Introduction

In an increasingly interconnected global economy, organizations engaged in international trade face a labyrinth of complex trade compliance regulations and stringent export controls designed to safeguard national security, prevent proliferation, and ensure fair competition. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, supply chain disruptions, and irreversible reputational damage, making robust internal controls and meticulous auditing paramount. This essential training course focuses on Trade Compliance and Export Control Auditing, equipping professionals with the critical knowledge and practical methodologies to navigate the intricate legal frameworks, identify high-risk transactions, and rigorously assess the effectiveness of an organization's trade compliance program. You will gain expertise in areas such as tariff classification, valuation, country of origin, sanctions screening, and export licensing, ensuring your organization's international operations remain compliant, secure, and efficient.

This intensive training course delves into the core components of a comprehensive trade compliance program, including import and export operations, re-exports, technology transfers, and the application of various international trade agreements. We will explore various audit methodologies specifically tailored for trade compliance and export control environments, examining documentation accuracy, screening processes, internal control effectiveness, and adherence to specific regulatory requirements such as the EAR and ITAR. Participants will gain hands-on experience in conducting risk assessments for international transactions, performing pre- and post-entry audits, and preparing comprehensive trade compliance audit reports that provide actionable insights to management. By the end of this training course, you will possess the expertise to confidently lead trade compliance and export control audit engagements, significantly contributing to your organization's global integrity and operational resilience.

Target Audience

• Trade Compliance Managers & Specialists
• Export Control Officers
• Import/Export Coordinators
• Internal & External Auditors
• Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders
• Supply Chain Managers
• Legal Counsel (International Trade)
• Risk Management Professionals

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of trade compliance and export controls.
• Learn about major international trade regulations and agreements (e.g., WTO, Incoterms).
• Master methodologies for tariff classification and customs valuation.
• Develop skills in determining and documenting country of origin.
• Understand the requirements and procedures for export licensing.
• Learn about techniques for screening restricted parties and sanctioned destinations.
• Explore best practices for auditing export control programs (e.g., EAR, ITAR).
• Master techniques for assessing import compliance and customs procedures.
• Understand the compliance risks associated with technology transfers and deemed exports.
• Learn about preparing comprehensive trade compliance audit reports and corrective actions.
• Apply practical Trade Compliance and Export Control Auditing strategies to real-world scenarios.

Duration

5 Days

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Trade Compliance & Export Controls

• Defining trade compliance and export controls in a global context.
• Exploring the legal and regulatory frameworks governing international trade.
• Understanding the purpose and importance of export controls (e.g., national security, non-proliferation).
• Overview of key international organizations and agreements (e.g., WTO, WCO).
• The evolving landscape of global trade and its implications for compliance.

Module 2: Import Compliance: Classification & Valuation Module

• Learning methodologies for accurate tariff classification of goods (Harmonized System).
• Understanding customs valuation methods and their impact on duties.
• Mastering techniques for determining and documenting country of origin and rules of origin.
• Exploring preferential trade agreements and their compliance requirements.
• Auditing import documentation and customs entry procedures.

Module 3: Export Controls: Jurisdiction & Classification Module

• Understanding the concepts of export control jurisdiction (e.g., U.S. EAR, ITAR, EU Dual-Use).
• Mastering the process of commodity classification and assigning Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs).
• Differentiating between commercial, dual-use, and defense articles.
• Techniques for classifying software and technology for export control purposes.
• The role of internal controls in accurate export classification.

Module 4: Export Licensing & Sanctions Screening Module

• Learning the requirements and procedures for obtaining export licenses.
• Understanding various types of export authorizations and license exceptions.
• Mastering techniques for screening restricted parties (e.g., Denied Persons List, Entity List, SDN List).
• Exploring sanctions regimes and their impact on export transactions.
• Auditing the effectiveness of screening processes and red flag indicators.

Module 5: Technology Transfers & Deemed Exports Module

• Understanding the concept of technology transfers and their control under export regulations.
• Exploring deemed exports and their implications for foreign nationals within organizations.
• Mastering techniques for identifying and controlling sensitive technology.
• Assessing the compliance risks of international collaborations and research.
• Developing controls for sharing technical data and software.

Module 6: Auditing Trade Compliance Programs

• Learning how to conduct a comprehensive trade compliance audit.
• Developing a risk-based audit plan for import and export operations.
• Techniques for auditing recordkeeping requirements and documentation accuracy.
• Assessing the effectiveness of internal controls over trade processes.
• Performing transactional testing and data analytics for compliance.

Module 7: Risk Management, Investigations & Continuous Improvement Module

• Identifying and mitigating common trade compliance risks (e.g., penalties, seizures, supply chain disruption).
• Understanding the process of voluntary self-disclosures for violations.
• Strategies for conducting internal investigations into potential trade compliance breaches.
• Preparing comprehensive trade compliance audit reports and recommendations.
• Implementing continuous monitoring and improvement for trade compliance programs.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.