We are pleased to offer a crash-course specifically focused on customs and trade compliance management. This intensive and condensed program is designed to provide participants with a solid foundation in the essential principles and practices of customs regulations and trade compliance.

During the crash-course, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of key topics, including customs procedures, import and export regulations, tariff classification, valuation, rules of origin, documentation requirements, and compliance best practices. Through a combination of interactive lectures, case studies, and practical exercises, participants will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of customs and trade compliance.

Our experienced instructors, who possess in-depth expertise in customs and trade regulations, will guide participants through real-world scenarios, addressing common challenges and sharing insights from their professional experiences. The crash-course also provides an opportunity to engage with fellow professionals, fostering knowledge-sharing and networking.

To cater to the diverse needs of participants, we offer flexible training formats. The crash-course can be conducted as an in-person workshop, a virtual training session, or a blended approach combining both formats.

Upon completion of the crash-course, participants will have a solid understanding of customs and trade compliance management, enabling them to effectively navigate regulatory requirements, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance within their organizations.

For further details regarding the upcoming crash-course dates, registration information, and the comprehensive curriculum, please reach out to us. We are excited to help you enhance your customs and trade compliance knowledge in this fast-paced learning experience.

WHO CAN DO?

SME business owners thinking about new sources of supply and/or export markets
Businesses that have dabbled in international trade but are now in need of further orientation
Individuals who have already participated in public funded short courses about specific trade and customs requirements, but feel overwhelmed or confused
Accountants and business advisors (including business-facing officials) who need to quickly familiarise themselves with the subject so that they are able to have informed conversations with their clients
Logistics and procurement professionals who wish to become more familiar with the international trade and compliance dimension of their business
IT developers in need of rapid trade and customs-specific domain expertise
Ambitious starters at the beginning of their professional career path in international trade

WHAT IS THE COURSE STRUCTURE?

Session 1

Following a brief welcome, this session sets the scene. It gives an overview of applicable trade and customs policy and its relevance to:

borders and regulatory control objectives
trade tariffs by sector in the world’s main markets
challenges and barriers to trade
common registration, authorization, licensing, permit, certification, and packaging requirements

This session also looks at:

the export-import journey and the many steps necessary (yours and those of others) to make sure goods clear borders smoothly
“who does what” by giving an overview of the activities performed by officials, importers, exporters, freight forwarders, brokers, transport operators, port and terminal operators, etc.
applicable trade and customs documents or their electronic equivalent
policy trends and developments with implications on trade compliance costs and business opportunities

Short exercises are conducted to identify key learning needs and individual focus areas. These will be revisited throughout to enable participants set personal action points.

Session 2

Here we dive into the technical by explaining how to calculate applicable customs import duties. Participants are thus introduced to tariff classification so that they are able to refer to their goods in the applicable tariff schedule. Duty rates can then be calculated by reference to relevant customs valuation and preferential origin rules. Practical examples are provided, including an overview of the documents that are often needed to take advantage of preferential trade arrangements. We also discuss possible duty exemptions for low-value shipments, available business support services, binding decisions, and the use of supporting online tools and reference resources.

Session 3

Who is responsible for what can be a tricky question, especially when starting out or when things go wrong. It is best to prepare and be clear about compliance responsibilities from day one. We will thus look at standard commercial terms between buyers and seller – the so called Incoterms® 2020 – and explore their respective implications within the context of duty payment liabilities, other indirect taxes (e.g. VAT), distribution models and customer service expectations.

In this session we will also take a look at the services offered by customs agents, freight forwarders and brokers. This is followed with and detailed overview of how trade and customs declarations are submitted to the relevant authorities along with possible software, registration, authorisation, licensing, permit and certification requirements.

Discussed, too, are advance (pre-arrival / pre-departure) declaration requirements, the use of electronic systems, scope for automation, and simplified arrangements – e.g. for shipments sent by post or shipments destined for inland clearance. Important not to forget are the arrangements for physical inspections, their potential costs, and the risk of penalties and fines.

This might look like a a very busy session – but it all links together and will be approached in a digestible and practical way!

Session 4

This block concerns costs and competitiveness. We will look at access to advantageous customs treatment, such as: customs warehousing; special export processing arrangements; customs freezones; amongst others. Trusted Trader and Authorised Economic Operator programmes are highlighted, too.

In this final session we will also expand on:

trade-off decisions between compliance costs, optimal load sizes and distribution arrangements
methods to mitigate the impact of border related delays
access to economies of scale and electronic compliance solutions
access to public funded business support services and tools
practical steps to keep up-to-date
your relationship with the border agencies

TRAINING WILL COVER:

how applicable customs duties and liabilities are calculated
the many transport and logistics-related implications
common commercial arrangements with suppliers and customers to agree on responsibilities
trade compliance management practices, their cost, and the good standing with officials
the wider regulatory context that applies to the trade in goods
useful tools and trade compliance management practices