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About the job...
We believe in teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement. As a Customs Import Operations Specialist, you’ll play a key role in ensuring that IKEA’s goods flow smoothly and compliantly across borders — helping us deliver to millions of customers while maintaining the highest regulatory standards.
You’ll be part of our Customs Operations Support Center (COSC), which manages import and export operations for the Americas region. The team’s mission is to drive efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement in all customs activities.
What You’ll Do
Each day in this role brings new challenges and opportunities to make a real impact. As a Customs Import Operations Specialist, you’ll play a key role in ensuring smooth, compliant, and efficient cross-border operations across the Americas region.
Customs Compliance & Entry Management
- Prepare and validate customs entries using IKEA’s in-house systems, coordinating with brokers to ensure accurate and timely submissions.
- Monitor import and export clearance processes, ensuring each transaction meets local and international compliance requirements.
- Review import documentation and data to confirm accuracy and maintain full regulatory compliance.
FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone) Shipment Processing
- Manage and support FTZ-related import operations, ensuring accurate entry and admission into FTZ facilities.
- Coordinate with internal teams, brokers, and FTZ operators to guarantee timely and compliant filings.
- Track and reconcile FTZ shipment movements, proactively resolving discrepancies and maintaining precise records for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
- Contribute to continuous improvements in FTZ shipment handling and reporting processes.
Data Analysis & Process Improvement
- Analyze customs data to identify errors, risks, or opportunities for efficiency.
- Drive corrective actions to maintain accuracy in all customs declarations.
- Collaborate with colleagues to enhance processes, update SOPs, and implement best practices that support IKEA’s global trade strategy.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Partner closely with customs brokers, logistics providers, authorities, and internal IKEA teams to deliver a high level of service.
- Provide operational guidance and support to local markets throughout North and South America.
- Build strong relationships and foster alignment between all parties involved in the import process.
Security Filings & Regulatory Oversight
- Manage Importer Security Filing (ISF) compliance according to U.S. Customs requirements.
- Stay current on trade regulations, ensuring IKEA’s internal processes remain compliant and efficient.
- Support continuous monitoring and improvement of regulatory procedures and documentation.