Certificate in Customs and Trade

Content overview

Each of the four Modules consists of a day of interactive live delivery involving four trainers, supported by extensive reference material and videos, with a multiple-choice test of understanding.  In addition, a key element of the course is completion of a case study. Which can be on your own company or a client, which gives reality and meaning to the technical concepts.

On successful completion of this Certificate, you will be able to:

• Offer customs advice.
• Support applicants for customs authorisations and permissions.
• Develop plans and strategies for businesses facing Brexit-related challenges.

Significant ‘takeaways’ from the course are up-to-date briefings, practical guides to handling customs-related formalities and issues, comprehensive written reference material and sources, and videos explaining technical issues and the practical operation of customs.

Who takes the Certificate?

The Certificate in Customs and Trade is suitable for:

• Professional accountants wishing to add customs advice and/or agency to their range of services. Members of Chartered Accountants Ireland undertaking this certificate may refer to themselves as a Customs Advisor upon successful completion.
• Businesses involved in trading activities that need evidence of formal customs training. Business owners and managers who need to plan and manage trade will obtain the knowledge they need on this course.
• People in customs-related functions (including finance) who need an understanding of customs, whether as a standalone skill or as a basis for a professional career.

The Certificate is designed in the context of the EU Customs Competency Framework for the Private Sector – the most comprehensive international description of the skills required for operators in customs. This course addresses the ‘Operational’ competencies and will enable suitably qualified/experienced professionals to claim an overall proficiency level in customs.

Why should you study this programme?

New rules of international trade and customs entered force on 1 January 2021 the UK and the EU, with specific challenges for Northern Ireland. Businesses are critically short of expertise to manage this unprecedented change. Long-established trading relationships need to be renegotiated, the cost of trade has inevitably risen (transport and logistics costs are exceptionally high and experiencing unpredictable delays) and supply chains are being critically reappraised.

In practice, there are few businesses that are not impacted, directly or indirectly.  It has surprised many that the imposition of customs rules generates such far-reaching consequences for matters from sourcing of materials to labelling, quality certification, handling of goods, terms of trade and financial record-keeping.  Only the best advice and guidance can help companies navigate these newly hazardous waters.