About the Role
This position is responsible for leading trade compliance activities in Japan, ensuring full compliance with Japanese export control regulations and customs laws. The role involves managing import/export licensing, overseeing trade compliance processes, and partnering with various internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliant and efficient trade operations.
Responsibilities
- Ensure full compliance with Japanese export control regulations, including METI requirements and customs laws.
- Own and manage all import/export licensing activities, including Japan Export License (NACCS) filings, GBL renewals, and related documentation.
- Oversee SAP GTS trade compliance processes, including export controls, screening, and transaction compliance.
- Own the accuracy and integrity of HTS and ECCN classifications for Japan; resolve classification disputes with customs brokers as needed.
- Manage and resolve escalation cases related to METI or Customs non-compliance, ensuring timely corrective actions.
- Develop, implement, and continuously enhance Japan-specific trade compliance procedures, work instructions, and policies.
- Ensure compliance with Japan import regulations, including valuation, classification, country of origin, and oversee related customs processes and documentation accuracy.
- Act as the primary point of contact for trade compliance matters in Japan, liaising with METI, Customs authorities, brokers, logistics providers, and internal stakeholders.
- Partner closely with logistics, legal, finance, and business teams to ensure compliant and efficient trade operations.
- Provide clear guidance and decision support on Japan trade compliance requirements and operational issues.
- Drive alignment across functions to support compliance initiatives, process improvements, and regulatory changes.
- Support the implementation of global trade compliance programs and initiatives within Japan.
- Lead and coordinate responses to government, internal, and corporate trade compliance audits; ensure timely remediation of findings.
- Conduct periodic compliance reviews, risk assessments, and due diligence activities across Japan trade operations.
- Oversee and manage customs broker performance, including periodic reviews and validation of self-audit results.
- Monitor regulatory developments (METI, Customs, FTAs) and assess their impact on Japan operations.
- Identify compliance risks and implement effective mitigation measures to prevent violations and operational disruption.
- Drive duty optimization strategies, including analysis and execution of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and other duty-saving opportunities.
- Support and manage customs tariff rulings, including preparation, submission, and follow-up with relevant authorities.
- Provide ongoing guidance on Japan trade compliance requirements, including export controls, customs rules, classification, and documentation standards.
- Develop and deliver training programs to enhance compliance awareness and capability among internal stakeholders.
- Promote a strong compliance culture through continuous engagement and education.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance automation, efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of Japan trade compliance operations.
- Research import and/or export classification for Applied's systems spare parts and other products.
- Responsible for administration of trade regulatory requirements.
- Update regional trade compliance programs.
- Conducting compliance training and audits.
- Other Projects as assigned by trade manager.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or above in International Trade, Law, Business, or a related field.
- 6+ years of experience in trade compliance, export controls, or customs operations, preferably in a multinational company.
- Strong knowledge of Japanese export control regulations and customs requirements.
- Hands-on experience with import/export licensing and customs processes in Japan (e.g., NACCS).
- Experience with SAP GTS or similar trade compliance systems preferred.
- Proven ability to manage external stakeholders, including customs brokers and government authorities.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to manage complex compliance issues independently.
- Fluent in Japanese and English (both written and verbal).
Skills
- Trade Compliance
- Export Controls
- Customs Operations
- Import/Export Licensing
- Japanese Export Control Regulations
- Customs Laws
- METI Requirements
- NACCS Filings
- SAP GTS
- HTS Classification
- ECCN Classification
- Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
- Customs Tariff Rulings
- Compliance Training
- Risk Assessment
- Due Diligence
- Stakeholder Management
- Cross-Functional Management
- Process Improvement
- Analytical Skills
Location
- Tokyo, JPN
Work Type
- Full time
- Assignee / Regular
Experience Level
- Senior
Education Level
- Bachelor’s degree or above
Benefits
- Supportive work culture that encourages learning, development, and career growth.
- Programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth.
- Care for employees at work, at home, or wherever they may go.
About the Company
- Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world.
- We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips.
- Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT.
- Join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.
Equal Opportunity
- Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
