Description
Course Overview
Customs audits are no longer occasional compliance checks — they are an established enforcement tool used by customs authorities to identify duty and VAT underpayments, incorrect origin claims, and procedural non-compliance. For many businesses, an audit can expose years of historical transactions and create significant financial, legal, and regulatory exposure.
This masterclass is designed for professionals responsible for customs, trade compliance, finance, and supply chain operations who need to understand how customs authorities scrutinise declarations and import/export data — and how to defend their decisions when challenged.
Through a practical, practitioner-focused programme, participants will develop a clear understanding of where audit risks arise, how compliance is assessed by customs authorities, and what businesses must do to prepare. You will leave equipped to identify risk, implement defensible processes, and respond with confidence when customs authorities request information or seek to impose liabilities.
Who This Course Is For?
- Customs and trade compliance managers and officers
- Finance and accounts payable teams with responsibility for import duty and VAT
- Supply chain and procurement professionals involved in cross-border trade
- Customs brokers and freight forwarders advising importer and exporter clients
- In-house legal and regulatory affairs teams
- AEO holders and businesses seeking or maintaining authorised status
- Any business that imports or exports regularly and wants to understand its audit exposure
This Live Course Covers
Module 1: The EU customs audit landscape — how audits are selected, structured, and conducted by customs authorities
Module 2: Customs valuation — invoice value, additions and deductions, and the triggers that attract valuation scrutiny
Module 3: Rules of origin — preferential claims, proof of origin requirements, and origin audit risk
Module 4: HS tariff classification — getting classification right and defending decisions under audit
Module 5: Customs procedures, returned goods relief, and Incoterms 2020 in an audit context
Module 6: AEO compliance — maintaining Authorised Economic Operator status and meeting ongoing obligations
Module 7: Managing audit outcomes — amendments, refund process, liability, and customs appeal
