Introduction

International trade compliance is a critical function for businesses operating in global markets. Ensuring compliance with import/export regulations, trade laws, sanctions, and customs procedures is essential for avoiding penalties, reducing risk, and maintaining smooth cross-border operations.

This course provides professionals with an in-depth understanding of international trade regulations, trade agreements, export controls, and compliance best practices. Participants will explore risk mitigation strategies, digital trade compliance technologies, and the future of regulatory frameworks in global supply chains.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Understand key global trade regulations, sanctions, and compliance requirements.
• Learn about import/export documentation, tariff classification, and customs procedures.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies for trade compliance violations and audits.
• Explore the role of AI, blockchain, and automation in trade compliance.
• Assess supply chain security programs such as C-TPAT, AEO, and Trusted Trader Programs.
• Gain insights into emerging trends and future trade compliance challenges.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for professionals responsible for trade compliance, risk management, and global supply chain operations, including:

• International Trade & Compliance Officers
• Supply Chain & Logistics Managers
• Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders
• Legal & Regulatory Affairs Professionals
• Procurement & Sourcing Specialists
• Entrepreneurs & Business Owners in Global Trade

Course Outline

Day 1: Foundations of International Trade Compliance

Unit 1: Understanding Global Trade Compliance Regulations

• The Importance of Trade Compliance in Global Business
• Key International Trade Organizations (WTO, WCO, ICC, etc.)
• Trade Regulations & Standards: Incoterms, Export Administration Regulations (EAR), ITAR, etc.
• Case Study: How Companies Handle Global Trade Compliance Challenges

Unit 2: Import & Export Compliance Essentials

• Key Import/Export Regulations & Documentation Requirements
• The Role of Harmonized System (HS) Codes & Tariff Classification
• Understanding Duties, Tariffs, & Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
• Workshop: Classifying Goods Using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule

Day 2: Trade Agreements, Sanctions & Risk Mitigation Strategies

Unit 3: Trade Agreements & Their Impact on Compliance

• Understanding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): USMCA, EU Trade Agreements, ASEAN, etc.
• Rules of Origin & Certificate of Origin Compliance
• Trade Preference Programs: GSP, AGOA, & Other Special Economic Zones
• Case Study: The Impact of Brexit on Trade Compliance & Supply Chains

Unit 4: Managing Trade Sanctions, Embargoes & Export Controls

• Navigating Sanctions from OFAC, EU, & UN Regulations
• Export Licensing Requirements & Dual-Use Goods Compliance
• Restricted Party Screening & Red Flags for Compliance Violations
• Workshop: Conducting a Compliance Audit for Trade Sanctions & Export Controls

Day 3: Customs Procedures, Supply Chain Security & Audits

Unit 5: Global Customs Compliance & Trade Facilitation

• Understanding Customs Valuation & Transfer Pricing Regulations
• Importer Security Filing (ISF), Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) & AEO
• Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) & Trusted Trader Programs
• Case Study: How Global Companies Manage Customs Compliance & Audits

Unit 6: Trade Compliance Audits & Risk Management

• Conducting Internal & External Trade Compliance Audits
• AI & Data Analytics for Trade Compliance Risk Detection
• Developing a Trade Compliance Manual & Internal Controls
• Workshop: Creating a Risk Mitigation Plan for Trade Compliance Audits

Day 4: Technology & Digital Transformation in Trade Compliance

Unit 7: Blockchain & AI for Trade Compliance & Security

• The Role of Blockchain in Ensuring Transparency in Global Trade
• AI & Machine Learning for Automated Compliance Monitoring
• IoT & Smart Trade Compliance: Real-Time Tracking & Risk Alerts
• Case Study: How Maersk & IBM Use Blockchain for Trade Documentation

Unit 8: Trade Compliance Automation & e-Customs Platforms

• e-Customs & Single Window Systems for Automated Compliance
• Digitizing Trade Documentation: Smart Contracts & Digital Trade Certificates
• Robotics Process Automation (RPA) for Import/Export Processing
• Workshop: Implementing a Digital Trade Compliance Strategy

Day 5: Future Trends & Strategic Implementation in Trade Compliance

Unit 9: The Future of Global Trade Compliance & Regulatory Changes

• The Impact of Geopolitical Changes on Trade Compliance (U.S.-China Relations, Brexit, etc.)
• The Future of E-Commerce & Cross-Border Digital Trade Compliance
• Climate Regulations & Sustainability Compliance in Trade (Carbon Border Tax, etc.)
• Panel Discussion: Industry Experts on the Future of Trade Compliance

Unit 10: Implementing a Global Trade Compliance Program

• Building a Culture of Compliance in Global Supply Chain Operations
• Measuring Trade Compliance Effectiveness: KPIs & Performance Metrics
• Final Project: Designing a Trade Compliance Strategy for a Global Company
• Course Wrap-Up & Certification

Training Methodology

• Interactive Lectures & Real-World Case Studies from Leading Global Companies
• Hands-On Workshops with Trade Compliance Audits & Customs Classification Exercises
• Live Demonstrations of Blockchain & AI-Enabled Trade Compliance Solutions
• Simulations & Predictive Analytics Exercises for Trade Risk Management
• Expert Panel Discussions & Group Strategy Sessions