{"schemaVersion":"1.0","exportedAt":"2026-05-15T12:38:21.968Z","occupation":{"soc":"13-1041.08","title":"Customs Brokers","group":"Business & Financial Operations","sector":"55","jobZone":3,"jobZoneInferred":false},"framework":{"version":"v.26.05","description":"","contextCovered":"This framework covers customs brokerage practice in a U.S. import/export commercial environment, spanning documentation preparation, tariff classification, duty calculation, regulatory compliance, and client representation from entry-level filing support through executive trade strategy leadership.","levels":{"emerging":{"label":"Emerging","statements":["Import and export documentation — prepare and submit under direct supervision using established customs forms and agency checklists.","Tariff coding system — apply basic classification rules to straightforward goods under the guidance of a senior customs broker.","Duty and tariff calculations — perform arithmetic calculations on shipment values using provided rate tables and spreadsheet software.","Customs invoices and certificates of origin — compile and organize required import documentation from client-supplied materials.","Cargo-control documents — identify, sort, and cross-check against shipment records to ensure completeness before filing.","Compliance software and database tools — enter shipment data and retrieve basic records under structured on-the-job instruction.","Customs regulations — read and summarize current regulatory guidance with support from supervisors to identify applicable rules.","Client communications — respond to routine inquiries about shipment status using clear written and verbal explanations.","Payment arrangements for duties and taxes — initiate standard payment requests by following established agency procedures.","Regulatory updates — monitor assigned information sources such as trade bulletins and flag relevant changes to supervising brokers."]},"developing":{"label":"Developing","statements":["Import and export documentation — prepare and process complete filing packages independently for routine shipment types across common trade lanes.","Goods clearance process — coordinate with customs authorities and carriers to move shipments through clearance checkpoints with limited oversight.","Duty and tariff payments — calculate owed amounts and arrange payment on behalf of clients by applying current HTS rates and preferential trade agreements.","Tariff classification — assign accurate HTS codes to moderately complex goods by applying General Rules of Interpretation with occasional peer review.","Powers of attorney — execute and maintain client authorization documents and sign standard filings on behalf of clients within established scope.","Compliance software and supply-chain systems — configure and use logistics and compliance platforms to track shipments and generate required reports.","Import regulations and trade law — interpret regulatory changes from CBP and other agencies and apply them to active client files without supervisory prompting.","Client service orientation — manage a portfolio of client accounts by proactively communicating clearance timelines, holds, and documentation deficiencies.","Problem resolution — identify and resolve common customs holds or documentation discrepancies by coordinating with government officials and clients.","Time management across shipments — prioritize competing filing deadlines for multiple concurrent entries to avoid demurrage or penalty exposure."]},"proficient":{"label":"Proficient","statements":["Complex import and export entries — prepare and process multi-line, high-value, or restricted-commodity filings autonomously across diverse regulatory environments.","Advanced tariff classification — determine correct HTS codes for technically complex or ambiguous goods by applying binding ruling research and CBP guidance.","Non-routine duty scenarios — calculate duties for anti-dumping, countervailing, and Section 301 tariffs and advise clients on cost mitigation strategies.","End-to-end goods clearance — manage full clearance cycles including FDA, USDA, and other partner-agency requirements without supervisory review.","Regulatory compliance audits — review client import histories for classification accuracy and valuation compliance and produce written findings and corrective plans.","Trade agreement optimization — analyze eligibility for preferential tariff programs such as USMCA or GSP and implement qualifying documentation workflows.","Critical judgment under uncertainty — resolve atypical or contested customs decisions by drawing on deductive reasoning, regulatory precedent, and agency liaison.","Client negotiation and advocacy — represent client interests in penalty mitigation, prior disclosure submissions, and informal hearings with customs authorities.","Knowledge management — monitor legislative, regulatory, and judicial developments and translate implications into actionable guidance for client accounts.","Mentorship of junior staff — review and provide structured feedback on entries prepared by emerging and developing brokers to build team competency."]},"advanced":{"label":"Advanced","statements":["Organizational compliance strategy — design and implement enterprise-wide import and export compliance frameworks aligned with evolving CBP, BIS, and OFAC requirements.","Tariff classification policy — establish firm-wide classification standards and escalation procedures to ensure consistency and defensibility across all entries.","Trade cost architecture — lead strategic duty-optimization programs including FTZ utilization, first-sale valuation, and tariff engineering for major client accounts.","Regulatory change leadership — interpret and communicate the business impact of new trade legislation and rulings to executive clients and internal teams at an organizational scale.","Client relationship development — cultivate and retain high-value client partnerships by positioning the brokerage as a trusted strategic advisor on international trade operations.","Workforce development — design training curricula and mentorship programs that accelerate broker license attainment and professional growth across all experience levels.","Technology and systems governance — evaluate, select, and oversee implementation of compliance and logistics technology platforms to increase accuracy and operational efficiency.","Risk and liability management — assess organizational exposure from enforcement trends, audits, and penalty actions and direct corrective measures to reduce legal risk.","Industry representation — present at trade conferences, contribute to industry comment letters, and engage with government agencies to shape regulatory outcomes.","Performance and quality standards — establish measurable KPIs for entry accuracy, clearance speed, and client satisfaction and lead continuous improvement initiatives firm-wide."]}}},"sources":{"onet":"v30.2 (CC BY 4.0)","crosswalk":"https://skillscrosswalk.com","generator":"LER.me"},"attribution":"© EBSCOed"}