IMPORT SPECIALIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCES, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Updated: Oct 21, 2025 - The Import Specialist demonstrates expertise in customs brokerage operations, with strong proficiency in systems such as Descartes, CargoWise, and Microsoft Office Suite. This role requires effective multitasking, time management, and organizational skills to ensure accuracy in a fast-paced work environment. The specialist also applies excellent communication and customer service abilities while balancing independent responsibilities with collaborative teamwork.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for an Import Specialist Resume
  • Import Documentation
  • Customs Clearance
  • Tariff Classification
  • Shipment Tracking
  • Logistics Management
  • Invoice Management
  • Duty Management
  • Compliance Auditing
  • Freight Coordination
  • Data Analysis
  • Customer Service
  • Vendor Relations
  • Team Collaboration
  • Problem Solving
  • Broker Relations
  • Communication
  • Relationship Building
  • Issue Management
  • Cross Collaboration
  • Team Mentoring

Summary of Import Specialist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Supply Chain Management with 5 years of Experience

  • Proven experience in Business Development, Sales, Supply Chain, International Trade, Business Strategy, Consulting, or Buyer/Instock Manager at Amazon
  • Experience in the use of data to perform diagnostic analyses to bring forth insights and opportunities as well as root cause
  • Experience in developing strategies/tactical solutions with a high degree of complexity among customer needs, technologies, industry constraints, and company goals, where ambiguities exist
  • Demonstrated success at executing or changing a strategy/tactical solution and delivering the right communication through the relevant internal and external organizations
  • Strong in communication skills in Japanese, concise and with precision (bi-lingual Japanese/English and or Japanese/Chinese)
  • Previous experience in both ocean and air import shipments to the USA
  • Experience in Freight forwarding
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Must have strong organizational skills

2. BS in Logistics and Transportation with 6 years of Experience

  • Experience in handling LCL import shipments on a start-to-finish basis
  • Understanding of AMS/ISF processes and fundamental knowledge of import customs processes
  • Ability to cost, quote and invoice shipment files with awareness of profit control
  • Basic familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook 
  • Must have basic accounting skills 
  • Solid written and verbal communication skills 
  • Must be looking for future growth within the organization
  • Must be able to work seamlessly with both local and overseas back office support staff
  • Must be a team player with a positive attitude
  • Must possess exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Must be able to prioritize

3. BS in Finance with 9 years of Experience

  • Experience working with, understanding and applying import and export laws and regulations
  • Experience with Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Classifications
  • Solid understanding of duty savings programs
  • Superior written and verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work across Business Areas, Lines of Business, and functions
  • Demonstrated attention to detail
  • Ability to multitask and discern priorities
  • Ability to work independently and collaborate on a team
  • Ability to lead, motivate and mentor personnel responsible for international trade compliance activities
  • Experience with data analysis or measurement reporting
  • Strong analytical skills with a basic understanding of statistics
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for data manipulation and reporting
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Able to apply analytical and decision-making skills

4. BA in Economics with 4 years of Experience

  • Familiar with all applicable Customs laws, regulations, procedures and industry practices
  • Must have organizational skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines
  • Must have excellent communication skills
  • Ability to multitask
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Ability to present a professional image
  • Knowledge of Word and Excel software
  • Work experience as an Import Specialist (Import Coordinator) with a freight forwarder or Logistics company
  • Familiar with all Import regulations
  • Strong math and organizational skills

5. BS in Operations Management with 5 years of Experience

  • Excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills
  • Attention to detail, organization, completeness and accuracy
  • Good problem-solving, judgment, analytical and decision-making skills
  • Able to present a professional image
  • Knowledge of Word and Excel software
  • Solid foundation of operating system knowledge (Smartborder)
  • Proficient knowledge of Harmonized Tariff Schedule and regulations 
  • Familiar with industry-related websites
  • Ability to work independently
  • Highly motivated and resourceful self-starter
  • Excellent time management skills

6. BS in International Trade with 7 years of Experience

  • Understanding of CBP, FDA and other government agencies’ roles within the import process
  • Excellent attention to detail and planning ability
  • Experience with the Harmonized Tariff Schedule
  • Must have C-TPAT knowledge
  • Ability to work independently and make decisions based on judgment and integrity
  • Ability to work effectively with others to accomplish goals in a challenging environment
  • Ability to work in a changing environment
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Self-starter with demonstrated efficient work methods, analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
  • Demonstrates understanding of customer needs /requirements, consistent with organization priorities
  • Understanding of customs and beliefs of other groups or cultures

