SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Occupational Diploma: Customs Compliance Specialist 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123404  Advanced Occupational Diploma: Customs Compliance Specialist 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - TETA (Management) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  217  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0529/25  2025-02-04  2030-02-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2031-02-04   2034-02-04  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
102499  Occupational Certificate: Customs Compliance Manager  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  250  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Customs Compliance Specialist.

The qualification shall enable a learner to manage, maintain and control customs compliance and other statutory requirements relating to international logistics and supply chain activities, within an organisation, and manage operational resources, management systems and risks associated with customs compliance.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Develop and maintain customs compliance policies and procedures.
  • Manage customs compliance operational resources and management systems.
  • Promote customs compliance operations and manage and control risks.

    A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: problem solving, decision making, communication, professionalism, and ethical orientation.

    Rationale:
    The need for this qualification resulted from the requirement to review and align an existing expired qualification to meet new policy requirements. Additional changes were affected in terms of the occupational title, to better reflect the scope of coverage.

    The need to improve the functioning of practitioners in the customs compliance environment is necessitated by the World Customs Organisation's (WCO) introduction of the SAFE Framework of Standards. As a member of WCO South Africa must 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 to ensure that statutory measures are complied with have the required competence to carry out these very complex functions. In light of this, the Customs Compliance Specialist qualification is required to provide those involved in ensuring that organisations directly involved in international trade have the required internal policies, procedures and resources to ensure efficient and effective functioning related to customs compliance.

    Currently there are no other similar qualifications for this specific specialisation area registered on the NQF.

    This qualification will benefit the logistics and supply chain sector and the economy as it is critical for the survival of the logistics industry by facilitating cost effective international trade. Customs Compliance Specialists play a pivotal role in promoting international trade, revenue generation, legal adherence, risk mitigation, and overall economic development. When businesses comply with customs regulations, they can access international markets more easily. Ensuring that trade is conducted fairly, transparently, and according to established rules help maintain positive relationships between trading partners and enhances diplomatic and economic ties between nations. This promotes healthy competition and contribute to a well-functioning global trading system that support economic growth and the economy. In addition, Customs Compliance Specialists contribute to ensuring the prevention of entry of counterfeit goods, hazardous materials, and other products that could pose health, safety, or security risks to the public, thus benefitting society.

    Learners for this qualification will be drawn from those who have had relevant experience in this field. The qualification represents a progression from the Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance qualifications at NQF 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 by providing a career pathway. 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 and import and export organisations.

    Stakeholders from different associations and organisations operating within the freight forwarding and customs compliance environment participated in the review of the qualification. The typical occupations related to this qualification include all customs compliance related occupations. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for Access to Training

    Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a qualification if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a qualification.

    Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors.

    RPL for Exemption

    For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

    RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) or Final Integrated Supervised Assessment (FISA):

    Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

    A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved.

    Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO.

    Entry Requirements:
    An NQF Level 5 qualification in Clearing and Forwarding or Freight Forwarding or Customs Compliance. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules
  • 132401-002-01-KM-01, Analytical Thinking, Innovation and Complex Problem Solving, NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 132401-002-01-KM-02, Programming and Technological Skills for the Future, NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 132401-002-01-KM-03, Analytical Decision-Making, NQF Level 5, 2 Credits.
  • 132401-002-01-KM-04, Customs Compliance Legislation and Principles of Law, NQF Level 7, 50 Credits.
  • 132401-002-01-KM-05, International Customs Environment Theory and Legislation, NQF Level 7, 30 Credits.
  • 132401-002-01-KM-06, Customs Integrated Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 6, 40 Credits.
  • 132401-002-01-KM-07, Management and Strategic Management Principles in the Customs Environment, NQF Level 7, 20 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 152

    Practical Skill Modules
  • 132401-002-01-PM-01, Develop Customs Compliance Organisational Strategies and Structures, NQF Level 7, 5 Credits.
  • 132401-002-01-PM-02, Develop Customs Compliance Organisational Processes, NQF Level 7, 5 Credits
  • 132401-002-01-PM-03, Manage Customs Compliance Operational Resources, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits.
  • 132401-002-01-PM-04, Review and Monitor Integrity and Safety of Information Management Systems and Customs Compliance Physical Environment, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits.
  • 132401-002-01-PM-05, Manage Customs Compliance Organisational Risks, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits.
  • 132401-002-01-PM-06, Promote Customs Compliance Operations, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 50

