# Tasks & work activities — import export specialist in wood and construction materials Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 13-1041.08 (Customs Brokers) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 3331; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation. ## Task statements - **[Core]** Sign documents on behalf of clients, using powers of attorney. - **[Core]** Provide advice on transportation options, types of carriers, or shipping routes. - **[Core]** Post bonds for the products being imported or assist clients in obtaining bonds. - **[Core]** Insure cargo against loss, damage, or pilferage. - **[Core]** Obtain line releases for frequent shippers of low-risk commodities, high-volume entries, or multiple-container loads. - **[Core]** Contract with freight forwarders for destination services. - **[Core]** Arrange for transportation, warehousing, or product distribution of imported or exported products. - **[Supplemental]** Suggest best methods of packaging or labeling products. - **[Core]** Request or compile necessary import documentation, such as customs invoices, certificates of origin, and cargo-control documents. - **[Core]** Stay abreast of changes in import or export laws or regulations by reading current literature, attending meetings or conferences, or conferring with colleagues. - **[Core]** Quote duty and tax rates on goods to be imported, based on federal tariffs and excise taxes. - **[Core]** Prepare papers for shippers to appeal duty charges. - **[Core]** Pay, or arrange for payment of, taxes and duties on shipments. - **[Core]** Monitor or trace the location of goods. - **[Supplemental]** Maintain relationships with customs brokers in other ports to expedite clearing of cargo. - **[Core]** Inform importers and exporters of steps to reduce duties and taxes. - **[Core]** Confer with officials in various agencies to facilitate clearance of goods through customs and quarantine. - **[Core]** Classify goods according to tariff coding system. - **[Core]** Calculate duty and tariff payments owed on shipments. - **[Core]** Apply for tariff concessions or for duty drawbacks and other refunds. - **[Core]** Advise customers on import and export restrictions, tariff systems, insurance requirements, quotas, or other customs-related matters. - **[Core]** Prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or procedures. - **[Core]** Clear goods through customs and to their destinations for clients. ## Detailed work activities - Advise others on business or operational matters. - Advise others on financial matters. - Advise others on legal or regulatory compliance matters. - Advise others on logistics topics. - Calculate data to inform organizational operations. - Coordinate logistics or other business operations. - Coordinate regulatory documentation activities. - Develop business relationships. - Estimate costs of goods or services. - Examine product information to ensure compliance with regulations. - Monitor inventories of products or materials. - Negotiate contracts with clients or service providers. - Obtain documentation to authorize activities. - Oversee business processes. - Pay charges, fees, or taxes. - Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance. - Prepare regulatory or compliance documentation. - Submit financial applications. - Update knowledge of legal or regulatory environments.