Customs & Trade Compliance Manager
Canadian Solar Inc., Mesquite, Texas, United States, 75181
Position Summary
The Senior Customs & Trade Compliance Manager is responsible for leading and governing all U.S. customs and trade compliance activities across the company’s manufacturing, sourcing, and import operations. This role owns end-to-end compliance strategy, ensures adherence to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, mitigates duty and penalty risk, and establishes standardized trade compliance governance across entities, brokers, and logistics partners.
Key Responsibilities
Own and execute the U.S. customs and trade compliance framework, policies, and procedures
Act as the primary internal authority on CBP regulations and U.S. import compliance
Provide strategic guidance to supply chain, procurement, logistics and manufacturing teams
Tariff Classification & Valuation
Lead and approve HTS classification determinations across all imported materials, equipment, and finished goods
Ensure consistency and audit-ready documentation across entities and brokers
Country of Origin & Trade Programs
Determine and validate country-of-origin for complex manufacturing and multi-country supply chains
Manage Free Trade Agreement (FTA) programs where applicable
Support marking, labeling, and origin disclosure requirements
Manage exposure related to AD/CVD, Section 301, Section 232, and other trade remedies
Monitor regulatory and tariff changes and assess financial and operational impact
Broker & Third-Party Governance
Oversee customs brokers and ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance in filings
Establish broker KPIs, SOPs, and audit processes
Serve as escalation point for entry errors, disputes, and corrective actions
CBP Audits, Disclosures & Government Interaction
Lead CBP audits, inquiries, and requests for information (CF28/CF29)
Prepare and manage prior disclosures when required
Act as primary point of contact with CBP and external trade counsel
Compliance Programs & Internal Controls
Develop and maintain internal compliance manuals, SOPs, and training programs
Support CTPAT, ISA, or other trusted trader initiatives (if applicable)
Partner with internal audit, legal, and finance on compliance controls
Reporting & Analytics
Track duty spends, savings initiatives, penalties, and compliance KPIs
Provide executive-level reporting on trade compliance risk and performance
Required Qualifications Education
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, International Business, Finance, Law, or related field
Master’s degree preferred but not required
Experience
5+ years of progressive experience in U.S. customs and trade compliance
Strong hands-on experience with:
HTS classification
Customs valuation
Country-of-origin analysis
CBP audits and disclosures
Experience supporting manufacturing, capital equipment, or complex BOM imports strongly preferred
Proven experience managing customs brokers and external partners
Technical & Regulatory Expertise
Deep working knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations (19 CFR)
Practical experience with AD/CVD and U.S. trade remedy programs
Familiarity with FTAs, marking rules, and import compliance systems
Strong documentation, audit, and risk‑assessment skills
Preferred Qualifications
Licensed U.S. Customs Broker (LCB)
Experience in high‑volume, high‑value, or highly regulated import environments
Experience supporting U.S. manufacturing or greenfield manufacturing ramp‑ups
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Key Responsibilities
Own and execute the U.S. customs and trade compliance framework, policies, and procedures
Act as the primary internal authority on CBP regulations and U.S. import compliance
Provide strategic guidance to supply chain, procurement, logistics and manufacturing teams
Tariff Classification & Valuation
Lead and approve HTS classification determinations across all imported materials, equipment, and finished goods
Ensure consistency and audit-ready documentation across entities and brokers
Country of Origin & Trade Programs
Determine and validate country-of-origin for complex manufacturing and multi-country supply chains
Manage Free Trade Agreement (FTA) programs where applicable
Support marking, labeling, and origin disclosure requirements
Manage exposure related to AD/CVD, Section 301, Section 232, and other trade remedies
Monitor regulatory and tariff changes and assess financial and operational impact
Broker & Third-Party Governance
Oversee customs brokers and ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance in filings
Establish broker KPIs, SOPs, and audit processes
Serve as escalation point for entry errors, disputes, and corrective actions
CBP Audits, Disclosures & Government Interaction
Lead CBP audits, inquiries, and requests for information (CF28/CF29)
Prepare and manage prior disclosures when required
Act as primary point of contact with CBP and external trade counsel
Compliance Programs & Internal Controls
Develop and maintain internal compliance manuals, SOPs, and training programs
Support CTPAT, ISA, or other trusted trader initiatives (if applicable)
Partner with internal audit, legal, and finance on compliance controls
Reporting & Analytics
Track duty spends, savings initiatives, penalties, and compliance KPIs
Provide executive-level reporting on trade compliance risk and performance
Required Qualifications Education
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, International Business, Finance, Law, or related field
Master’s degree preferred but not required
Experience
5+ years of progressive experience in U.S. customs and trade compliance
Strong hands-on experience with:
HTS classification
Customs valuation
Country-of-origin analysis
CBP audits and disclosures
Experience supporting manufacturing, capital equipment, or complex BOM imports strongly preferred
Proven experience managing customs brokers and external partners
Technical & Regulatory Expertise
Deep working knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations (19 CFR)
Practical experience with AD/CVD and U.S. trade remedy programs
Familiarity with FTAs, marking rules, and import compliance systems
Strong documentation, audit, and risk‑assessment skills
Preferred Qualifications
Licensed U.S. Customs Broker (LCB)
Experience in high‑volume, high‑value, or highly regulated import environments
Experience supporting U.S. manufacturing or greenfield manufacturing ramp‑ups
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