A modular qualification that builds practical expertise in managing global supply chains, logistics, and border operations to enhance business resilience and career progression.
The Level 4 Award in Supply Chain Logistics and Borders (Open) equips learners with the knowledge and skills to understand, manage, and navigate modern supply chains, logistics operations, and border processes.
It explores complexities of global trade and regulatory requirements, helping businesses navigate border controls efficiently while maintaining resilient supply chains.
This qualification offers flexible, modular learning opportunities, enabling learners and businesses to build skills and resilience in response to global trade challenges. Learners complete six modules, including two compulsory ones, and can choose optional modules that align with their career goals. It also strengthens professional pathways, enabling learners to progress to higher-level qualifications while tailoring their learning to their career goals.
By completing this award, learners will gain a recognised Level 4 qualification, develop practical skills in supply chain logistics and border operations, and build confidence to make informed decisions and improve efficiency in their organisations.
No formal qualifications are required for this course. All candidates must be 16 years or older to be considered for direct entry to the award.
This qualification consists of four units of learning:
Mandatory modules
- Identify how to select suppliers
- Gain comprehensive insight into Incoterms®
- Understand the new Customs Declaration service (CDS)
- Appreciation of customs obligations and processes
- In-depth understanding of rules of origin in trade deals
- Learn how to complete a customs valuation
- Understand requirements for completing import declarations
- Import preference (GSP, AT, EUR & REX)
- Understand implications of export controls
- Thorough appreciation of customs rules and processes
- Learn best practice for completing documentation
- Understand HMRC proof of export requirements
Optional modules (minimum of 1 and maximum or 4)
- Understand what Transit is and its benefits
- Learn how to use NCTS
- Learn how to complete a Transit Accompanying Document (TAD)
- Learn about the application criteria and guarantee requirements
- Advanced understanding of customs compliance best practices, develop a deep understanding of customs, regulations, and procedures, including tariff classifications, valuation methods, and rules of origin.
- Enhanced knowledge of international trade compliance: gain expertise in managing compliance with international trade laws, export controls, and economic sanctions.
- Proficiency in tariff classification: acquire the ability to correctly classify products under the Harmonised System (HS) and other customs nomenclatures.
- Valuation and customs valuation methods: understand various methods of customs valuation such as transaction value, computed value, and deductive value, to accurately assess import duties.
- Customs compliance risk management: learn to identify and manage customs compliance risks within an organisation's supply chain.
- Identify how customs special procedures can be used to manage or suspend US tariffs on UK goods
- Develop a deep understanding of IP, OP, Customs Warehousing, Temporary Admission, Temporary Storage, and Authorised Use, and their role in international trade
- Learn how to comply with the documentation, reporting, and operational requirements for each special procedure
- Strategic use of special procedures; Understand how to leverage these procedures to reduce customs duties and taxes, optimise supply chain efficiency, and enhance business competitiveness
- Develop a clear understanding of how US tariffs affect customs valuation for UK exports
- Understand the impact of accurate or inaccurate customs valuation on business operations and compliance
- Identify appropriate customs valuation methods based on your distinct trade scenarios
- Establish a framework for gathering and maintaining necessary documentation needed to apply the correct customs valuation method
- Equip yourself with tools to ensure continued compliance in valuation practices
- Understand the UK:EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA)
- Learn how to comply with the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM)
- Ensure product regulatory compliance when trading with the EU
- Gain an understanding of the latest regulatory changes
- The purpose of AEO and how it relates to the World Customs Organisation SAFE Framework
- The different AEO Authorisations and their benefits
- Mutual Recognition Agreements for AEO-S
- Supply chain security
- The different benefits for different industry sectors and actors within the supply chain
- How to prepare for AEO application
- The criteria for AEO Authorisation and how they are assessed
- Additional resources and support available when making an application
- Risk Analysis and the Audit process
- How to maintain AEO status
- Understand the role of the Export Control Joint Unit in the UK
- Learn about UK export control rules and licensing requirements
- Understand the implications of ITAR and EAR in the US
- Appreciate the challenges US control rules pose
- Learn what compliance processes you need to have in place
- Understand what Incoterms® are
- Learn what each term means
- Discover how to use them effectively
- Understand changes in the 2020 version
- Appreciate common pitfalls using them
- How Incoterms® relate to new customs requirements in EU trade
Optional modules
- Understand the role of HMRC and international customs authorities
- Learn which documents need to be completed
- Learn about the data which is required for these documents
- Gain awareness of the benefits of customs special procedures
- Learn how to use 'the Tariff'
- Learn what a commodity code is and how it is structured
- Understand the importance of the WCO Harmonized System
- Learn how to interpret the UK Global Tariff and EU TARIC
- Practice classifying your goods with the correct commodity code
- Learn how to use your product’s code to determine taxes and other measures
- Recognise the role of tariff classification in determining new US duty rates on UK-origin goods
- Understand how origins impact US tariff exposure and how origin planning can help mitigate the risks
- Learn how free trade agreements work
- Understand how to comply with rules of origin
- Understand the proof of origin you need to provide
- Know how to claim preferential tariffs
- Understand tariffs applicable for preferential and non-preferential trade
- Understanding of the VAT basics
- Gain an appreciation of the main VAT processes and documentation
- Learn about the process in GB for accounting for VAT on import and export
- Understanding of methods of payment and postponement for VAT
- Understand the implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
- Understand what methods are used to obtain data for CBAM compliance
- Learn how to apply installation data when submitting a CBAM report
- Develop strategies to ensure CBAM compliance
- Understanding of the trade finance ecosystem
- Awareness of different payment methods
- Learn how to use letters of credit
- Understanding of bonds and guarantees
- Awareness of the support from UK Export Finance
- Understanding of The Windsor Framework and its implications
- Moving goods from GB to NI
- Moving goods from NI to GB
- Moving goods between the EU, NI and GB
- Moving goods between non-EU markets, NI and GB
- Understand new SPS rules and when they take effect
- Learn how to apply for Export Health Certificates for animal-origin goods
- Learn how to apply for Phytosanitary Certificates for plants or plant products
- Assess requirements for different product categories
- Learn how to use relevant IT systems - e.g. IPAFFS
- Determine roles and responsibilities when moving agri-food products
- Learn about ESG factors and work towards sustainability and business value
- Identify top ESG guidance and understand challenges in measuring/reporting ESG data
- Recognise phases in an organisation's ESG journey
- Explain ESG's importance and identify drivers/challenges to the business
- Develop an ESG strategy
- Participants will demonstrate an understanding of dual-use products
- To understand the core issues surrounding dual-use goods
- Identify key challenges and complexities associated with the licence applications and requirements
- Understand the licensing requirements for dual-use goods
- Gain confidence categorising dual-use goods
The average time it will take a student to complete this qualification is 60 hours.
Each module of learning is covered in a four-hour online learning session starting at 9am and finishing by 1.00pm GMT. Students can choose to take each individual four-hour module at a date convenient to them, with bimonthly dates offered for each module.
Learners will submit a summative assessment at the end of each module. The grade awarded determines the overall outcome of the course. All course content is delivered through supported distance learning, which are virtual classroom events accessed by Microsoft Teams.
Registration Fee £118
Course Fee £2459
Total qualification cost is £2577
To apply for the Level 4 Award in Supply Chain Logistics and Borders (Open), please use the 'Enquire now' button or send an email requesting an application form to qualifications@export.org.uk
To discuss our qualifications
Call: +44 (0)1733 404 410
Email: qualifications@export.org.uk
