Governance & Compliance

Trade Compliance and Customs Controls

Customs errors cause delays, penalties and lost duty savings. This course covers trade compliance: tariff classification, customs valuation, origin rules and preferences, import and export procedures, customs audits, authorised economic operator status and building an internal trade compliance programme.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Customs compliance is often left to brokers without internal oversight. You will learn to control trade risks and costs.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Classification and valuation exercises, origin scenarios, audit simulations and programme design workshops.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Classify goods under the harmonised system
Determine customs value correctly
Apply rules of origin and trade preferences
Manage import and export procedures
Prepare for customs audits
Design a trade compliance programme

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Trade compliance and customs managers
Logistics and import/export staff
Finance and tax professionals
Procurement staff
Customs brokers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Tariff classification
Customs valuation
Origin determination
Audit readiness
Programme design

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Trade Compliance

09:00–10:08Customs risks
10:08–11:00Roles and brokers
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Roles and brokers (continued)
11:45–12:53Regulations
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Classification

09:00–10:08Harmonised system
10:08–11:00Classification rules
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Classification rules (continued)
11:45–12:53Binding rulings
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 3Valuation and Origin

09:00–10:08Customs value
10:08–11:00Adjustments
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Adjustments (continued)
11:45–12:53Origin and preferences
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 4Procedures and Audits

09:00–10:08Import and export procedures
10:08–11:00Customs audits
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Customs audits (continued)
11:45–12:53Corrections
12:53–14:00Simulation

Day 5Programme

09:00–10:08Programme elements
10:08–11:00Authorised economic operator
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Authorised economic operator (continued)
11:45–12:53Monitoring
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

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