Brian Chapman LCB, CCS
Alameda,California
Summary
A seasoned Customs Compliance professional who has successfully implemented and maintained compliance across various programs and databases, ensuring adherence to governmental regulations and fostering a culture of compliant practices.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Customs Compliance Specialist
Flexport Inc
09.2018 - Current
- Collaborated extensively with brokerage and operations teams on customs compliance initiatives in a fast-paced startup environment.
- Developed and conducted internal training programs to educate brokers on compliant practices for handling customs business.
- Facilitated the onboarding process for new employees from various departments providing them with a comprehensive understanding of customs brokerage.
- Authored a weekly newsletter for the brokers, highlighting changes in regulations and relevant customs industry news.
- Worked closely with engineers to make sure they were building compliant product/platform enhancements, improving broker filing tools, and enhancing the client app experience.
- Served as a subject matter expert addressing customs brokers and internal stakeholders help desk queries on a wide range of topics including; penalties, classification, trade strategies, POA’s, PGA holds/compliance/registrations, ACE Reporting FTA’s, Forced Labor, Section 301, post entry, CF28/29, etc.
- Managed penalty mitigation for the United States, as well as reviews for Power of Attorney agreements redlines.
- Developed a streamline process for resolving duty imbalances in a timely manner.
- Assisted compliance teams in multiple countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, in implementing broker audit systems.
Customs Compliance Specialist
LVMH, Benefit Cosmetics
02.2017 - 08.2018
- Created and implemented a customs compliance program from scratch for a company with no customs controls in place.
- Established systems and created an internal database to ensure accurate customs details were declared on SKUs that were imported/exported. Each component was given HTS/ECCN classification, FDA product information, Origin, Free Trade Eligibility, Assists, & Related Parties, and Manufacturer information.
- I filed a prior disclosure documenting all errors that occurred from the previous 5 years, and implementing fixes to prevent them going forward.
- Successfully implemented a manufacturing duty drawback program, generating significant revenue from the company bringing the company $1.3m on the first claim, and then $500k annually.
- Navigated a CBP audit on USMCA claims and had the fine reduced by proving many of the goods were eligible, which led to the creation of a new verification process determining our eligibility for USMCA.
- Wrote and implemented a compliance manual to ensure adherence to CBP regulations.
- Handled all US, CA, & EU customs issues that came up.
Customs Compliance Analyst
Williams Sonoma Inc
07.2013 - 02.2017
- Applied HTS classification for multiple countries in 48 different chapters of the tariff including textiles, household goods, furniture, cookware, food and beverages for all brands under their umbrella (Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, West Elm, Mark & Graham, & Rejuvenation)
- Collaborated with procurement teams to devise tariff engineering strategies aiming to lower landed costs for the company. Recommending changes that would lower duties by utilizing a Free Trade Agreement, using different materials or different sizes, the country of production, etc.
- Managed free trade agreements, phytosanitary certificates, food declarations, lacey declarations, food declarations, and all PGA holds/inspections.
- Oversaw exports from the US to stores in Australia, Canada, & UK.
- Handling documentation and providing declarations, certificates, and other import/export documents necessary for facilitating trade.
- Assisted our brokers, distribution centers, and vendors in trouble shooting situations with all types of goods.
Fulfillment Lead
ALOM Technologies
01.2012 - 07.2013
- Worked as a fulfillment lead in the warehouse where I managed freight, customer shipments, and inventory controls.
- Led a team of seven employees, ensuring accurate and timely order picking and assembly.
- Handled inventory controls and day to day warehouse fulfillment procedures.
Customs & Logistics Associate
Quiksilver Inc
04.2007 - 10.2011
- Assisted in getting a Customs audit fine reduced by $500k providing proof of correctly marked samples.
- Conducted invoice reconciliations for freight, trucking, and import invoices saving the company on overcharges.
- Reconciled entry data and monitored issues with our customs broker. Reported all discrepancies for post entry filings.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications & Media, Business
California State University Monterey Bay
Monterey, CACustoms Brokerage License
US Department of Homeland Security
12.2016
Certified Customs Specialist
NCBFAA
02.2018
Skills
- Authored professionally published articles
- Managed a team
- Trained new teammates/new hires on complex customs topics
- An engaging attitude that makes people enjoy the workplace more
- Ability to learn new applications and systems quickly
- Flexible with ad-hoc projects
Timeline
Sr. Customs Compliance Specialist
Flexport Inc
09.2018 - Current
Customs Compliance Specialist
LVMH, Benefit Cosmetics
02.2017 - 08.2018
Customs Compliance Analyst
Williams Sonoma Inc
07.2013 - 02.2017
Fulfillment Lead
ALOM Technologies
01.2012 - 07.2013
Customs & Logistics Associate
Quiksilver Inc
04.2007 - 10.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Communications & Media, Business
California State University Monterey Bay
Customs Brokerage License
US Department of Homeland Security
Certified Customs Specialist
NCBFAA
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