Classification Specialist

• Aug 2021 - Present

Customs and Trade Compliance

• Dec 2019 - May 2021

Charged with assisting internal teams prepare US import documentation utilizing knowledge of trade SPIs and HTS exclusions to determine product eligibility for lowered duty rates. Creates binding ruling requests, uses precedent rulings, and HTSUS to classify new products for 20,000 different multi-industry items for sale. Key Achievements ★ Ensure imported merchandise is in compliance with regulatory agencies by partnering with vendors, government agencies, overseas agents, and internal purchasing teams. ★ Prepare and process the necessary documentation to receive more than $500,000 in refunded duties. ★ Revamp of CPSC Children’s Products testing system to better ensure compliance with regulations and receive approval of third-party test reports. ★ Improve the ability to track cargo and audit import declarations for accuracy by implementing CargoWise and assisting with the integration into the existing FRP system. ★ Collaborates with brokerages for express shipments and holds sole responsibility for product classification and knowledge of US laws and regulations regarding importation of products. ★ Submits product exemption requests for merchandise currently on the USTR Section 301 lists. ★ Interacts directly with vendors/suppliers to access information concerning materials and processes to appropriately classify products and ensure supply chain security for CTPAT compliance. ★ Runs CPSC testing compliance program to identify products requiring third-party testing and/or tracking labels—communicating those requirements to vendors and ensuring testing record are maintained according to CPSC and CBP regulations. ★ Generates Emergency Use Authorization requests and consults with internal teams to identify vendors who could supply the need for imported PPE—liaisons with FDA/CBP to clear shipments for imported PPE. ★ Familiar with Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), Bahrain FTA, Peru FTA, and compliance comply with 19CFR regulations.

Import Logistics Specialist

• Feb 2017 - Oct 2019

Prepared US import documentation for a number of products using CargoWise. Researched HTS classifications using precedent rulings and HTSUS to classify new merchandise. Demonstrated knowledge of trade SPIs and HTS exclusion that determined product eligibility focused on lowered duty rates. Key Achievements ★ Prepared FTZ entries, maintained FTZ inventory records, and arranged withdrawals that included trucking arrangements with bonded companies—prepared/processed in-bounds that ensured regulatory compliance. ★ Liaised with importers, shippers, government agencies, and overseas agents during shipment clearance and delivery initiatives. ★ Fostered positive client relationships and maintained greater than 95% customer satisfaction ratings. ★ Updated clients and CBP regarding shipment clearances, holds, and audits. ★ Successfully cut entry writing and data preparation timelines by developing VBA macros and formatting commercial documents into layouts used for bulk data uploads. ★ Utilized Excel and Access to manage and automate Customs documents and customer data. ★ Developed and automated reporting for compliance, invoicing, and reconciliations for clients and internal utilization on a periodic basis. ★ Tracked shipment progress from consignment to delivery. ★ Created or updated SOPs for import processes and assisted in maintenance of the client parts dictionary. ★ Gained valuable insight working on the Quality Management System.