The role of the Sourcing Customs Compliance Specialist is to manage the import Customs clearance process of international shipments for Belk Private Brands through various ports of entry. This position is also responsible for Customs compliance as it relates to the United States Harmonized Tariff Classifications (HTS) of products. Yearly preparation of the ISA in conjunction with Finance within the accepted Standard Auditing Practices. Additionally, the CBP’s Annual Notification Letter (ANL) which with the ISA is integral to Belk’s participation in CTPAT. 
 

Essential Functions:

HTS 

• Classify all private brand product according to US Customs laws and instruct Customs Broker on proper classification for Customs entry.
• Work with internal Belk partners to maintain HTS compliance.
• Identify HTS codes that may be affected by Anti-Forced Labor activities.
• Work with Belk transportation to make sure Belk merchandise is cleared on a timely basis.
• Address challenges with clearing merchandise and communicate with internal Belk customers the cause and resolutions.
• Collaborate with Sourcing and IT teams on Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system updates pertaining to HTS and/or duty rate changes.

Customs entries:

• Managing timely U.S. Customs entries of all Belk International shipments.
• Monitor ISFs to ensure timely submission and investigate late filings. 
• Manage periodic monthly statement to ensure all duties are paid on behalf of Belk.
• Manage and report analysis in correlation with customs entries.
• Auditing commercial documents, applying proper harmonized tariff schedule, for accurate duty assessment and to ensure proper government importing requirements are met.
• Responsible for post entry activities and submissions in conjunction with the Customs Broker.
• Responsible for reporting and analysis of duty spend and trends by cost per unit.
• Responsible for standard operating procedure (SOP) execution of U.S. Customs Broker and active quarterly business review participant.
• Customs (CBP) point person to internal departments and external partners.
• Maintenance of PGA certificates, fumigation certificates, FDA, etc. 

Customs (CBP) and Customs Brokerage Alignment:

• Primary contact for with broker and working with Transportation in preparation on vessel arrivals.
• Responsible updating Transportation team on potential vessel arrival issues.

CPSC testing compliance:

• New requirement as of January 2025. At this point we are unsure of the scale/scope. This will be orchestrated in conjunction with Intertek and their Interlink system and the Belk broker.
• Monitor Customs opportunities:
• Research and communicate free trade agreement information to promote duty savings.
• Research and communicate apparel design changes to promote duty savings.

Customs PGA:

• Facilitating US clearance with US partner government agencies such as FDA, Agriculture etc...

CTPAT Compliance

• Provide supportive information in CTPAT compliance documentation: Support yearly review of the Belk CTPAT Manual, the Belk Suppliers Manual and VBRs to maintain their relevance and accurate representation of CBPs requirements for Customs Compliance for the respective areas.
• As multiple requirements converge into CTPAT, such as the ISA, keeping Belk up to date on new procedures.

Education:

• 4-year degree required

Work Experience:

• Licensed Customs Broker required
• 2 to 4 years relevant work experience required
• Knowledge of international shipping documentation, customs clearance and freight forwarding required
• Prior HTS classification experience required
• International Supply Chain experience preferred
• Previous experience with Customs Broker preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office: Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and make decisions in a changing global environment.
• Ability to research, interpret and apply information.
• Proven record of meeting deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Detail oriented and self-motivated.
• Requires designated hybrid in-office work schedule
   

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