Customs Compliance Manager

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Customs Compliance Manager. A Customs Compliance Manager manages, maintains and controls customs compliance and other statutory requirements within the organisation relating to international logistics and supply chain activities, beyond the generic management skills. A qualified learner will be able to: • Manage organisational compliance to customs and other statutory requirements. • Support national and international collaborations to source best practices for the customs compliance environment. • Manage and control risks affecting the security of supply chain in the organisation. • Maintain physical, electronic document and environment safety and integrity through contemporary technology.

This qualification was developed with the full participation of different associations and organisations operating within the Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance environment. The need to improve the functioning of practitioners in this environment is necessitated by the World Customs Organisation's (WCO) introduction of the SAFE Framework of Standards; South Africa is a member of the WCO. This is an initiative which seeks to enhance the global efficiency of Customs administrations in the collection of duties, enforcement of compliance and the management of risks such as trade in endangered species, drug smuggling, human trafficking and money laundering. As a member of WCO South Africa has had to comply with the SAFE Framework of Standards by implementing new legislation which is aligned to these standards. An integral element of this legislation is the requirement that practitioners whose function is to interact with Customs in ensuring statutory measures are complied with having the required competence to carry out these very complex functions. In light of this, the Customs Compliance Manager qualification has been established to impart the required competencies to those involved. Customs broking is an integral offering of the third party international logistics provider. As such the competencies to be imparted through this qualification are critical to the survival of the logistics industry. The logistics and supply chain management practices are critical for facilitation of international trade and ensuring national safety during the movement of the goods both within national boundaries and between countries, using all forms of goods transportation. The successful management of this function including the movement of goods within SA and between SA and other countries is important for our national economic growth as it creates opportunities for SA to earn foreign currencies and improve our balance of payments position. Learners for this qualification will be drawn from those who have had relevant experience in this field. Since the qualification represents a progression from the Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance qualification at Level 5, it also provides an aspirational target for those entering the industry in the sense that, as a scarce and critical skill area, the acquisition thereof enhances the employability of the individual into the future. Those who acquire these specialised competencies addressed by the qualification will be in high demand in the industry. Learners will grow into a strategic management position within the Freight Forwarding, Import and Export organisations. The legalistic nature of Customs compliance will make it possible in future for an incumbent to pursue careers within the legal occupational environment as well.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment. Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • Occupational Certificate: Clearing and Forwarding Agent, Level 5. Or • National Diploma: Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance, Level 5.

• Manage organisational compliance to customs legislation, all relevant statutes and risk management requirements to ensure safety and security for all customs operations.
• Support collaboration and sharing best practice initiatives locally and internationally for efficient operations between all parties involved in the customs environment.
• Maintain physical and electronic documentation safety and security to ensure the integrity of customs operations.