North American customs agencies enforce customs regulations in order to prevent illegal products from entering the country, protect the health of citizens, and to safeguard businesses from unfair competition. North American customs regulations jobs are lucrative positions, with overtime, holiday and shift differential pay.

In the United States, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection prevents illegal products and people from crossing borders illegally. North America customs laws differ between the U.S., Canada and Mexico, but the jobs are virtually identical. Officers, specialists and technicians are always in high demand for all of the American customs agencies. Consider the following suggestions to get the customs regulations in North America education and training to secure a good job:

1. Decide what American customs job will fit your needs.

2. Choose the best school or training program for the job you want to secure.

3. Take advantage of on the job training and continuing education opportunities.

Action Steps
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Educate yourself about job opportunities in the American customs system

There are a variety of jobs in the field of customs in North America. A logical first step in determining whether you would be suited to work in the field of American customs regulation would be to read American customs laws to see day-to-day expectations. Customs agencies require employees that can work flexible schedules, are able to pass security background checks and can be professional and polite, even under stress.

I recommend: MegaLaw.com offers links to every law and regulation pertaining to North American customs, which can help you research if you would be interested in a job in customs and border enforcement. StateUniversity.com offers detailed job description information about customs workers.

Get the education and training needed for the North American customs job

Like any job, the training and experience you have will set you apart from other applicants allowing you to get hired easier. There is a variety of live and online customs regulations in North America education and training courses that can help you carve out your own future in this exciting field.

I recommend: Criminal Justice Colleges can help prospective students obtain Bachelor’s and Associate’s Degrees in criminal justice and other fields related to customs enforcement. Henley-Putnam University offers courses in intelligence and counter-terrorism, disciplines that are highly lucrative to customs agencies.

Find a career that provides continuing education in American customs procedures

Once you have determined that a career in North America customs enforcement is for you, the next step is to find a job. There are many types of jobs associated with border and customs enforcement, including Border Patrol Officers, X-Ray Technicians and Seized Property Specialists.

I recommend: USA Jobs is an excellent resource for individuals seeking to work civilian jobs for the federal government. CBP.gov is the government website that offers information about job openings at all US customs locations, including educational requirements for each job.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There are many benefits to North American customs jobs, including a robust health insurance plan, tuition assistance, student loan repayment programs and retirement funds.

Mastery of North American customs regulations are necessary for your business to succeed. The United States offers one of the world’s largest trade areas with convenient land access to its biggest trade partners, Canada and Mexico. Thanks to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) less trade restrictions are present when importing and exporting between the countries. To minimize confusion and expenses develop an export plan and look to export trading companies specializing in international trade.

Internationally-based companies should look to avoid frustration and expenses when dealing with customs in North America. Customs information is available from the governments of America, Canada and Mexico. The United States government, for example, offers detailed guidelines explaining exporting basics and offering free resources to aid small businesses in customs regulations.

As you navigate through North American customs regulations consider the following:

1. Foster relationships through NAFTA to take advantage of the duty-free status available when dealing with customs in North America.

2. Utilize government resources to help comply with customs regulations by country.

3. Gather information from customs brokers to speed up the process.

Action Steps
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Understand how NAFTA affects getting your products through the North American customs system

Products produced in North America may qualify for reduced or duty-free status when exporting to Mexico, Canada or Puerto Rico. Complete the NATFA Certificate of Origin for products qualifying for preferential treatment.

I recommend: Access the Export.gov Webinar for information on using NAFTA to simplify the process of customs regulations. Take advantage of duty free status by completing the interactive NAFTA Certificate of Origin tool at Export.gov. Print documentation needed for shipping to Canada from ShipNorthAmerica.

Get assistance on customs regulations in North America by going directly to the source

Reliable country specific information to facilitate the process of managing customs regulations is offered at government websites. Finding information on products that can be imported, correct forms and tariff rates can keep your deliveries on schedule.

I recommend: Canada Border Services Agency gives information on all aspects of getting items through Canadian customs. U.S. Customs and Border Protection guides in completing and printing the correct forms to avoid problems with customs. U.S. Commercial Service Mexico and U.S. Commercial Service Canada offer trade specialists and guides to make getting through customs a snap.

Consult with companies that specialize in handling North American import and export customs

Customs regulations can be complicated for a small business to handle. Training staff is an expensive process and documentation, shipping and other customs laws can delay or shipments throughout North America. Customs compliance companies feature staff fully trained in regulations, located at all major entry ports to ease the process of clearing customs.

I recommend: A & A Contract Customs Brokers aids with record keeping, auditing and product specific regulation requirements. To handle shipments to and from Mexico, Buckland Customs Brokers can provide bilingual customs brokers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Small businesses should consider working with Export Management Companies or Export Trading Companies. These companies aid in researching product potential in foreign markets, handling North American customs, arranging transportation, finding trade partners and receiving export financing.

Understanding the customs regulations that surround trade across the US/Canada or US/Mexico border is essential. Customs regulations within North America are unique due to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), created in 1994. This agreement provides guidance regarding the restrictions and limitations to trade across the borders of the North American countries. It is important to know some key terms about customs regulations in North America to meet standards for doing business within these countries.

Action Steps
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Import duty, tariff

Import duty is the tax placed on imported goods, paid by the person importing the goods. It is usually based on the value of the product being imported and is also referred to as a tariff. While many goods can be traded between countries in North America duty-free, a country can deny NAFTA benefits if regulations aren't followed.

I recommend: For further information, visit Import-Duty.com.

Import requirements

Products entering the United States from other countries need to be declared and classified so that the appropriate duty is applied to them. Import requirements refer to the proper safety and markings of products entering the United States and the need for declaring the value of such items for the purpose of paying duties.

I recommend: The American Importers Association provides information about import requirements.

Export compliance

In order to export goods to other countries within North America, there are many steps and controls required. Export compliance refers to the adherence of screenings, classifications and controls needed to export your goods.

I recommend: Shipping Solutions is a company that assists other companies with export compliance. Scroll down on this site to see matters that involve export compliance.

North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

This agreement is specific to the countries within North America: Canada, Mexico and the United States. It fosters trade between the countries, primarily through the elimination of tariffs. When dealing with customs regulations for importing and exporting goods, NAFTA defines how goods are to be handled between these countries.

I recommend: More detailed information about the rules and requirements for the import and export of goods under the North American Free Trade Agreement is available from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Rule of origin

In order for a product to qualify for duty-free status under NAFTA, a rule of origin requirement must be met. This takes into account where the product is manufactured or grown. If your product is wholly produced, including its parts, in North America, it will meet the rule of origin and you will need a certificate of origin to export.

I recommend: International Business Training provides good information on NAFTA rules of origin.

Harmonized Tariff Schedule

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule is the list of tariffs on various products. It employs a standardized classification system that is used worldwide. When importing goods, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule is referred to for determining tariffs.

I recommend: The United States International Trade Commission provides a detailed description of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.