trade Compliance Specialist owns a defined area of a company's import and export compliance program — often classification, valuation, licensing, or free trade agreement qualification — and operates with more independence than a Trade Compliance Analyst. The role requires strong regulatory knowledge, the confidence to serve as the primary point of contact with brokers and government agencies, and the ability to train and guide more junior staff.
This article explains what a Trade Compliance Specialist job description may look like.
A Trade Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring that a company's import and export activities comply with CBP, BIS, and OFAC regulations, and for managing the relationships and documentation that keep shipments moving without delay. Some of the key duties and requirements for this role include:
Job Duties:
- Determine and maintain accurate HTS and ECCN classifications across the company's product catalog
- Ensure import entries and export filings comply with CBP, BIS, and OFAC regulations
- Serve as the primary liaison with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and government agencies
- Conduct internal compliance audits and implement corrective action plans
- Manage free trade agreement qualification (such as USMCA) and certificates of origin
- Prepare and file duty drawback claims and post-summary corrections
- Monitor regulatory changes, including new tariffs and export control updates, and assess their impact on the business
- Train and mentor Trade Compliance Analysts and cross-functional stakeholders
- Support trusted trader program requirements, such as C-TPAT
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in international business, supply chain, or a related field
- 3–5+ years of experience in trade compliance, customs brokerage, or export controls
- CCS, CES, or LCB certification preferred
- Deep knowledge of HTS classification, customs valuation, and USMCA rules of origin
- Experience with trade management software and CBP's ACE portal
- Strong analytical, project management, and cross-functional communication skills
- Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities
Overall, a Trade Compliance Specialist plays a central role in a company's ability to move goods across borders without disruption. It's a natural next step for Analysts building toward a Manager or Director-level trade compliance career.
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