Senior Customs Specialist

Location Type: Remote: open to residents of specific US states

 

TRAM, Inc., a Tier-1 automotive interior parts supplier affiliated with the Toyota Group, is seeking a knowledgeable and detail-oriented Senior Customs Specialist to join our Purchasing Department. This role ensures full compliance with U.S. Customs regulations, supports import/export operations, and leads USMCA origin qualification and RVC calculations for automotive components.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, including:
• Accurate HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) classification of imported goods.
• Proper valuation, country of origin determination, and marking requirements.
• Act as the primary liaison with customs brokers and freight forwarders, providing all necessary documentation and technical information to ensure smooth and timely customs clearance.
• Proactively support trouble-free customs clearance by:
• Sharing product specifications, drawings, and Bill of Materials (BOMs) with brokers.
• Responding promptly to CBP or broker inquiries.
• Monitoring and resolving customs holds or delays.
• Lead USMCA origin qualification processes:
• Collect and validate supplier origin declarations.
• Perform Regional Value Content (RVC) calculations using Net Cost or Transaction Value methods.
• Issue and maintain USMCA Certificates of Origin.
• Monitor and interpret changes in U.S. trade laws, including:
• Section 301 and 232 tariffs.
• Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and customs rulings.
• Maintain accurate import/export records and support internal and external audits.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Engineering, and Logistics teams to ensure customs compliance from the sourcing and design stages.
• Develop and maintain internal SOPs and training materials related to customs compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in International Business, Supply Chain, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in customs compliance or international trade, preferably in the automotive industry.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. import regulations, HTS classification, and USMCA rules of origin.
• Experience with RVC calculation methodologies and supplier engagement.
• Familiarity with ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) and CBP systems.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of other FTAs (e.g., CPTPP, KORUS) is advantageous.
• Experience with customs audits or prior disclosures.
• Licensed Customs Broker (preferred but not required).

TRAM, Inc. is a Japanese owned automotive parts supplier, serving the Japanese Transplants (Toyota, Nissan, Subaru, etc.) as well as the domestic OEMs (Ford and GM). Located in Plymouth, MI, TRAM, Inc. is a subsidiary company of Tokai-Rika Co. LTD, which is located in Nagoya, Japan. TRAM was founded in 1986 and currently employs 2,500+ people at our 5 locations.

We manufacture automotive components such as switch-related products (window regulators, headlights, cruise control, turn signals, multifunction and HVAC switches), security and safety-related products (shift levers, steering wheels, steering locks, seat belts, key cylinders, mechanical and remote keys).

Shift your career into drive and help TRAM make the driving experience an intuitive connection between the human body and the vehicle.

TRAM, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For additional information about our companies, please see our web site at http://www.tokai-rika.co.jp/en/

This is a great opportunity to join our growing organization and enhance your skills to become a valuable member of our successful team!