Import & Export Procedures Online Course

Build real-world competence in international trade operations

International trade is complex, regulated, and unforgiving of mistakes. his course is designed to give you a practical, end-to-end understanding of how import and export transactions actually work — from planning and documentation to costing, compliance, and execution.

Whether you’re new to the industry or already working in logistics, this course equips you with the foundational knowledge required to operate confidently, avoid costly errors, and work effectively with freight forwarders, clearing agents, banks, and regulators.

Who This Course Is For

This course is suited to:

• Aspiring importers and exporters

• Import and export administrators and clerks

• Freight forwarding and logistics staff

• Business owners managing their own cross-border shipments

• Individuals entering the forwarding, clearing, or supply chain environment

No prior industry experience is required.

What You Will Be Able to Do

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand import and export transactions from initiation to completion

• Apply Incoterms® 2020 correctly in practical trade scenarios

• Prepare and interpret key international trade documents

• Plan import and export transactions with accurate cost and risk awareness

• Understand the roles, responsibilities, and timing of all trade role players

• Reduce errors that lead to delays, penalties, and unnecessary costs

Course Structure & Content

Module 1 – International Trade Fundamentals

Understand how international trade differs from domestic trade, how global transactions are structured, and the roles of importers, exporters, freight forwarders, clearing agents, carriers, banks, insurers, and regulators.

Module 2 – Incoterms® 2020: Practical Application

Learn how to select and apply the correct Incoterms® rule, understand buyer and seller obligations, and avoid common Incoterm-related mistakes that cause disputes and cost overruns.

Module 3 – Export Transaction Planning

Focus on export documentation, shipment planning, insurance, foreign exchange considerations, landed cost calculations, and managing exporter risk and responsibilities.

Module 4 – Import Transaction Planning

Understand import documentation, shipment routing, compliance exposure, landed cost build-up, tariff awareness, and managing importer obligations and risks.

Module 5 – International Trade Documentation & Compliance

Gain a practical understanding of trade documentation flow, regulatory requirements, permits, letters of credit, and compliance awareness.

How the Course Works

• 100% online and self-paced

• You may start at any time

• Duration 12 weeks part-time

• Academic support from a subject matter expert

• Administrative support via email and telephone

Assessment & Certification

• Online assessments (no formal exams)

• Minimum pass requirement: 60% for all assessments

• A Digital Certificate of Completion is issued upon successful completion

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements.
Learners should be comfortable engaging with applied online learning material in English and managing self-paced study in a professional or business environment.

Why School of Shipping

• Industry-focused, practical training

• Developed by professionals with decades of experience

• Trusted by individuals and organisations across the logistics and trade sector

• Focused on real-world application

Important Scope Note

This course provides a foundational understanding of import and export procedures.

Pathway Opportunity

This course provides a strong foundation for learners progressing into Customs Clearing, Freight Forwarding or Supply Chain roles.