Course Title:

Mastering Import and Export: A Complete Guide to Global Trade

Course Duration:

8-10 weeks (flexible based on learner pace)

Target Audience:

• Beginners who want to enter the import-export field.
• Small business owners interested in expanding their business globally.
• Professionals looking to understand the basics of international trade.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of international trade and the import-export process.
• Learn about essential documents, regulations, and international trade terms.
• Gain practical knowledge on managing logistics, customs, and freight forwarding.
• Explore how to identify global markets and make informed trade decisions.
• Develop skills to successfully execute an import-export transaction.

Module 1: Introduction to Import and Export

Duration: 1 week

• Lesson 1.1: What is International Trade?

  • Definition and importance of global trade.
  • Key concepts: Import, export, and trade balance.
  • The role of international trade in economic development.

• Lesson 1.2: Global Trade Regulations and Agreements

  • Overview of trade policies, regulations, and international trade organizations (WTO, UNCTAD).
  • Free trade agreements (FTAs) and regional trade agreements.
  • Understanding trade tariffs and duties.

• Lesson 1.3: The Import and Export Process Overview

  • Step-by-step guide to the entire import-export process.
  • Key stakeholders: Importers, exporters, freight forwarders, customs brokers.
  • Typical challenges in international trade.

Module 2: Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Import and Export

Duration: 2 weeks

• Lesson 2.1: International Trade Laws and Compliance

  • Introduction to laws governing international trade (incoterms, customs regulations, anti-dumping).
  • Understanding product classification and harmonized system codes (HS codes).
  • Legal aspects of contracts in global trade.

• Lesson 2.2: Documentation in International Trade

  • Essential documents for import and export:
    • Bill of Lading (BOL), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, and others.
  • Legal requirements for documentation.
  • How to prepare and process these documents correctly.

• Lesson 2.3: Import and Export Licensing

  • Understanding export and import licenses.
  • How to apply for trade licenses in your country.
  • Sanctions and restricted goods: Overview of prohibited imports and exports.

Module 3: International Shipping and Logistics

Duration: 2 weeks

• Lesson 3.1: Shipping Methods and Modes of Transport

  • Overview of transportation modes: Sea, air, road, rail, and multi-modal transport.
  • How to choose the right shipping method based on cost, time, and product type.
  • Differences between Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL).

• Lesson 3.2: Freight Forwarding and Customs Clearance

  • Role of freight forwarders and logistics providers.
  • Understanding customs clearance procedures and the role of customs brokers.
  • Key terminology related to shipping and customs: Incoterms, Tariffs, Duties, and Taxes.

• Lesson 3.3: Supply Chain Management in International Trade

  • Managing the supply chain and logistics from origin to destination.
  • Handling inventory management, warehousing, and distribution.
  • Tracking and managing international shipments.

Module 4: Marketing and Identifying Global Markets

Duration: 1 week

• Lesson 4.1: Identifying Potential Markets for Export

  • Conducting market research to find profitable export markets.
  • Tools and methods for identifying international demand.
  • Cultural, economic, and legal considerations when entering foreign markets.

• Lesson 4.2: Export Strategies and Marketing

  • Effective marketing strategies for international markets.
  • Understanding consumer preferences and local competition.
  • The importance of local partnerships and distribution channels.

• Lesson 4.3: Risks and Risk Mitigation in International Trade

  • Understanding risks in global trade: Currency fluctuations, political instability, and trade barriers.
  • How to mitigate and manage risks using insurance, hedging, and legal protections.

Module 5: Practical Skills for Import and Export Professionals

Duration: 2 weeks

• Lesson 5.1: Negotiating and Finalizing Trade Deals

  • How to negotiate trade terms and agreements with foreign suppliers and buyers.
  • Payment methods in international trade: Letter of Credit (LC), Advance Payment, Open Account, and others.
  • Understanding international payment systems (SWIFT, IBAN, etc.).

• Lesson 5.2: Export Documentation and Compliance

  • How to fill out export documents correctly.
  • Compliance checks and ensuring documentation is accurate.
  • Real-world examples of documentation errors and how to avoid them.

• Lesson 5.3: Managing Customs Procedures for Imports

  • Step-by-step guide for clearing customs on imports.
  • Understanding the import duty calculation process and exemptions.
  • How to ensure smooth customs clearance for goods.

Module 6: Starting and Growing Your Import-Export Business

Duration: 1 week

• Lesson 6.1: Setting Up an Import/Export Business

  • Legal steps to start your import-export business.
  • Building a business plan and identifying key goals.
  • Choosing the right products and establishing supplier relationships.

• Lesson 6.2: Financial Management for Import-Export Operations

  • Understanding the cost structure in international trade: Landed cost, shipping cost, taxes.
  • Setting pricing strategies and ensuring profitability.
  • Managing international invoices and payments.

• Lesson 6.3: Scaling Your Import-Export Business

  • Strategies to expand globally and manage growth.
  • Exploring new markets and new products.
  • Using digital platforms for international sales (e.g., Alibaba, Amazon Global).