7. BS in Industrial Engineering with 6 years of Experience

  • Knowledge in various transportation modes, including air freight, LCL, and FCL
  • Knowledgeable in domestic trucking and rail movements
  • Proficiency in Windows and Microsoft Office Suite, especially with Excel
  • Must have a proactive attitude and strong time management skills
  • High attention to detail and impeccable organizational skills
  • Team player mentality, but also the ability to work independently and use independent judgment
  • Good communication skills (verbal and written)
  • Exceptional customer service skills
  • Ability to work in a busy and fast-paced environment
  • Working experience in Cargowise 

8. BA in Human Resource Management with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience in an import environment, Customs brokerage house, trading company, etc.
  • Familiarity with Import/Export functions 
  • Familiarity with Incoterms 
  • Familiarity with Supply Chain functions 
  • Must be well organized with good time management and highly detail-oriented
  • Knowledge of and experience with breakbulk shipping 
  • Ability to be a self-starter, meet deadlines, and coordinate among multiple teams, both internal and external
  • Good written and verbal skills 
  • Experience with SAP
  • Experience with the ACE import system
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel

9. BS in Accounting with 8 years of Experience

  • Excellent verbal, written and listening communication skills
  • Commitment to teamwork with all other functional areas
  • Must have a strong work ethic
  • Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet and Windows
  • Ability to handle multiple responsibilities
  • Must possess excellent customer service skills
  • Ability to grasp extensive knowledge while dealing with a variety of people
  • Must have strong organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to read, analyze and interpret verbal and written requests and directions
  • Must have the ability to compose letters, memos, emails and other written documentation clearly and concisely
  • Be able to present oneself in a highly cooperative and professional manner when meeting both internal and external customers and vendors face-to-face
  • Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities

10. BA in Global Studies with 9 years of Experience

  • Must have a Customs Broker License or a perusal of a license 
  • Excellent Verbal and Written Communication
  • Must possess excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills
  • Effective organizational and prioritization skills for managing multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Access and Word
  • Must have strong analytical skills 
  • Able to multitask and prioritize multiple projects and tasks
  • Strong ability to operate with ERP and TMS systems
  • Chemical knowledge and handling experience associated with the following regulatory bodies, e.g., EPA, DEA, DHS, etc.
  • Working knowledge of global product safety regulations, e.g., GHS, REACH and chemical registration requirements, dangerous goods, and global chemical reporting
  • Working knowledge of FDA regulations, guidance and policies for label claims, ingredients, formulations and processes
  • General understanding of hazard characterizations and classifications (GHS and DG)

11. BS in International Trade with 7 years of Experience

  • Working experience in supporting import compliance actions and activities
  • Experience with government programs such as ACE (AES),
  • Deep understanding of import regulations
  • Experience working with various ERP systems
  • Ability to interact effectively with a diverse group of individuals and work well as a team member
  • Must be open to challenges, new ideas, and change
  • Must be able to handle multiple priorities and work well under pressure
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office
  • Ability to communicate with internal and external stakeholders
  • In-depth knowledge of Census and Department of Commerce regulations relevant to Import requirements
  • Experience with INCO and freight terms, free trade zones, duty drawback, assists, and product classification

12. BS in Logistics and Transportation with 6 years of Experience

  • Experienced import logistics management that has a proven track record of reducing transportation/warehousing costs while maximizing sales/timely product delivery
  • Extremely well organized with a strong ability to set and manage priorities and drive for results
  • Strong accounting skills and experience
  • Excellent computer skills including Excel
  • Great Plains/Sage/Mas 200 experience
  • Strong analytical, numerical, and reasoning abilities
  • Well-developed interpersonal skills
  • Able to work with diverse personalities, is tactful, mature, and facilitates and provides positive reinforcement
  • Exemplary work ethic with a desire to become an “expert” in this field
  • Able to recognize and support the organization’s priorities and preferences
  • Strong communication/presentation skills, written and verbal
  • Results-oriented with the ability to balance customer service levels/other business considerations

13. BA in Political Science with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience with International Trade and Logistics
  • Relevant experience with an importer/exporter, international freight forwarding or customs brokerage company 
  • Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills with commitment to detail and accuracy
  • Ability to communicate with external and internal stakeholders effectively and efficiently
  • Creative problem solver and innovative thinker with a positive can-do attitude
  • Proactive and a self-starter, possessing a strong sense of urgency
  • Able to balance multiple priorities and tasks
  • Ability to work collaboratively across all departments and with all levels of staff
  • Experience with MS Outlook, Excel, and Word

14. BA in Economics with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience in Customs Brokerage-related work
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to multitask and prioritize matters
  • Ability to manage time efficiently
  • Excellent written/verbal communication skills
  • Familiarity with Descartes' system 
  • Proficient in Cargo Wise, Windows and Microsoft Office Suite, especially with Excel
  • Must have a proactive attitude and strong time management skills
  • Extremely detail-oriented and well-organized
  • Must be a team player as well as work independently
  • Must have great customer service skills
  • Ability to work in a busy and fast-paced environment
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