How to hire a customs import specialist

How to hire a customs import specialist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step customs import specialist hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a customs import specialist job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new customs import specialist
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a customs import specialist, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A customs import specialist's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, customs import specialists from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents customs import specialist salaries for various positions.

   Type of Customs Import Specialist	Description	Hourly rate
   Customs Import Specialist		$18-37
   Customs Brokerage Agent	A customs brokerage agent is primarily in charge of preparing and processing shipments for import and export, focusing on the documentation procedures. It is their duty calculate taxes, process payments on behalf of the clients, coordinate and track shipments until it gets to their destination, and conduct assessments and reviews to ensure the shipments comply to laws and regulations and all declaration documents are accurate... Show more	$14-35
   Import Coordinator	An import coordinator, also known as import-export coordinator, is a professional who is responsible for handling the logistics of transporting goods into the country and serving as the liaison between sellers and customers. Import coordinators must arrange shipments and handle monetary exchange rates as well as communicate relevant information to national and international customers and sales companies... Show more	$15-31

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Government Agencies
   • Invoice
   • Forwarders
   • Data Entry
   • Customs Regulations
   • FDA
   • CBP
   • Customs Brokers
   • Customer Service
   • USDA
   • ABI
   • OGA
   • US Customs
   • Logistics

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage, maintain and review CIP, CDD and EDD documentation of current and propose clients.
   • Process and coordinate documents electronically to CBP for entry of goods for different U.S and foreign importers.
   • Ensure compliance with U.S. import/export policies, procedures and regulations for proper classification, free-trade agreements, documentation and recordkeeping.
   • Open orders and perform maintenance on the order entry menu utilizing macros with the site legacy system AS400.
   • Obtain line releases for frequent shippers of low-risk commodities, high-volume entries, or multiple-container loads.
   • Classify commodities in preparation for customs.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your customs import specialist job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A customs import specialist salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, customs import specialists' average salary in wyoming is 32% less than in new york.
   • Seniority. Entry-level customs import specialists earn 51% less than senior-level customs import specialists.
   • Certifications. A customs import specialist with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a customs import specialist's salary.

   Average customs import specialist salary

   $55,951yearly

   $26.90 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level customs import specialist salary

   $39,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a customs import specialist job description

   A customs import specialist job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a customs import specialist job description:

   Customs import specialist job description example

   **Welcome to Ross Stores, Inc\., where our differences make us stronger...** At Ross and dd's, inclusion is a way of life\. We care about our Associates and the communities we serve and we value their differences\. We are committed to building diverse teams and an inclusive culture\. We respect and celebrate the diversity of backgrounds, identities, and ideas of those who work and shop with us\. Come join us as we continue our diversity, equality and inclusion journey\! \#LI\-Remote
   **GENERAL PURPOSE:**
   
   This position is responsible to for the development and coordination of International Customs Compliance as related to the Ross imported product\.
   
   **ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:**
   
   **Classification:** Correctly assign classification information for multiple product types imported by Ross Stores; identify any other potential duty costs such as antidumping duties, related to the items\.
   
   + Correctly assign classification information for multiple product types imported by Ross Stores; identify any other potential duty costs such as antidumping duties, related to the items\.
   + Responsibilities include pre\-classification of imported products and determine impact to item from any other government agency, such as U S Fish & Wildlife and other government agencies\. This position will work closely with Ross' designated U S Customs broker to provide classification information along with other government agency information as needed for the Ross' Customs broker to clear products through U S Customs\.
   + Provide Product Development, Buying Offices and vendors/agents with Harmonized Tariff Schedule number\(s\) and duty rate\(s\) as it relates to their costing calculations \(ELC\); identify any other government agencies that may add additional costs to the related products and provide cost impact\.
   + Determine correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule number\(s\) for Ross' customs broker; identify and provide other government information as needed for Ross' customs broker; gather information by working directly with Ross' agents and vendors to resolve questions and provide additional details/documentation for timely U S Customs clearance\.
   + Develop and improve processes and procedures to ensure Ross is compliant of all Customs regulations\.
   
   **Support:**
   
   + Monitor, audit and report improve import compliance related activities for Ross and all supporting third parties\.
   + Perform monthly audits of the Import Department entries from when purchase order is created up to U S Customs clearance, receipt of cargo and payment to vendors, create reports to demonstrate compliance and document areas of improvement; investigate and communicate corrected action, as needed, that were identified during the audit to Ross' customs broker to facilitate voluntary disclosures to Customs authorities or recover duty costs due back to Ross\.
   
   **Other Functions**
   
   + Perform all projects as requested by the Manager, Import Customs Compliance
   
   **COMPETENCIES:**
   
   + Action Oriented
   + Drives Results
   + Business Acumen Perseverance
   + Communication
   
   **QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS REQUIRED:**
   
   + 2\-3 years' experience with broad customs classification experience to determine the correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule number\(s\) by using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule in an international transportation or customs brokerage atmosphere
   + 1\-2 years customer service experience with internal and external partners and vendors
   + Strong written and oral communications skills; able to communicate with all levels and departments both within and outside the company such as Ross' buyers and agents, vendors and Ross' customs broker
   + Knowledge of international documents, Custom's regulations and tariffs
   + Strong self\-motivation and the ability to work aggressively to complete projects
   + Excellent analytical, organizational and communications skills
   + Experience with Transportation and Compliance systems
   + Experience with hands\-on utilization of current supply\-chain software applications and systems
   + Transportation background within the retail industry
   + Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in work experience
   + High\-Level working knowledge of Microsoft word, Excel, Access and Power Point
   
   **PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ADA:**
   
   No unusual physical requirements\. Requires no heavy lifting, and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility\.
   
   Routine deadlines; usually sufficient lead time; variance in work volume seasonal and predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; travel or other inconveniences have advance notice; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressures from persons other than immediate supervisor\.
   
   Job frequently requires sitting, handling objects with hands\.
   
   Job occasionally requires standing, walking, reaching, talking, hearing, and lifting up to 10 pounds\.
   
   Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically\.
   
   **SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:**
   
   None
   
   DISCLAIMER:
   
   This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position\. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all\-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities\. Contents are subject to change at management's discretion\.
   
   Ross is an equal employment opportunity employer\. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience\. We believe that it is an essential part of the Company's overall commitment to attract, hire and develop a strong, talented and diverse workforce\. Ross is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex \(which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding\), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition \(including cancer or genetic characteristics\), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws\.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right customs import specialist for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your customs import specialist job on Zippia to find and recruit customs import specialist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with customs import specialist candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new customs import specialist

   Once you have selected a candidate for the customs import specialist position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new customs import specialist first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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