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Role 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 preferential-duty opportunities, including eligibility review, documentary controls and broker execution, in coordination with the regional customs team. · Monitor relevant Japanese customs and trade regulatory developments, assess operational impact and help translate changes into clear internal and broker actions. · As the function develops, support selected customs activities or projects in other APAC markets, particularly Australia, New Zealand and South Korea, based on business priorities and experience. Key Stakeholders and Working Relationships · Japan Customs and other relevant government authorities · Customs brokers, freight forwarders and external customs consultants · Japan Logistics and Supply Chain teams · Assistant CTC Manager and regional Customs Trade Compliance team in Shanghai · Finance, Legal, IT, product teams and other internal business partners as required Experience and Education · Bachelor degree in International Trade, Customs, Supply Chain, Business, Finance or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience. · Typically 3+ years of relevant customs experience, with strong hands-on exposure to Japan import customs operations. · Demonstrated experience working directly with customs brokers and improving clearance quality, compliance and operational performance. · Strong practical experience in tariff classification. Experience with apparel, footwear, retail, consumer goods or other product-diverse environments is preferred. · Working knowledge of customs valuation, origin, preferential treatment, import documentation, customs audits and post-entry corrections. · Experience interacting with Japan Customs and/or supporting customs inquiries, reviews or audits is strongly preferred. · Experience with customs operations in Australia, New Zealand and/or South Korea is welcomed and will support the future development of the role. · Experience using ERP, product-data, broker or trade-compliance systems is preferred; SAP and Infor experience is an advantage. Required Capabilities · Japan customs expertise: applies customs rules accurately and translates requirements into workable import processes and broker instructions. · Classification discipline: conducts structured product analysis, documents the basis for decisions, identifies data gaps and escalates complex or uncertain classifications appropriately. · Broker management: creates clear expectations, reviews quality objectively, investigates root causes and drives measurable corrective and preventive actions. · Proactive problem solving: anticipates clearance obstacles, follows issues through to closure and addresses underlying process or data weaknesses rather than only resolving individual shipments. · Operational judgement: balances compliance, service, cost and business continuity while maintaining high integrity and appropriate escalation. · Collaboration across cultures and locations: works effectively with the Shanghai regional team and Japan-based stakeholders in a matrix environment. · Continuous improvement: challenges inefficient processes, makes practical recommendations and supports scalable, system-enabled solutions. · Analytical skills: uses customs-entry, broker, duty and exception data to identify trends, prioritize risk and monitor improvement. · Communication: explains complex customs topics clearly to customs professionals and non-specialists, in writing and verbally. · Ownership and resilience: remains organized and composed when handling urgent import issues, authority requests and competing priorities. Language, Systems and Other Requirements · Professional fluency in Japanese and English, with the ability to communicate effectively with local authorities, brokers and regional colleagues. · Advanced working knowledge of Excel, Word, PowerPoint, e-mail and internet research; comfortable working with data and preparing concise reports. · Ability to work regularly across Japan and Shanghai time zones and travel when business needs require. · High standards of confidentiality, accuracy, documentation and professional conduct. Success Profile Success in this role means that Japan imports move predictably and compliantly; classifications are accurate, documented and consistently executed; broker performance is actively managed; customs risks and recurring delays are identified early; and the Japan operation is fully connected to the regional Customs Trade Compliance team. The role should create a strong platform for future support to additional APAC markets. R-20261014-0044 VF Corporation habille les consommateurs partout dans le monde grâce à son portefeuille diversifié de marques emblématiques de style de vie, notamment Vans®, The North Face® et Timberland®. Fondée en 1899, VF est l’une des plus importantes entreprises mondiales de vêtements, de chaussures et d’accessoires. Elle exerce ses activités de façon socialement et écologiquement responsable dans de nombreuses régions du monde, catégories de produits et canaux de distribution. VF s’engage à offrir des produits novateurs aux consommateurs et à créer une valeur durable pour ses clients et ses actionnaires. VF Corporation outfits consumers around the world with its diverse portfolio of iconic lifestyle brands, including Vans®, The North Face®, and Timberland®. Founded in 1899, VF is one of the world's largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies with socially and environmentally responsible operations spanning numerous geographies, product categories and distribution channels. VF is committed to delivering innovative products to consumers and creating long-term value for its customers and shareholders. Énoncé de vision de VF en matière de diversité VF s’engage à créer un environnement inclusif qui accueille et valorise les différences parmi tous ses associés, ses clients, ses fournisseurs et les collectivités où nous vivons et exerçons nos activités. Le succès et la croissance continus de VF sont renforcés par des initiatives qui favorisent la diversité à l’échelle mondiale. VF s’engage à offrir l’égalité des chances en matière d’emploi et à traiter ses associés et ses candidats sans discrimination fondée sur la race, la couleur, le sexe, l’âge, l’origine nationale, la religion, l’orientation sexuelle, l’identité ou l’expression de genre, l’état matrimonial, la citoyenneté, un handicap, le statut d’ancien combattant protégé, le statut VIH/sida ou tout autre motif protégé par la loi. VF s’engage à répondre aux divers besoins des personnes en situation de handicap dans des délais raisonnables, conformément aux principes d’autonomie, de dignité, d’intégration et d’égalité des chances. Pour ce faire, VF s’efforcera de cerner, de prévenir et d’éliminer les obstacles à l’accessibilité partout où cela est possible, tout en respectant les exigences en matière d’accessibilité prévues par l’ADA, la LAPHO (AODA) et toute autre réglementation provinciale, étatique ou locale applicable. VF s’engage à assurer l’accessibilité numérique, à se conformer aux Règles pour l’accessibilité des contenus Web (WCAG) 2.1, niveau AA, ainsi qu’aux normes de conception accessible de l’ADA et de la LAPHO (AODA), et à toute autre réglementation applicable. Si vous avez besoin d’une mesure d’adaptation ou si vous avez des questions concernant cet énoncé, veuillez transmettre votre demande à PeopleServices@vfc.com VF Diversity Vision Statement VF is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our associates, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business. The continued success and growth of VF is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity throughout VF around the world. VF is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, and treating our VF associates and VF applicants without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, HIV/AIDS status, or any other legally protected basis. VF is committed to meeting the diverse needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner that is consistent with the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity, and will do so by striving to identify, prevent and remove barriers to accessibility wherever possible as well as by meeting the accessibility requirements under the ADA, AODA, and other applicable state, local or provincial regulations. VF is committed to digital accessibility, and to conforming to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA and complying with the ADA and AODA Standards for Accessible Design, and other applicable regulations. If you need an accommodation or have any questions regarding this statement, please send your request to PeopleServices@vfc.com. 
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Customs Specialist, Japan.
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