Customs Compliance Specialist (Bilingual in Mandarin and English)

Salary: $50,000 - $60,000
Schedule: 5-Day Work Week
Site Address: 6500 W 51st Chicago, IL 60638

 

Who We Are

N.A. Trading Company is America's leading Southeast Asian Food Importer with a national distribution network importing over 2,500 containers each year. It's our mission to share the finest foods with every household in the world, so that everyone, no matter their background, can enjoy and share delicious, authentic Asian foods. Conveniently located in the city of Commerce, we distribute our food products both locally and nationwide. Our facility includes a spacious warehouse of over 141,000 square feet with 11 convenient loading docks and a 60,000 square feet parking lot.

At N.A. Trading Company, we believe that teamwork and collaboration are the keys to success. We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of integrity and honesty in everything we do and building strong relationships with our clients. We're looking for individuals who share our values and are committed to excellence. Join our team and contribute to our culture of collaboration and integrity while growing your own skills and expertise. Together, we'll deliver high-quality products and exceptional service to our clients and achieve great things. 

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented Customs Compliance Specialist to support our international import operations by ensuring compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and other applicable import requirements. This role works closely with customs brokers, freight forwarders, overseas vendors, and internal departments to facilitate the timely and compliant clearance of imported goods. The ideal candidate is highly organized, analytical, and experienced in import documentation and customs compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and monitor import shipments to ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations.
• Prepare, review, and maintain import documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, and other required customs documents.
• Partner with customs brokers and freight forwarders to facilitate timely customs clearance and resolve import-related issues.
• Verify Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications, country of origin, and duty assessments for imported products.
• Monitor import entries to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable trade regulations.
• Maintain customs records in accordance with CBP recordkeeping requirements and company policies.
• Assist with customs audits, compliance reviews, and responses to government agency inquiries.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Logistics, Warehouse Operations, and Finance to support efficient import operations.
• Stay current on changes to customs regulations, tariffs, trade agreements, and import compliance requirements.
• Identify compliance risks and recommend process improvements to strengthen customs and trade compliance.
• Communicate with overseas suppliers in Mandarin to coordinate documentation, resolve shipment issues, and ensure compliance requirements are met.
• Support additional customs, trade compliance, and supply chain projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, International Business, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field preferred.
• Fluent in both Mandarin and English (written and verbal) is required.
• 1+ year of experience in customs compliance, import/export operations, international logistics, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, import documentation, and HTS classifications.
• Experience working with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and international suppliers.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the food import, distribution, or wholesale industry.
• Familiarity with FDA, USDA, FDA Prior Notice, or other government agency import requirements.
• Knowledge of Incoterms and international shipping processes.

Benefits Offered

• Medical Insurance – Comprehensive coverage to help you and your family stay healthy.
• Dental Insurance – Preventive care and treatments to keep your smile bright.
• Vision Insurance – Coverage for eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses.
• Life Insurance – Financial protection for your loved ones in the event of the unexpected.
• 401(k) Plan – Save for your future with access to a retirement savings plan.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with 3% company match – Grow your retirement savings with company contributions.
• Career development opportunities within a growing organization.

Sponsorship for Employment

N.A Trading Company does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status). To be considered for permanent employment, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.