We are seeking an experienced Customs Entry Writer to join our Customs Brokerage department. The Entry Writer will be responsible for preparing, reviewing, and transmitting accurate U.S. Customs entries while ensuring compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements and other applicable government agency regulations.
The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of direct customs entry writing experience, strong knowledge of HTS classification and import documentation, and the ability to independently manage entries from document receipt through CBP release.
Our team currently uses ACE Lynk for customs entry processing and Magaya for shipment and operational management.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and transmit U.S. Customs entries through ACE Lynk, including consumption entries and other applicable entry types.
- Review commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, arrival notices, certificates of origin, and other import documentation for accuracy and completeness.
- Verify importer information, manufacturer information, country of origin, quantities, values, currencies, and other entry data before transmission.
- Determine and verify appropriate HTS classifications based on product descriptions and supporting documentation.
- Apply applicable duty rates, special tariff provisions, Chapter 98/99 provisions, trade remedies, and other applicable tariff requirements.
- Review entries for applicability of Section 301, antidumping/countervailing duties (AD/CVD), and other special duty programs.
- Determine eligibility for applicable free trade agreements and preferential duty programs when appropriate.
- Identify shipments requiring Partner Government Agency (PGA) filings or additional regulatory documentation, including FDA, USDA, EPA, DOT, FCC, and other agencies as applicable.
- Prepare and transmit PGA data when required.
- Review CBP entry summaries and supporting documentation prior to submission.
- Monitor entries for CBP release, holds, examinations, document requests, and other status changes.
- Respond promptly to CBP requests and coordinate resolution of entry-related issues.
- Communicate with importers, carriers, freight forwarders, warehouses, and internal departments to obtain missing information and resolve discrepancies.
- Maintain accurate shipment and customer information in Magaya.
- Update shipment files, notes, documents, release information, and operational status in company systems.
- Verify that required Customs Powers of Attorney, bonds, importer information, and supporting documentation are on file before processing entries.
- Review continuous and single transaction bond requirements and identify potential bond issues.
- Monitor entry deadlines and ensure entries are filed within required CBP timeframes.
- Assist with entry corrections, Post Summary Corrections (PSCs), protests, and other post-entry matters as assigned.
- Assist with CBP inquiries, CF-28 Requests for Information, CF-29 Notices of Action, and other compliance matters as needed.
- Maintain organized electronic entry files and ensure required documents are retained in accordance with CBP recordkeeping requirements.
- Follow internal Standard Operating Procedures and customs brokerage compliance procedures.
- Escalate classification, valuation, admissibility, AD/CVD, PGA, or other compliance concerns to management or the Customs Broker when appropriate.
- Coordinate closely with Operations, Warehouse, FTZ, Accounting, and Customer Service teams when necessary.
- Maintain confidentiality of importer, shipment, pricing, and customs information.
- Perform additional customs brokerage duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 3–5 years of direct Customs Entry Writer/customs brokerage experience.
- Demonstrated ability to independently prepare and transmit U.S. Customs entries.
- Strong working knowledge of U.S. Customs entry procedures and CBP requirements.
- Experience preparing and transmitting customs entries through ABI/ACE.
- Strong working knowledge of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).
- Experience researching and determining HTS classifications.
- Understanding of customs valuation, country of origin, duty calculations, and import compliance requirements.
- Experience reviewing commercial documentation and identifying discrepancies prior to entry submission.
- Experience handling high-volume customs entries while maintaining accuracy.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to prioritize time-sensitive shipments and work effectively under deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook and Excel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience using ACE Lynk.
- Experience using Magaya.
- Experience with FDA and other Partner Government Agency filings.
- Experience with Section 301 duties, Chapter 99 tariffs, AD/CVD, and free trade agreements.
- Experience handling air, ocean, and truck import shipments.
- Experience with bonded cargo, in-bond movements, and FTZ-related shipments is a plus.
- Current or previous experience working for a licensed U.S. Customs Broker or freight forwarder.
- U.S. Customs Broker License is a plus but not required.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong customs entry-writing skills
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong HTS classification and research skills
- Ability to identify potential customs compliance issues
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Strong follow-up and documentation habits
- Ability to manage a high volume of entries and competing deadlines
- Professional communication with customers and government agencies
- Ability to recognize and escalate complex compliance matters appropriately
What Success Looks Like
A successful Customs Entry Writer can independently manage their entry workload from documentation review through CBP release, consistently produces accurate and timely entries, minimizes entry corrections and compliance issues, maintains complete documentation, and keeps shipment and entry information current in ACE Lynk and Magaya.
