Wondering why ongoing learning and staying up to date is so important in the field of customs? Read this opinion piece
The term "lifelong learning" is becoming more used nowadays. Although we are all aware that it is absolutely true, hardly anybody pays any attention to the cliché since it is so overused.
Quite often, people will say something similar to "We would like to train everyone, but our budget is only sufficient for a few."
I want to draw a comparison between customs training and seeing the dentist. Consistent customs training is similar to routine dental treatment and "check-ups" in that it is less unpleasant and expensive than the results of ignoring oral care. The same is true with customs; if you ignore it, it may cost you dearly: Many company managers opt to disregard the fact that customs tariffs, when imposed on imports and exports, are effectively taxes that have an impact on a business's profitability: "They just have to be paid, there is nothing I can do!" is something I often hear.
As a result, no training is provided to assure compliance or investigate how to reduce costs by reducing duties, such as by using the rules of origin in free trade agreements or utilising special customs procedures. In the worst case, errors made during the process of clearing customs may have severe financial ramifications, including even jail for tax evasion.
While most businesses pay their taxes on time and accurately, customs requirements are often disregarded. This is problematic, especially because the customs authority often sets a high priority on correctness in areas of customs law. This is even more apparent when it comes to applying new modifications to the law, this poses dangers for company owners and workers alike.
As a result, receiving training that is both basic and up-to-date is necessary to reduce the likelihood of making errors.
Some of the reasons for investing in customs training:
Only those who have the necessary customs knowledge can act correctly.
Customs clearance is a competitive factor; Mistakes mean economic, criminal and personal risks and consequences.
If something still goes wrong and this is due to a lack of specialist knowledge, this can lead to official customs audits and fines (and removal of export privileges).
However, proof of having taken suitable measures can reduce negative impact.
Instead of relying on the potentially harmful half-knowledge that circulates online, put your faith in reliable teaching that is founded on genuine professional knowledge.
As managers and employers, you are responsible for considering cost-effective training solutions that can be adapted to the degree of competence of each individual employee and do not interfere with the ongoing operations of the company due to the absence of employees.
Luckily, at Customs Manager Ltd., you can get all of these with our training. Choosing us means benefitting from modern remote concepts, including the fact that they are effective, efficient, independent of location, and adaptable. Plus we offer in-house training solutions and even design your annual training programme for you. All our training follow the EU Customs Competencies Framework with four different levels of proficiency for every learner.
Find out more about our online, on-demand trainings at www.customsmanager.org/shop. See our live online, tutor lead course schedule at www.cusotmsmanager.org/events
We look forward to seeing you there.