Trade facilitation refers to a specific set of measures that streamline and simplify the technical and legal procedures for products entering or leaving a country to be traded internationally. As such trade facilitation covers
the full spectrum of border procedures from the electronic exchange of data about a shipment to the simplification and harmonisation of trade documents to the possibility to appeal administrative decisions by border agencies.
In a globalised world where goods often cross borders many times as both intermediate and final products trade facilitation measures can help lower overall trade costs for businesses. Trade facilitation also helps more – and smaller – businesses participate in trade. Addressing unnecessary costs related to trade procedures is essential for businesses to take full advantage of new market openings. This is especially true for sole traders and SMEs for which the costs of trading can be disproportionately large.

This is an online course, candidates will need to ensure they have internet access, equipment, and bandwidth to support online tutoring as well as the preparation of and upload of assignments. The language of the course is English and candidates will need to communicate and complete assignments
in English.

Module 1: Customs Compliance:
› Introduction to customs: Global & EU customs in supply chain
› Union Customs Code (UCC)
› Customs Valuation
› Rules of Origin
› Tariff Classification
› VAT & Excise
› Special Procedures
› Transit.

Module 2: Risk and Trade Facilitation
› Risk Analysis
› Customs debt
› Customs decisions and custom IT systems
› AEO
› Incoterms 2020
› Customs Guarantees
› Customs Procedures and declarations
› Customs Entry and Export
› Customs Status of goods
› WTO and trade facilitation agreements
› Other trade facilitation measures.

At the end of the programme you will be able to:
› Demonstrate an understanding of Customs Compliance and Trade Facilitation processes and the legislation (Union Customs Code) and governing
bodies that underpin these. Understand traders’ obligations under valuation tariff classification rules of origin and risks associated.
› Demonstrate knowledge of how to apply theories learnt to the industry sector nationally and internationally. How importing/exporting businesses can benefit from different Trade Facilitation measures and authorisations how it relates to supply chain operations.
› Demonstrate ability to apply the content and theories learned in the real-life environment for industry supply chain operations for all third countries trading.
› Demonstrate how customs-to-business partnership works and compliance obligations of same. Demonstrate knowledge of traders’ responsibility.
› Apply knowledge and skills learnt to practice through real life case studies
› Describe the practical trade facilitation measures that underpin global customs authorities operating regimes.

Below is a schedule for 8 courses runs this year:

11th April – Every Tuesday and Thursday from 1800-2130 for 5 weeks
16th May – Every Tuesday and Thursday from 0930-1300 for 5 weeks.
September 9th – Every Saturday from 1000-1630 for 5 weeks
September 19th – Every Tuesday and Thursday from 0930-1300 for 5 weeks.
11th October – Every Wednesday 0930 – 1600 for 5 weeks
14th November – Every Tuesday and Thursday from 0930-1300 for 5 weeks

Please note: course timetables are indicative and subject to change.

› 10 x half-day virtual delivery (mid-week) via Blackboard Collaborate
› All course materials will be available online via the Blackboard e-learning platform.
› Duration: 39 tuition hours plus independent learning.

100% Continuous Assessment based on two multiple choice question tests and a reflective journal.

The Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) scheme is one trade facilitation measure. It gives approved businesses special status to allow their goods to pass through customs as quickly as possible. It is an internationallyrecognised mark of quality that gives businesses ‘trusted trader’ status.

As an AEO you could benefit from:
› Recognition worldwide as safe secure and compliant business partners in international trade
› Lower risk scores in risk analysis systems when profiling
› Priority treatment if physical controls are conducted
› Mutual recognition of AEO programmes under Joint Customs Cooperation Agreements which could result in faster movement of goods through third country borders
› Reduced data sets for entry and exit summary declarations (this only applies to AEO safety and security)
› Easier access to simplified procedures
› Reduction or waiver of comprehensive guarantees.

Successful learners will be awarded a Certificate in Customs Compliance and Trade Facilitation (Level 6, 10 credits) from South East Technological University.

Feel free to read our Terms & Conditions here.