Analyst - Customs & Logistics

Key Responsibilities

1. HS Classification

Global Classification: Conduct HS Classification for automotive parts across various global markets including India, Europe, the US, North America, South Africa, Thailand, and Vietnam. Ensure compliance with the specific requirements of each region.

Regulatory Updates: Monitor and interpret changes in customs rules and notifications. Assess the impact of these changes on duty rates and HS codes, and update the relevant classifications accordingly.

Periodic Reviews: Perform regular reviews of global HS classifications and customs rules across different countries. Compile and submit detailed reports to ensure ongoing compliance and to optimize duty costs.

2. Customs Operations

Import/Export Management: Oversee customs clearance processes for both import and export shipments. Coordinate closely with customs brokers, shipping lines, and freight forwarders to ensure timely and compliant processing.

Licensing and Incentives: Manage operations related to EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods) licenses, project import licenses, customs duty drawbacks, and other export incentives under concessional import duty exemptions.

Re-import/Re-export Procedures: Handle the procedural aspects of re-importing and re-exporting goods, including those related to returnable imports/exports.

Duty Calculation and Payment: Calculate customs duties accurately and oversee the payment process, ensuring that all transactions are in compliance with legal requirements.

Customs Liaison: Engage with customs authorities for the assessment, examination, and litigation proceedings. Work in close coordination with local Customs House Agents (CHA) to resolve any issues and ensure smooth operations.

3. FTA Supplier Solicitation and Qualification

Supplier Engagement: Lead efforts to solicit and qualify suppliers and products under relevant Free Trade Agreements (FTA). Ensure that all parts meet FTA requirements to maximize duty benefits.

FTA Analysis and Reporting: Conduct in-depth analyses of parts eligible for FTA benefits. Study and validate the Regional Value Content (RVC) and implement necessary processes. Prepare comprehensive reports on the findings and the impact on cost savings.

4. Logistics & Carrier Management:

• Liaise with liner, Payables and Purchase on releasing the documents, ensure timely clearance and ensure no incremental charges or impact on liner service and schedule supportability.
• Liaise with freight forwarders and ensure all invoices are cleared on time to avoid DO / BL holds. Work closely with origin teams on any document related issue - Import General Manifest (IGM), BL
• Understand Export General Manifest (EGM) process, work with customs and ensure the claim benefits like GST refunds and duty drawbacks are processed on time.
• Work with Plant team and liners on the container damage issues and resolution.
• Alert CFT on any events impacting logistics and plan exceptions / BCP actions to ensure no impact to production.
• Develop and nurture relationships with key ocean liners, air cargo carriers, and trucking companies to negotiate favorable terms, services, and rates.
• Ensure KPI reviews, monthly connects ,tracking abnormalities and work out on recovery plan with carriers as appropriate
• Strategically plan and optimize transportation routes and modes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Focus on shipment tracking systems to provide real-time visibility and predictive analytics.
• Design and maintain comprehensive logistics dashboards that offer insights into transit times, on-time delivery, and freight expenditures.
• Lead efforts to resolve complex logistics challenges, such as port congestion, carrier capacity issues, or unusual shipping requirements.
• work efficiently with CFT’s comprising of Plant and Regional team to ensure seamless coordination , data understanding and efforts on common goal

Data Analysis & Reporting:

• Utilize data analytics to identify trends, forecast logistics needs, and recommend strategic improvements in both customs and logistics processes.
• Prepare detailed reports on customs duty spend, logistics costs, and operational efficiency for management review.

• Contribute to the development of supply chain strategies based on customs and logistics insights.

Qualifications / Expectations:

Education:

• Min Bachelor’s degree (BE / B.Tech) in Automobile or Mechanical Engineering.

• MBA in Import/Exports / Supply Chain / Logistics is preferred to strengthen the candidate’s understanding of global trade and customs regulations.

Experience:

• ~6-7 years of experience in customs operations, HS classification, FTA analysis, Inbound and Outbound Logistics , Carrier management, specifically within the engineering or electronics sectors, with a strong preference for experience in the automotive industry.

Technical Skills

HS Classification Expertise:

• Extensive knowledge of the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) and the General Rules of Interpretation of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

• Ability to apply regulatory, judicial, international, and local customs decisions to the classification of products.

• Proficient in documenting classification and other government agency determinations to ensure defensible positions during audits or inquiries.

