The Customs Compliance Specialist is responsible for day-to-day compliance with Customs classification and trade regulations. As part of the Trade and Customs compliance team the Specialist’s role is to ensure that Disney adheres to all governmental regulations and laws for both, Import and Export activities to avoid risks that may result in fines and penalties to the organization.

Full knowledge of tariff classification and understanding of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is essential to this position. Entry writing experience with wearing apparel, costumes, housewares, giftware, decorations and retail merchandise in general as well as Industrial / electronic machinery equipment and parts is critical. Position is responsible for ensuring proper recordkeeping, valuation, quantity, country of origin and product classification.

Specialist must exercise “Reasonable Care” at all times while executing his/her job responsibilities. This includes taking a “Pro-active” approach to problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Work with tariff classifications (Import and Export) and maintain and update HTS product code databases.
• Participate in team efforts to obtain proper tariff classification of products as well as guidance on use of materials regulated by OGA’s.
• Proactively monitor all daily activities with brokerage companies
• Manage Customs record keeping requirements.
• Work with our Customs Compliance team in business’s Customs inquiries.
• Identify and resolve issues hindering customs clearance, including exams and PGA holds
• Administer Customs training programs to business associates; working across internal departments including Merchandise, Product Integrity, Product Development, Accounting, Inventory, Sourcing & Procurement, Distribution, and Logistics.
• Monitor regulatory and legislative changes and maintain import procedures manual.
• Work with various lines of businesses such as Tax, Finance, Logistics, and Engineering to identify root-cause analysis and corrective action for customs compliance related issues.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Knowledge, Skills and Ability:
• Excellent knowledge of import / Export programs, including Free Trade Agreements (USMCA, AGOA), CFR Title 19, ACE and OGA regulations including overall knowledge of EAR and ECCN for exports shipments.
• Proficient in MS Office applications
• Good analytical and database management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to interact effectively with all levels.
• Proven organizational and management skills
• A self-starter, able to work in group sessions
• Experience:
• Using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, and OGA regulations: 5 years
• International business including Import / Export rules and regulations: 5 years
• Applying Schedule B and ECCN requirements for export shipments 5 Years

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding rules and regulations involving EAR and ECCN, controls
• Experience with a Global Trade Management (GTM) platform (i.e. ORACLE, QuestaWeb and Integration Point) and/or foreign trade zone (FTZ) a plus.

Required Education

• College degree or equivalent in international business studies or 7 + years of experience in the industry
• License Customs Broker (preferred or initiating the process)

Additional Information:

Duties Include:

• Tariff classification Process (for both Imports and Exports)

Review all material on hand to determine the right tariff classification, Including but not limited to:

A completed specification sheet

3rd party product testing reports review

Vendor additional WEBSITE details

Customs’ Informed Compliance Publications

Previous Rulings from CROSS (Customs Rulings Online Search System)

• Advise Sourcing / Product Development teams on best practices to save duties and to increase compliance rate by sharing Customs information on merchandise as it relates to the business units.
• Engage in informal sessions with team members pertaining to tariff classification issues and participate in skills development training session (ex: Customs Webinars) on how to improve classifications skills to ensure maximum performance in execution of the role
• Resolve all discrepancies between commercial and PO data and any other issues affecting the Customs entry process. (i.e. Utilize pro-active approach with the broker for missing, incorrect or incomplete data.)
• Learn and execute “Pre-Clearance” practices to ensure a problem is addressed prior to occurrence. Verify commercial import documentation prior to arrival for ease of clearance. Examples could include proactively addressing missing LACEY ACT, TSCA certificates for footwear invoices.
• Ensure all data is captured by the time shipments arrive, and update trade compliance system as necessary. To ensure that revised documents are provided communicate with supplier(s) as needed
• Execute tariff classifications process for exports and verify compliance with EAR, ECCN and RESTRICTED PARTY SCREENING demands.

About Walt Disney World Resort:

Since opening in 1971, Walt Disney World Resort has played an important role in many childhood and family memories. Today, hundreds of millions of guests from around the globe visit this magical place to enjoy a Disney vacation. Through a combination of creativity, innovation and technology, the resort immerses guests in classic Disney tales and new kinds of family entertainment. Drawing from a rich heritage of storytelling, Walt Disney World Resort cast members bring Disney magic to life through unmatched attention to detail and superior guest service.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with the following business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Disney Merchandise Sourcing & Distribution, LLC, which is part of a business segment we call Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Merchandise Sourcing & Distribution, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.