ARACELI M. RAMIREZ
San Diego
Summary
Responsable and detail-oriented Duty Import Specialist with over 10 years of experience in International trade compliance, HTS classification, and global import/export regulation. Actively seeking a position where I can apply my technical knowledge, and utilize my experience.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Duty Import Specialist / Logistics & Trade Compliance
Pricesmart
San Diego
05.2018 - Current
- Analyze and assigned Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes and import duties based on product details and country of origin, ensuring compliance with U.S., CEAM, Caribbean, and global trade regulations
- Collaborated with the Buying Department to deliver timely and accurate duty classifications for new product launches and product updates
- Identified new items requiring HTS classification or updates; ensured up-to-date and compliant duty information across systems
- Coordinated with In-Country Compliance teams to validate import documentation, including FTA certificates, MSDS, product labels, composition ratios, and technical spec sheets
- Respond to broker requests and support with review
- Processed trade compliance data through AS400 system, entering HTS codes, duties, fact tags, and Spanish translations for new items
- Approved new product entries and reactivations in PIM/JDE systems, ensuring complete and accurate import data
- Managed compliance with Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) including COLFTA, PAFTA, and CAFTA; oversaw certification and document submission processes
- Maintained and updated landed cost templates, incorporating duty rates, VAT/IVA, and other applicable taxes
- Monitored regulatory changes to HTS schedules and international trade policies; communicated relevant updates to cross-functional teams
- Investigated and resolved discrepancies in HTS classifications and duties in coordination with Buying and Compliance team to ensure Customs compliance
Full-time caregiver
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Took time off to dedicate to family care
- During this period, I developed and strengthened valuable skills such as time management, organization, multitasking, and problem-solving, which are highly transferable to the workplace
Import/Export Specialist
Suarez Brokerage Company, Inc
Calexico
07.2005 - 11.2013
- Prepare, review, and maintain import/export documents required by U.S
- Customs, ensuring accuracy and compliance with all applicable regulations
- Process essential documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and certificates of origin
- Manage and process inward-cargo manifests, e-Manifest, Entry Summary (CBP Form 7501), In-bonds (IT & TE), and licenses/permits as required
- Ensure proper filing and maintenance of records in compliance with U.S
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations
- Work with the Customs Automated Broker Interface (ABI) to facilitate cargo release under the ABI Suite program
- Analyze and classify products according to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), including identifying FDA product codes
- Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
- USDA permits, registrations, and other government-required certifications for regulated products
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of U.S
- Customs regulations, international trade laws, and any changes in trade tariffs, duties, and requirements
- Collaborate closely with international brokers, domestic authorities, and shipping carriers to ensure timely and accurate processing of import/export shipments
- Communicate, resolve and assist in tracking shipments and update clients on the status of the merchandise
- Provide status updates and assistance with land-mode freight and warehouse operations, including labeling and data entry
- Resolve discrepancies in shipments, working closely with relevant customs to ensure appropriate resolutions
Education
Export/Import Certificate (EIC) - Supply Chain Management Cert
01.2024
Business Administration -
San Diego College Continuing Education
01.2017
A.S Degree - Business
Imperial Valley College
01.2006
Skills
- Attention to detail
- Analytical
- Problem-solving
- Decision-making
- MS Office (Excel, Word, Power Point)
- Communication
- Organizational
- Technical
- Six Sigma Cert
- Harmonized tariff classification
Languages
- Spanish
- English
Timeline
Duty Import Specialist / Logistics & Trade Compliance
Pricesmart
05.2018 - Current
Full-time caregiver
01.2014 - 01.2018
Import/Export Specialist
Suarez Brokerage Company, Inc
07.2005 - 11.2013
Export/Import Certificate (EIC) - Supply Chain Management Cert
Business Administration -
San Diego College Continuing Education
A.S Degree - Business
Imperial Valley College
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