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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Explain the concept of international trade 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252429  Explain the concept of international trade 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Transport and Logistics Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
11246  Apply a knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms of international trade in a Freight Forwarding Environment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The person credited with this Unit Standard will be able to understand the whole concept of international trade and its affects on the trade cycle and foreign currencies. The learner will be able to explain both bilateral and multilateral trade agreements and the impact of imposing tariffs to imports. The learner will be able understand how the choice and mode of transport are affected and how international payments are made for internationally traded goods.

The qualifying learner is capable of:
  • Explaining local and international trade and the protecting of the integrity of international borders.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the international trade cycle and the various roles.
  • Examining international logistics mechanisms including modes of transport.
  • Explaining the different methods of international payment for goods, and the use of foreign currencies. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this qualification will be assumed competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 2 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain local and international trade and the protection of the integrity of international borders. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Local and international trade are defined using internationally accepted definitions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Differences between local and international trade are listed in tabular form. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Reasons why international borders are protected during international trade are explained with examples of the consequences of failing to do so. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The concept of free trade is explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The concept of trade protection is explained with examples relating to international trade. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the international trade cycle and the various roles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The international trade cycle is described with examples of the comparative advantage covering all goods. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    All goods may include but are not limited to all consumer goods, capital goods, services and payments with examples provided for each.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Bilateral and multilateral trade agreements are explained with an example of each. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The impact of nations imposing tariffs on imports, quotas on imports, and subsidies on capital goods and services is explained with examples in the context of international trade. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A comparison is made on trade between developed countries as opposed to trade between developed and developing countries. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The various roles in the international trade cycle are listed which identifies the role-players and their involvement on the international trade cycle are listed with an explanation of their impact. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The spread of technology is described in terms of its affects on national boundaries. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Examine international logistics mechanisms including modes of transport. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The various roles performed by players in the international logistics cycle are described with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The various types of international forms of transport available are listed with examples of where each fits into the international logistics cycle. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The effect of commodity prices, surcharges, transport regulations, ocean liner conference systems, taxes and quotas are explained as they relate to the choice and mode of transport. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The ways in which freight forwarders can help to reduce transit times, facilitate customs clearance and assist in tracking shipments is described in accordance with organisational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The role of export management companies is explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The manner in which the interests of shipper and receiver can be protected is explained with examples. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain the different methods of international payment for goods, and the use of foreign currencies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different methods of international payment for goods are listed in tabular format. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The role of banks is explained within the international logistics mechanisms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Forward cover is explained in terms of how it can benefit the buyer. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A letter of credit is defined in accordance with international standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    A comparison is done between a letter of credit and an irrevocable letter of credit including the advantages and disadvantages of each. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The use of foreign currencies is explained in terms of international trade. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The advantage to both the buyer and the seller is made when using different methods of international payment. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or assessing this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Differences between local and international trade.
  • Typical trade regulations.
  • Tariff and non-tariff barriers.
  • International bodies involved in determining international regulation.
  • The trade cycle.
  • Role players in the international trade cycle.
  • Functions of the various parties including customs authorities, trade authorities, freight forwarders, clearing agent, ports, carriers, verification agencies, banks, insurance companies and the Reserve Bank.
  • Modes of transport and forms of shipment.
  • Protection and packing of cargo.
  • Shipping services.
  • Container transportation.
  • Incoterms.
  • Freight cost elements.
  • Methods of payment.
  • Foreign currencies.
  • Exchange controls.
  • Customs clearance procedures.
  • Customs declarations.
  • A customs tariff heading.
  • Duties and VAT.
  • Trade documents.
  • Official documents.
  • Commercial documents.
  • Transport documents.
  • Verification documents. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems related to the international trade, cycle, logistics and international payments. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities so that all the information regarding international trade is current and up-to-date. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information pertaining to international trade. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems where a full understanding of international trade improves the service capabilities of the organisation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    In order to contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, it must be the intention underlying any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities of international trade. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 11246, "Apply a knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms of international trade in a Freight Forwarding Environment", Level 3, 6 credits. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  59365   National Certificate: Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  TETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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.
     
    1. Aldabri 106 Institute for Quality Pty Ltd 
    2. AUK MARINE AND MINING 
    3. BPL Academy 
    4. Centre for Logistics Excellence (Pty) Ltd 
    5. Circleway College 
    6. Clearline Consulting Pty Ltd 
    7. DB Schenker Logistics Campus MEA Pty Ltd 
    8. Dee-Bravo Training Centre 
    9. Diversity technology Training Institute 
    10. Full Output 
    11. Global Maritime Learning Solutions Empowered (PTY) 
    12. Global Maritime Legal Solutions Pty Ltd 
    13. Innovative Shared Services 
    14. KDS Centre for Skills Development and Training Pty Ltd 
    15. Learning Exchange Pty (Ltd) 
    16. Maritime Business Institute 
    17. Metro Minds 
    18. Ncameni Kasizane Skills Development PTY LTD 
    19. NOSA LOGISTICS PTY LTD 
    20. Ntshingila Group 
    21. Open Learning Group 
    22. P and R Development and Training (Pty) Ltd 
    23. Phephani Learnerships cc 
    24. Quantum Leap College Pty Ltd 
    25. Robertsons Cargo Consultancy 
    26. Robertsons Cargo Consultancy (Pty) Ltd 
    27. Royal Impression Academy 
    28. SA Maritime School and Transport College 
    29. School of Shipping 
    30. Sobabini Group Pty Ltd 
    31. Training Consultant and SD College 
    32. Velile Supply Chain Consulting 


    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.