    Work Experience Modules
  • 132401-002-01-WM-01, Processes for the Development and Maintenance of Customs Compliance Policies and Procedures, NQF Level 7, 5 Credits.
  • 132401-002-01-WM-02, Processes for the Management of Customs Compliance Operational Resources and Systems, NQF Level 6, 5 Credits.
  • 132401-002-01-WM-03, Processes for the Management of Customs Compliance Operations and Risks, NQF Level 7, 5 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 15 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop customs compliance strategies, structures, and processes to introduce change regarding practices.
    2. Adhere to legislative requirements for the customs compliance work environment, operational resources and systems.
    3. Manage and control customs compliance risks through evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
    4. Adhere to best practices for customs compliance operations, procedures of information gathering and validating the sources of information. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    ELO 1: Develop customs compliance strategies, structures, and processes to introduce change regarding practices.
  • Develop organisational strategies for customs compliance, which comply with both national and international statutory requirements.
  • Develop organisational policies for customs compliance which comply with both national and international statutory requirements.
  • Streamline customs compliance organisational processes to mitigate overall costs and penalties.
  • Apply appropriate methods to develop processes, policies and strategies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    ELO 2: Adhere to legislative requirements for the customs compliance work environment, operational resources and systems.
  • Plan and manage customs compliance operations to ensure maximum proficiency.
  • Maintain physical and electronic documentation safety and security to enhance the integrity and ethical conduct of customs operations.
  • Review organisational physical and electronic document management practices for compliance with legal requirements and internal control standards are promoted.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    ELO 3: Manage and control customs compliance risks through evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
  • Manage and control risks affecting the security of supply chain in the organisation.
  • Identify organisational risks, and processes followed according to standard techniques and procedures.
  • Present findings on international and national customs compliance best practices are appropriately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    ELO 4: Adhere to best practice for customs compliance operations, procedures of information gathering and validating the sources of information.
  • Review organisational work environment safety and integrity management systems for compliance and best practice.
  • Evaluate plans for performance management in terms of identified targets and legal compliance requirements.
  • Appropriately reflect international customs norms, theory, and legislation in policies and procedures.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment
    The Skills Development Providers will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated External Summative Assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment
    An External Integrated Summative Assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. Additional to the written assessment the learner must also submit a portfolio of evidence compiled of outcomes achieved in the workplace. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has delineated international professional standards as a touchstone for worldwide customs practices through the SAFE Framework of Standards. Canada has developed specific standards for a designation as a Certified Trade Compliance Specialist. The International Standards as per the World Customs Compliance and Regulations Diploma which is offered in the United Kingdom (UK), European Union (EU) and rest of the global community and the Canadian standards for designation are therefore used for the international comparability.

    United Kingdom
    The Institute of Export & International Trade, an institution acknowledged by the World Customs Organisation and accredited by Ofqual, the UK's qualifications regulator, offers the World Customs Compliance and Regulations Diploma. This Diploma is pitched at Level 5 and is offered online to qualifying learners throughout the world. The expected duration is not specified. Entry requirements are specified as an existing Degree from a recognised University and / or more than 5 years' experience in international trade.

    The World Customs Compliance and Regulations Diploma include:
  • Global Customs Understanding: A profound grasp of the organisation and dynamics of trade and customs at the international level, encompassing the roles and interplay of various international regulatory and administrative bodies.
  • International Treaties: An in-depth understanding of the formulation, management, and implications of international customs treaties and standards, including their evolution and impact on global trade.
  • EU Customs Union: Comprehensive knowledge of the European Union's operations as a customs union, the intricacies of the EU Customs Code, and the broader implications of EU customs law and international trade regulations.
  • UK Customs Procedures: Mastery over the multifaceted role of HMRC in the UK, encompassing customs declarations, the UK Integrated Tariff, and the nuanced procedures related to import and export controls.

    Similarities:
    The Advanced Occupational Diploma: Customs Compliance specialist is similar to the World Customs Compliance and Regulations Diploma in terms of the level (a level 5 in the UK is approximately the same as a level 6-7 on the South African NQF). Both are designed to imbue professionals already in the field with a profound understanding of the global customs environment and international treaties.

    Differences:
    The World Customs Compliance and Regulations Diploma adopts a more expansive international perspective, delving into global, EU, and UK-specific customs practices. In contrast, the Customs Compliance Specialist is tailored to South African customs practices and regulations but significantly emphasises technology, analytical thinking, and innovation. In addition, it also focusses on specific skills related to the drafting of organisational policies and procedures, and the management of resources and risks to ensure effective and efficient customs compliance operations. In addition, the Diploma does not include a practical or work experience component.

    Canada:
    The Canadian Society of Customs Brokers (CSCB) based in Ottawa Canada, offers Certified Trade Compliance Specialist (CTCS) Program of Study CTCS required for the CTCS designation. Entry requirements include a minimum of 5 years of experience in an international trade compliance environment. To earn the designation through the program, learners are required to successfully complete 10 modules, 8 mandatory and 2 electives within 5 years of enrolling in the first module. All modules are offered online.

    Mandatory modules:
  • Transportation & Export Controls.
  • Harmonized System of Tariff Classification.
  • Rules of Origin and Trade Agreements.
  • GST/HST/PST/Excise Tax.
  • Valuation and Transfer Pricing.
  • Refunds, Duty Deferral and Remissions.
  • Customs Compliance, Verification and Audit.
  • Special Import Measures Act (SIMA).

    Elective modules:
  • Customs Brokerage Management and Client Relations.
  • Trusted Traders.
  • Importing Food.
  • Courier Low Value Shipment Program (CLVS).
  • Human Resources.

    Similarities:
    The Advanced Occupational Diploma: Customs Compliance Specialist is similar to the Canadian standards only in terms of some elective modules.
    Differences:
    The Canadian standards have a broader focus related to technical knowledge required for the day-to-day activities within a customs compliance environment. In contrast, the Occupational Qualification for Customs Compliance Specialists focusses on specific skills related to the drafting of organisational policies and procedures, and the management of resources and risks to ensure effective and efficient customs compliance operations.

    Conclusion:
    In general, the South African qualification compares well with the World Customs Compliance and Regulations Diploma in terms of level and focus on a profound understanding of the global customs environment and international treaties. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for the following articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Occupational Diploma: Fraud Examiner, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
    Occupational Certificate: Fraud Examiner, NQF Level 8.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Logistics, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required knowledge and practical modules by means of statements of results and a record of completed work experience.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
    None

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers
    The curriculum title and code are Customs Compliance Specialist: 132401-002-01-00.

    Encompassed Trade:
    None

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
    Transport Education Training Authority (TETA). 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.