Course in Fundamentals of Exports, Imports, and International logistics

In today’s rapidly expanding global marketplace, the fundamentals of exports, imports, and international logistics have become essential knowledge for businesses and professionals engaged in cross-border trade. Importing and exporting goods is no longer a straightforward transaction; it is now a complex process that involves compliance with customs regulations, adherence to trade agreements, and the implementation of efficient logistics strategies. The ability to understand and apply these fundamentals is crucial for ensuring the smooth flow of goods, minimizing costs, and maintaining competitiveness in international markets. For this reason,Geneva Institute of Business Administration offers this specialized training program, designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the core principles of global trade while focusing on the practical aspects of managing imports, exports, and international logistics effectively.

Target Audience

• Professionals working in international trade departments who wish to strengthen their knowledge of import and export procedures and documentation.

• Supply chain and procurement officers who are directly involved in planning, coordinating, and managing cross-border purchasing and sourcing activities.

• Customs, shipping, and clearance specialists who need to expand their expertise in legal, regulatory, and operational aspects of global trade.

• Business owners and executives seeking to expand their companies into international markets in a structured and sustainable manner.

• Individuals aspiring to pursue careers in logistics, freight forwarding, and international supply chain management and who want to gain solid foundational knowledge.

Objectives

• Provide participants with a clear understanding of the basic concepts of exports and imports and explain the entire trade cycle from purchase order to final delivery.

• Enable participants to gain knowledge of customs regulations, tariff structures, and international compliance requirements that govern cross-border trade.

• Equip participants with the ability to evaluate transportation options, compare costs, and select the most suitable methods for moving goods efficiently and safely.

• Strengthen participants’ skills in managing logistics operations, ensuring smooth supply chain performance, and overcoming common barriers in global trade.

• Raise awareness of the importance of aligning with international trade standards and agreements to build competitiveness and long-term sustainability in global markets.

Course Outline

• Introduction to International Trade

  • Definition and significance of international trade in the global economy.

  • Differences between domestic trade and cross-border trade.

  • Key factors influencing the growth of imports and exports.

  • Role of international organizations in regulating world trade.

• Core Concepts in Exports and Imports

  • The trade cycle of importing and exporting goods.

  • Essential documents required for imports and exports.

  • Customs tariffs, duties, and associated costs.

  • Common challenges in managing international trade operations.

• Import Procedures

  • Steps involved in ordering goods and negotiating with suppliers.

  • Official documents required for importing goods.

  • The role of customs clearance in entry procedures.

  • Risk factors associated with import operations.

• Export Procedures

  • Preparation for shipping and packaging requirements.

  • Documentation required for exporting goods.

  • Identifying and selecting target export markets.

  • Payment methods and securing financial settlements.

• International Transportation of Goods

  • Comparison of sea, air, and land transportation.

  • Selecting the most suitable mode of transport.

  • Cost implications of different transport methods.

  • Insurance requirements for goods in transit.

• International Commercial Terms (Incoterms)

  • Introduction to Incoterms and their role in trade.

  • Commonly used Incoterms and their definitions.

  • Allocation of responsibilities between buyer and seller.

  • Impact of Incoterms on delivery time and costs.

• Customs Operations Management

  • Importance of customs systems in regulating trade.

  • National and international customs regulations.

  • Calculating duties, tariffs, and applicable taxes.

  • Dealing with inspection and regulatory authorities.

• International Logistics and Supply Chains

  • The role of logistics in international trade.

  • Supply chain management as a tool for efficiency.

  • Integration of logistics with information flow.

  • The impact of logistics planning on customer satisfaction.

• Risk Management in Imports and Exports

  • Financial risks and credit exposure in global trade.

  • Legal and regulatory compliance risks.

  • Transport-related risks and insurance coverage.

  • Strategies to minimize and manage trade risks.

• Strategies for Enhancing Logistics Performance

  • Techniques for reducing logistics and supply chain costs.

  • Importance of digitalization and technology in logistics.

  • Key performance indicators for supply chain operations.

  • Long-term strategies to improve competitiveness.