Additional Requirements

Technology and Innovation:

• Strong commitment to staying updated with emerging technologies, including RPA (Robotic Process Automation), Tableau, Alteryx, and other advanced data analysis and automation tools.

• Proactive approach to learning and integrating new technologies into existing processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:

• Solid analytical skills with a creative approach to problem-solving.

Communication and Presentation:

• Good communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to present and defend classification decisions clearly to internal and external stakeholders.

Flexibility and Adaptability:

• Willingness to work across different time zones, particularly EUNA timings, and travel or relocate as needed to support global operations.

• Ability to quickly adapt to changing regulatory environments and operational challenges.

Language Skills:

Preferred knowledge of European and Latin American languages, which will be considered an advantage in dealing with international markets and customs authorities.

Education:

• Min Bachelor’s degree (BE / B. Tech) in Automobile or Mechanical Engineering.

• MBA in Import/Exports / Supply Chain / Logistics is preferred to strengthen the candidate’s understanding of global trade and customs regulations.

Experience:

• ~4-7 years of experience in customs operations, HS classification, FTA analysis, Inbound and Outbound Logistics , Carrier management, specifically within the engineering or electronics sectors, with a strong preference for experience in the automotive industry.

  Language Skills:

Preferred knowledge of European and Latin American languages, which will be considered an advantage in dealing with international markets and customs authorities.

1. HS Classification

Global Classification: Conduct HS Classification for automotive parts across various global markets including India, Europe, the US, North America, South Africa, Thailand, and Vietnam. Ensure compliance with the specific requirements of each region.

Regulatory Updates: Monitor and interpret changes in customs rules and notifications. Assess the impact of these changes on duty rates and HS codes, and update the relevant classifications accordingly.

Periodic Reviews: Perform regular reviews of global HS classifications and customs rules across different countries. Compile and submit detailed reports to ensure ongoing compliance and to optimize duty costs.

2. Customs Operations

Import/Export Management: Oversee customs clearance processes for both import and export shipments. Coordinate closely with customs brokers, shipping lines, and freight forwarders to ensure timely and compliant processing.

Licensing and Incentives: Manage operations related to EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods) licenses, project import licenses, customs duty drawbacks, and other export incentives under concessional import duty exemptions.

Re-import/Re-export Procedures: Handle the procedural aspects of re-importing and re-exporting goods, including those related to returnable imports/exports.

Duty Calculation and Payment: Calculate customs duties accurately and oversee the payment process, ensuring that all transactions are in compliance with legal requirements.

Customs Liaison: Engage with customs authorities for the assessment, examination, and litigation proceedings. Work in close coordination with local Customs House Agents (CHA) to resolve any issues and ensure smooth operations.

3. FTA Supplier Solicitation and Qualification

Supplier Engagement: Lead efforts to solicit and qualify suppliers and products under relevant Free Trade Agreements (FTA). Ensure that all parts meet FTA requirements to maximize duty benefits.

FTA Analysis and Reporting: Conduct in-depth analyses of parts eligible for FTA benefits. Study and validate the Regional Value Content (RVC) and implement necessary processes. Prepare comprehensive reports on the findings and the impact on cost savings.

4. Logistics & Carrier Management:

• Liaise with liner, Payables and Purchase on releasing the documents, ensure timely clearance and ensure no incremental charges or impact on liner service and schedule supportability.
• Liaise with freight forwarders and ensure all invoices are cleared on time to avoid DO / BL holds. Work closely with origin teams on any document related issue - Import General Manifest (IGM), BL
• Understand Export General Manifest (EGM) process, work with customs and ensure the claim benefits like GST refunds and duty drawbacks are processed on time.
• Work with Plant team and liners on the container damage issues and resolution.
• Alert CFT on any events impacting logistics and plan exceptions / BCP actions to ensure no impact to production.
• Develop and nurture relationships with key ocean liners, air cargo carriers, and trucking companies to negotiate favorable terms, services, and rates.
• Ensure KPI reviews, monthly connects ,tracking abnormalities and work out on recovery plan with carriers as appropriate
• Strategically plan and optimize transportation routes and modes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Focus on shipment tracking systems to provide real-time visibility and predictive analytics.
• Design and maintain comprehensive logistics dashboards that offer insights into transit times, on-time delivery, and freight expenditures.
• Lead efforts to resolve complex logistics challenges, such as port congestion, carrier capacity issues, or unusual shipping requirements.
• work efficiently with CFT’s comprising of Plant and Regional team to ensure seamless coordination , data understanding and efforts on common goal