Introduction
Trade compliance governs the world of import and export.
Because the US is a consumer society that imports a lot of its products, there is a whole ecosystem behind getting that iphone, camera, or tennis shoe in your hands for your enjoyment.
Workers half-way around the world sourced materials and components, manufactured and assembled the product, and prepared it for export.
Supply chain and logistics professionals shipped and transported them to America’s ports where they passed through customs, trucked to warehouses, and were ready for distribution through retail stores or sold online.
Trade compliance is just one part in the supply chain and involves customs clearance--products entering the US for consumption.
Trade compliance vs. customs broker
Trade compliance is the technical term for the industry whereas a customs broker is someone who is licensed by the US government to assist importers bring their products into the US.
A customs broker is someone who works in a trade compliance department of a large corporation such as a manufacturer or any company that has a lot of overseas activity shipping its products or components into or out of the US.
One usually starts his/her career as trade compliance specialists or import-export analysts and progresses to managers and directors.
Essentially, you can work in various positions in trade compliance without having to become a licensed customs broker, however, if you were to become licensed generally more job opportunities and leadership roles could open up.
In order to become an LCB, you need to pass a rigorous 80-question, 4.5 hour exam that is administered by Customs and Border Protection, twice a year, once in April and October.
Learn more about how to become a customs broker here.
The nature of the work
Whether you are licensed or not, working in trade compliance usually requires having some essential skills:
- Critical thinking skills
- Communication skills
- Team collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Analytical skills
Your day-to-day work is usually conducted on a computer where you will be mostly emailing and communicating on chat platforms such as Microsoft Teams.
You will need to be familiar with airway bills (AWB), commercial invoices, bill of lading, as well as transportation modes such as air, truck, rail, and shipping vessel.
It’s highly likely that your work will involve working with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) such as reviewing CBP 7501 forms and updating the Automated Export System (AES).
In sum, searching for commercial invoices and shipping documents, conducting research, analyzing data, communicating or presenting your findings are all part of the job.
Conclusion
So, do you have what it takes to work in trade compliance?
Having an interest in international affairs, global business, and the movement of goods are a good starting point.
You may want to learn more about becoming a customs broker here.
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