Training on Global Trade Compliance and Customs Management

Module 1: The Strategic Imperative of Trade Compliance

• The financial and reputational risks of non-compliance.
• Overview of global customs authorities and their enforcement priorities.
• Building a culture of compliance across the organization.
• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Analyze a real-world case of a major penalty levied for customs violations and identify the compliance failures that led to the outcome.

Module 2: Harmonized System (HS) Classification Mastery

• Principles of the Harmonized System: General Interpretative Rules (GIRs) 1-6.
• Advanced classification for components, kits, and complex machinery.
• Binding rulings and the importance of consistent classification.
• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Classify a set of 10 complex products (e.g., a smartphone, a medical device, a chemical compound) using the HS nomenclature and justify the classification using GIRs.

Module 3: Customs Valuation and Transfer Pricing

• Understanding the six methods of valuation under WTO rules.
• The relationship between customs valuation and transfer pricing.
• Managing related-party transactions and ensuring arm’s length pricing.
• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Review a related-party transaction between a parent and subsidiary, identify potential valuation red flags, and propose documentation to support the declared value.

Module 4: Rules of Origin and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

• Determining origin: substantial transformation, tariff shift, and regional value content.
• Strategic use of FTAs (e.g., USMCA, EU-Japan EPA) for duty savings.
• Managing origin certifications and record-keeping.
• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Analyze a supply chain to determine if a finished good qualifies for preferential duty under a specific FTA, calculating the regional value content percentage.

Module 5: Export Controls, Sanctions, and Dual-Use Goods

• Navigating export control lists: EAR, ITAR, and EU Dual-Use Regulation.
• Screening for sanctioned parties, entities, and individuals.
• Managing deemed exports and technology transfers.
• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Conduct a restricted party screening for a list of 20 potential customers and partners, and determine the licensing requirements for a product with a dual-use classification.

Module 6: Customs Broker Management and Compliance

• Defining the importer of record responsibilities versus broker responsibilities.
• Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) for customs brokers.
• Auditing broker entries and ensuring accurate data submission.
• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Perform a post-entry audit of 25 customs entries filed by a broker, identifying errors in classification, valuation, or origin that could lead to penalties.

Module 7: Managing Customs Audits and Investigations

• Types of customs audits: focused assessment, prior disclosure, and verification.
• Developing a defense-ready audit file and document retention policy.
• Best practices for managing a customs audit from notice to resolution.
• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Simulate a focused assessment audit: develop a response plan, identify requested documents, and prepare a presentation for customs officials.

Module 8: Trade Facilitation Programs and Supply Chain Security

• Overview of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) and Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) programs.
• Benefits of trusted trader status: reduced exams and expedited clearance.
• Implementing supply chain security best practices.
• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Develop a security profile and supply chain security plan for a company seeking C-TPAT certification.

Module 9: Managing Trade in a Geopolitically Volatile Environment

• Impact of trade wars, tariffs (e.g., Section 301), and Brexit.
• Strategies for supply chain diversification to mitigate tariff risk.
• Managing forced labor regulations and supply chain due diligence.
• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Analyze the impact of new Section 301 tariffs on a company’s cost structure and model alternative sourcing or supply chain strategies to mitigate the financial impact.

Module 10: Building and Sustaining a Trade Compliance Program

• Elements of a robust internal compliance manual.
• Conducting internal audits and self-disclosures.
• Training and communication strategies for global teams.
• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Design a trade compliance manual outline for a mid-sized importer, including policies for classification, valuation, and broker management.