Customs & Import Compliance Lead, Asia

General Job Function and Detailed Responsibilities:

The Customs & Import Compliance Lead for Asia serves as the primary leader responsible for advancing customs and import compliance across the company’s Asia operations. This role provides both strategic direction and hands-on operational support to ensure the effective design, implementation, and continuous improvement of compliant customs programs.
Acting as a key partner to cross-functional stakeholders, the role drives alignment between business objectives and regulatory requirements. Based in Shanghai, the position will enable close collaboration with local teams and ensuring consistent execution of global customs standards within the China and larger Asia region regulatory environment.
Key Responsibilities
• Serve as the primary liaison with business partners across Logistics, Customer Accounts, Instrumentation & Controls (I&C), Nuclear Parts, Fuels, and Field Services for all China and Asia-region related customs activities.
• Manage import compliance in coordination with customs brokers, ensuring all import and export declarations are accurate, complete, and filed in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Develop, enhance, and streamline import procedures to support compliant, efficient, and timely customs clearance.
• Coordinate with larger global trade compliance team to ensure consistency and alignment.
• Perform detailed Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) classification for imported goods, partnering with engineering and technical teams to ensure accuracy and compliance with China Customs requirements.
• Review, assign, and document HTS classifications, maintaining a well-governed and auditable classification database.
• Lead or support the application and management of China Compulsory Certification (CCC) exemptions, import licenses and other certificates, including documentation, follow-up, and compliance with relevant agency requirements.
• Represent the company in meetings or interviews with Customs, CCIC, or other relevant government authorities; provide technical support and explanations regarding classification decisions and product -specific technical details to facilitate government inquiries or audits
• Maintain comprehensive tracking and recordkeeping for China operations, including temporary imports, statutory records, traceability documentation, bills of discharge, and declarations by conduct.
• Provide guidance on classification, valuation, and country of origin requirements to ensure compliant execution of all transactions.

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree required. Engineering or technical degree strongly preferred.

Years of Experience: 5+ years in international trade compliance, customs, or import/export operations, with a strong focus on China regulations

Professional Certifications: Customs Broker Certifications or equivalent desired

Language Requirement: Fluent in Mandarin and English (written and spoken)

Skills and Competencies: 

Technical Trade Expertise
• Deep knowledge of China Customs regulations, including import procedures, valuation, and documentation requirements
• Demonstrated expertise in HS/HTS classification, including complex, technical products
• Experience with China Compulsory Certification (CCC), exemption processes, and import licensing regimes
• Strong understanding of country of origin rules, trade programs, and customs valuation methodologies
• Familiarity with export controls as they intersect with import activities
Regulatory & Government Interface
• Proven experience interacting with China Customs, CCIC, and other regulatory authorities, including audits, inquiries, and inspections
• Ability to represent the company in regulatory discussions and provide clear, technically grounded explanations
• Experience supporting government reporting, filings, and compliance responses
Operational & Process Skills
• Experience developing and implementing import compliance processes, controls, and standard operating procedures
• Strong transactional review capabilities, with attention to detail in documentation, filings, and recordkeeping
• Experience managing customs brokers and ensuring service quality and compliance execution
• Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and trade compliance tools
Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, sourcing, logistics, finance, and legal teams
• Experience translating technical product details into compliant customs classifications and documentation
• Ability to operate effectively in a global matrix organization

Working Conditions & Other Requirements:

• Full-time position based in Shanghai
• Approximately 5% travel (domestic and/or international, as needed)