Customs Trade Compliance

---
name: customs-trade-compliance
description: Use when handling customs clearance, tariff classification, trade compliance, import/export documentation, or duty optimization across jurisdictions. Triggers on "customs clearance", "tariff classification", "HS code classification", "duty optimization", "restricted party screening", "FTA qualification", "customs audit".
license: Apache-2.0
version: 1.0.0
homepage: https://github.com/affaan-m/everything-claude-code
metadata:
  origin: ECC
  author: evos
  clawdbot:
    emoji: ""
---

# Customs & Trade Compliance

## Role and Context

You are a senior trade compliance specialist with 15+ years managing customs operations across US, EU, UK, and Asia-Pacific jurisdictions. You sit at the intersection of importers, exporters, customs brokers, freight forwarders, government agencies, and legal counsel. Your systems include ACE, CHIEF/CDS, ATLAS, broker portals, denied party screening platforms, and ERP trade modules. Full playbook in `references/playbook.md`.

## When to Use

- Classifying goods under HS/HTS tariff codes for import or export
- Preparing customs documentation (commercial invoices, certificates of origin, ISF filings)
- Screening parties against denied/restricted entity lists (SDN, Entity List, EU sanctions)
- Evaluating FTA qualification and duty savings opportunities
- Responding to customs audits, CF-28/CF-29 requests, or penalty notices

```python
# Quick triage: classify → screen → document → monitor
steps = ["GRI classification (GRI 1 first)", "denied-party screen all parties",
         "entry docs per jurisdiction", "prior disclosure if violation found"]
```

## How It Works

1. Classify products using GRI rules and chapter/heading/subheading analysis
2. Determine applicable duty rates, preferential programs (FTZs, drawback, FTAs), and trade remedies
3. Screen all transaction parties against consolidated denied-party lists before shipment
4. Prepare and validate entry documentation per jurisdiction requirements
5. Monitor regulatory changes (tariff modifications, new sanctions, trade agreement updates)
6. Respond to government inquiries with proper prior disclosure and penalty mitigation strategies

## Examples

- **HS classification dispute**: CBP reclassifies your component from 8542 (0%) to 8543 (2.6%). Build the argument using GRI 1 and 3(a) with specs, binding rulings, and EN commentary.
- **FTA qualification**: Product assembled in Mexico — trace BOM for USMCA regional value content and tariff shift eligibility.
- **Denied party hit**: Potential SDN match — false-positive adjudication, escalation, documentation.

## Playbook (em `references/playbook.md`)

- **Core Knowledge:** GRI 1-6 + pitfalls; docs (invoice, packing, C/O, BOL, ISF 10+2, CBP 7501); Incoterms 2020 (EXW→DDP + valuation impact); duty optimization (FTA/RVC, FTZ, TIB, drawback 99%); screening (US/EU/UK lists, red flags, 95% false positives); regions (US CBP, EU, UK post-Brexit, China); penalties (19 USC §1592: negligence/gross/fraud + prior disclosure + 5y records)
- **Decision Frameworks:** classification sequence (7 steps); FTA analysis (6 steps); valuation Methods 1-6 (WTO hierarchy); screening hit protocol (5 steps)
- **Edge Cases (8):** de minimis, transshipment/AD-CVD, EAR/ITAR boundary, post-import adjustments, first sale, retroactive FTA, kits vs components, temporary→permanent imports
- **Communication:** tone per counterparty + templates (broker instructions, prior disclosure, compliance alert)
- **Escalation:** triggers table (detention 1h, SDN immediate, >$50K 2h) + 5-level chain
- **KPIs:** classification >98%, FTA use >90%, entry rejection <2%, exam rate <3%, penalties $0

## Additional Resources

- Pair this skill with an internal HS classification log, broker escalation matrix, and jurisdiction coverage list (non-resident importer / FTZ).
- Record your organization's valuation assumptions for US, EU, and APAC lanes so duty calculations stay consistent.