Import/Export Taxation & Customs Duties Training Course

Import/Export Taxation & Customs Duties Training Course

Introduction

Import/Export Taxation & Customs Duties Training Course provides an in-depth understanding of the taxation systems and regulatory frameworks governing international trade. Participants will explore how customs valuation, import tariffs, and export duties are applied in global commerce. The course emphasizes compliance with international customs laws, World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, and national regulations to ensure efficient and lawful movement of goods across borders.
 By the end of this course, participants will gain the expertise to manage customs documentation, assess duty liabilities, and leverage tariff concessions effectively. Additionally, the course highlights the role of trade agreements, origin rules, and customs modernization in reducing compliance burdens. Participants will also analyze real-world import and export procedures, including tariff classification, risk management, and bonded warehousing. The program equips professionals with practical tools for minimizing trade costs, preventing penalties, and enhancing supply chain efficiency.

Course Objectives

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

1. Understand the principles of international trade taxation and customs law.
2. Interpret customs valuation methods under WTO and local frameworks.
3. Classify goods accurately using harmonized system (HS) codes.
4. Determine applicable import duties, tariffs, and excise taxes.
5. Identify exemptions, reliefs, and preferential trade agreements.
6. Manage customs documentation and clearance procedures.
7. Apply rules of origin and understand their impact on tariff rates.
8. Comply with customs audits and border inspection requirements.
9. Implement efficient trade and duty planning strategies.
10. Handle disputes, appeals, and post-clearance audits.
11. Assess the role of free zones and bonded warehouses in duty optimization.
12. Ensure ethical compliance and risk management in customs operations.
13. Strengthen policy awareness on international trade reforms and taxation.

Target Audience

This course is designed for:

• Tax and customs professionals
• Freight forwarders and logistics officers
• Import/export business owners
• Trade compliance officers
• Customs clearing agents and brokers
• Accountants and auditors
• Supply chain and procurement managers
• Policy makers and trade regulators

Course Duration: 5 Days

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Import/Export Taxation

• Overview of international trade taxation principles
• Key concepts: customs duties, tariffs, and trade taxes
• Roles of WTO, WCO, and national customs authorities
• Legal framework for import and export taxation
• Relationship between VAT/GST and customs duties
• Case Study: Overview of customs reforms under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement

Module 2: Customs Valuation & Tariff Classification

• Customs valuation principles and methods (CIF, FOB, etc.)
• Understanding Harmonized System (HS) codes
• Determining dutiable value and ad valorem rates
• Handling transfer pricing and related party transactions
• Common valuation challenges and adjustments
• Case Study: Misdeclaration of goods and valuation disputes

Module 3: Import Duties and Taxes

• Types of import duties: ad valorem, specific, and compound rates
• Import VAT/GST and excise application
• Temporary importation and duty drawback schemes
• Preferential vs non-preferential duties
• Exemptions and reliefs for specific industries
• Case Study: Duty relief for manufacturing imports under industrial incentive programs

Module 4: Export Duties, Rebates & Incentives

• Nature and purpose of export duties
• Zero-rating and refund mechanisms for export VAT
• Export incentives and rebates under trade promotion schemes
• Managing export documentation and declarations
• Role of customs in export controls and sanctions
• Case Study: Export rebate application for agricultural products

Module 5: Rules of Origin & Trade Agreements

• Understanding preferential and non-preferential origin
• Certificate of Origin and verification processes
• Regional and bilateral trade agreements (EAC, AfCFTA, EU, etc.)
• Tariff reduction benefits and eligibility criteria
• Compliance with origin-based audits
• Case Study: Determining origin under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

Module 6: Customs Procedures & Documentation

• Import/export declaration processes
• Key trade documents: invoice, bill of lading, and manifest
• Electronic customs clearance systems
• Border control and inspection procedures
• Common errors in customs documentation
• Case Study: Documentation audit of an import consignment

Module 7: Compliance, Audits & Dispute Resolution

• Customs compliance requirements and penalties
• Risk management and post-clearance audits
• Managing disputes and appeals with customs authorities
• Anti-smuggling and fraud prevention measures
• Role of legal advisors and customs brokers
• Case Study: Dispute resolution involving customs under-declaration

Module 8: Strategic Duty Management & Trade Facilitation

• Strategies for minimizing duty exposure
• Benefits of bonded warehouses and free trade zones
• Supply chain planning for customs efficiency
• Use of technology in customs and border management
• Policy reforms and trade facilitation measures
• Case Study: Cost reduction through bonded warehouse operations

Training Methodology

• Interactive instructor-led presentations
• Practical workshops and real-world case analyses
• Group discussions and scenario-based exercises
• Hands-on guidance with customs documentation
• Role-play sessions on customs clearance procedures
• End-of-course assessment and feedback review

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount 

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes              

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.