Classification Specialist

Job Description

Customs and International Trade (CIT) is primarily responsible to determine trade compliance requirements and processes, as well as executing select trade compliance functions that are best performed on a global and/or cross-divisional level. Among other centralized trade compliance activities, CIT manages and monitors compliance with our Company's classification standards. The Classification Specialist position’s key responsibilities are to provide and maintain correct product level classifications; and handling classification related questions and issues, where applicable. The position is required to work effectively both within CIT and with other our Company groups to ensure compliance with Company standards.

Responsibilities  

• Classify items (chemicals, biologics, lab and ancillary supplies, finished drugs, equipment, etc.) with accurate Harmonized Tariff classifications (HTS), Export Control Numbers (ECN/ECCN), Controlled Substance Schedules, and other government agency classifications based on product attributes;

• Effectively communicate with requestors to obtain information or use source systems/activity, to enable the correct classification of items;

• Research classification resources, complex classification rulings and court decisions to facilitate classifications;

• Provide background information to obtaining classification rulings, as required;

• Maintain classifications in our Company's trade managements systems and other databases, i.e., SAP GTS, One Source and other systems;

• Record “reasonable care” in relevant systems to support the classifications determined;

• Provide guidance on the use of certain special tariff provisions like 9817 prototype provision for US imports;

• Work with global trade management programs like SAP GTS and One Source to ensure all master classification data and processes are maintained;

• Provide classification expertise to support trade compliance audits;

• Assist the development and maintenance of classification related internal standards and procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; scientific background preferred.

• Minimum of 2 years of working experience

• Ability to work with global trade management systems like SAP GTS or One Source;

• Prior tariff classification expertise preferred;

• Understanding of chemical and biological product attributes (chemical structures, biological activity, etc) preferred;

• Functional expertise with international trade or equivalent preferred;

• Strong communication and writing skills;

• Demonstrated good analytical and problem-solving skills;

• Sustained level of high performance;

• Awareness of inclusion.

Required Skills:

Analytical Thinking, Analytical Thinking, Compliance Activities, Compliance Analytics, Compliance Investigations, Compliance Monitoring, Compliance Policies, Compliance Program Development, Compliance Reporting, Conceptual Thinking, Critical Thinking, Exercises Judgment, Financial Compliance, Logical Thinking, Operational Compliance, Performance Improvements, Performance Monitoring, Position Classification, Product Classification, Product Compliance, Professional Integrity, Regulatory Communications, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Training, Request for Information (RFI) {+ 4 more}

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement​

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is

$79,200.00 - $124,700.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.  Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

09/22/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.