Global Trade Compliance Classification Analyst

Role Description

This position will execute the strategy and implementation of a sophisticated global trade classification process and assist in assessing duty impacts and preferential programs. This position reports directly to the North America Global Trade Compliance and Strategy leader.

The best candidate for this role has the necessary skills to assign and classify chemical goods accurately within the Harmonized Tariff System, ensuring compliance and facilitating smooth international trade operations.

The role is responsible for the trade-related requirements and execution of global harmonized schedule classification, and executing the procedures provided by the Trade Compliance team. This person will be responsible for the cross-functional coordination involved in the import/export process to ensure compliance with regulations and internal policies, including, but not limited to, providing classifications and supporting export reviews for global Eastman.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage proper use and maintenance of product classification (HTS/HS/NCM/EU Commodity, ECCN) databases and properly assign WCO Harmonized System classifications as assigned to Eastman products.
• Maintain a consistent classification regimen to ensure standards meet Customs requirements for accuracy.
• Ensure that all necessary documentation is maintained and filed as related to any rulings, so as to provide proper justifications for selected classifications.
• Work with business units across Eastman to classify products for accurate preferential and non-preferential assessments and certificates of origin.
• Support, develop, and maintain a dashboard to measure and maintain key performance indicators relating to classifications.
• Participate in communication with government authorities as it pertains to classification audits/reviews, and any defense letters.
• Ensure continual compliance with government rules and regulations, changes in policy, and other government matters through daily monitoring of global classifications.
• Support Trade Compliance related recordkeeping to global classifications.
• Maintain In-depth knowledge in the areas of global classification elements, including duty rates, Technology and Systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree and equivalent work experience in international trade with an emphasis on chemical classifications and import/export regulations.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of import/export experience with emphasis on customs regulations, classification, and free trade agreements.
• SME level knowledge of the Harmonized Tariff System with major emphasis of Chapters 28 to 38 for chemicals and chemical products.
• Demonstrated ability to identify compliance-related risk and make recommendations for mitigating risk.
• Experience working with trade compliance tools and processes.
• An ability to apply critical and creative thinking to complex problems, delivering solutions for businesses and the company.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and adjust priorities in a dynamic business environment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain interpersonal working relationships across functional and business organizational lines.
• An ability to effectively engage relevant trade authorities as required, delivering beneficial results for the company.
• An ability to influence others through interpersonal working relationships, established trust and demonstrated expertise/knowledge.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; fluency in English is required.
• Competent in reading and interpreting Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and compositions and analyzing Global Tariff Schedules to proficiently ascertain the correct HS codes for materials imported and exported
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Required Skills

Accurately and effectively assign and classify goods within the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS), with an advanced knowledge: of

1. Understanding of the HTS Structure: Familiarity with the organization of the HTS, including chapters, headings, subheadings, and tariff codes.
2. Knowledge of Customs and Trade Regulations: Awareness of international trade laws, customs requirements, and import/export regulations that affect classification.
3. Attention to Detail: Ability to carefully analyze product descriptions, technical specifications, and materials to ensure accurate classification.
4. Research Skills: Proficiency in using classification tools, legal notes, explanatory notes, and precedent rulings to interpret HTS codes correctly.
5. Analytical Thinking: Capability to assess complex products, components, and uses to determine the most appropriate tariff classification.
6. Communication Skills: Ability to clearly document and explain classification decisions to internal teams, customs officials, and regulatory bodies.
7. Industry/Product Knowledge: Understanding the Chemical industry or product category to better interpret product characteristics and functions.
8. Problem-Solving Skills: Handling ambiguous or novel classification cases by applying logical reasoning and available guidance.
9. Compliance Orientation: Commitment to accuracy and adherence to customs compliance standards to avoid penalties or delays.
10. Use of Technology: Familiarity with electronic classification tools, databases, and customs software used to support classification tasks.