Customs Specialist, Japan

Purpose The Customs Specialist, Japan is responsible for the compliant, accurate and efficient execution of import customs operations for VF businesses in Japan. The role serves as the day-to-day customs subject-matter contact for Japan and works closely with customs brokers, logistics teams, consultants, Japanese customs authorities and the regional Customs Trade Compliance team in Shanghai. A central focus is the quality and governance of Japan tariff classification. The specialist will maintain disciplined classification processes, support defensible decisions and ensure that classification data is translated correctly into import declarations and operational instructions. Classification is a priority area, while customs valuation, origin, duty treatment, documentation, broker controls, audit readiness and other customs requirements remain equally important to the overall role. The position combines hands-on operational ownership with a proactive continuous-improvement mindset. It is expected to identify recurring import barriers, anticipate risks, improve broker and logistics execution, and simplify import flows without compromising compliance. The role is based in Tokyo and collaborates closely with the Assistant CTC Manager and regional customs colleagues in Shanghai. Over time, the remit may develop beyond Japan, making prior customs experience in Australia, New Zealand and/or South Korea valuable. Key Responsibilities ·     Own and coordinate day-to-day import customs operations for Japan, ensuring timely, accurate and compliant customs clearance across relevant VF brands and business entities. ·     Act as the primary operational customs contact for Japan and provide practical guidance to Logistics, Supply Chain and other stakeholders on import requirements, documentation and customs risks. ·     Manage and continuously improve HTS/tariff classification for Japan, including classification analysis, maintenance of supporting rationale, product-data validation, escalation of complex cases and alignment of classifications with brokers and internal systems. ·     Ensure appropriate controls across customs valuation, country of origin, duty rates, preferential treatment, import documentation, record retention and other customs compliance requirements. ·     Build a strong, transparent working relationship with customs brokers. Set clear operating instructions and service expectations, monitor declaration quality and clearance performance, resolve issues quickly, and hold brokers accountable for agreed corrective actions. ·     Proactively review import flows and customs processes to identify delays, repetitive exceptions, data gaps, unnecessary manual work and compliance risks; develop practical solutions with brokers, Logistics and the regional team. ·     Perform pre-entry and/or post-entry reviews based on risk, investigate customs-entry discrepancies and coordinate timely corrections, voluntary disclosures or other remediation where required. ·     Coordinate responses to inquiries, inspections, audits and information requests from Japan Customs and other relevant authorities, with support from regional management, Legal and external consultants as appropriate. ·     Maintain accurate customs master data, classification records, broker instructions, standard operating procedures, evidence files and compliance documentation in relevant systems and repositories. ·     Partner closely with the Shanghai regional Customs Trade Compliance team, sharing Japan developments, operational risks, broker performance, classification topics, improvement opportunities and lessons learned. ·     Contribute to regional customs projects, harmonized controls, KPI reporting, data analysis, system changes and process standardization while ensuring that Japan-specific legal and operational requirements are properly reflected. ·     Support Free Trade Agreement and other