Build Your Career in International Trade
The Certificate in International Trade gives you the practical knowledge and professional credentials to advance in export, import, and supply chain roles. This TU Dublin accredited programme covers the regulations, procedures, and compliance requirements you need to work effectively in international trade.
Designed for professionals already working in trade or looking to enter the field, the course addresses the key challenges facing the industry today: post-Brexit and third country trade requirements, customs procedures, sustainability reporting, classification systems, and documentation compliance.
You’ll learn from expert trainers with decades of experience in international trade and supply chain management. The programme combines online lectures, self-study materials, case studies, and practical assessments that reflect actual workplace scenarios.
For more information please contact our Training Department: 01 661 2182 | [email protected]
Course Details
This professionally accredited programme gives you both the knowledge to handle international trade requirements and the credential to prove your expertise.
Member Rate From:
€2995.00
Non Member Rate From:
€3395.00
Duration:
8 weeks
Delivery
6 online training days (one per week) followed by 2 weeks for written assignment completion.
Dates
April Cohort:
29th April –
3rd June 2026
October Cohort:
7th October –
11th November 2026
Additional Resources
E-booklets with lecture slides, study notes, case studies and further reading via Lernright.
Assessment
6 multiple-choice tests (one per module), reflective diary, and written customs journey assignment.
Accreditation
Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications, accredited by Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin). 5 ECTS credits awarded upon successful completion. Digital badge provided.
Programme Modules
The course covers six core areas of international trade over six weeks and two weeks for written assignment.
The Regulatory Framework of International Trade
Understand the institutions and regulations governing global trade. This module covers the World Trade Organisation (WTO), European Union institutions, World Customs Organisation (WCO), Free Trade Agreements, the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the Union Customs Code (UCC), Registered Exporter System (REX), Customs Decisions System (CDS), and key domestic stakeholders in Irish international trade.
Key Topics
- Functions and conventions of WTO, EU, and WCO
- Role of customs in international trade
- Overview of FTAs and the EU-UK TCA
- Union Customs Code functions
- Registered Exporter System and Customs Decisions System
- Irish government departments and agencies involved in trade
Tariff Codes and Classification
Learn how to classify goods correctly for customs purposes. This module covers international and EU classification systems, tools for classifying goods, rules of interpretation, using TARIC to find commodity codes, handling products with multiple classifications, and applying for Binding Tariff Information (BTI).
Key Topics
- Overview of customs classification systems
- International and EU coding structures
- Classification tools and interpretation rules
- Using TARIC for commodity codes
- Classifying complex and multi-use products
- Parts and components classification
- When and how to apply for BTI
Sustainability in International Trade
Gain the knowledge to help your organisation meet sustainability targets and reduce supply chain emissions. This module covers UN Sustainable Development Goals, circular economy principles, climate change impacts on trade, key legislation, the GLEC Framework for calculating transport emissions, setting reduction targets, carbon reporting tools, and sustainable procurement practices.
Key Topics
- Sustainability definitions and UN SDGs
- Circular economy principles
- Climate change impact on international trade
- Global, European, and national climate legislation
- GLEC Framework for emissions calculation
- Carbon reduction target strategies
- Tools for emissions reporting
- Sustainable procurement using Smart Freight Guidelines
Valuation and Origin
Master customs valuation methods and rules of origin. This module covers the six valuation methods, purposes of customs valuation, preferential and non-preferential origin, Certificates of Origin, principles for combined articles and mixed origin goods, and case studies on determining valuation and origin for complex goods.
Key Topics
- Overview of customs valuation purposes and methods
- The six methods of determining customs value
- Practical case studies on valuation
- Concept of origin in international trade
- Preferential agreements and origin implications
- Differences between preferential and non-preferential origin
- Applying for Certificates of Origin
- Origin principles for combined and mixed goods
Incoterms® 2020 and International Contracts
Understand the 11 Incoterms® 2020 and how to choose the right terms for your trade. This module covers what each Incoterm covers, their impact on international trade, seller and buyer perspectives, choosing appropriate terms for specific products and journeys, case studies using key Incoterms® 2020, and overview of international commercial contracts.
Key Topics
- Description of all 11 Incoterms
- Impact of Incoterms® 2020 on international trade
- Seller’s and buyer’s perspectives
- Selecting appropriate Incoterms® 2020 for products and routes
- Practical case studies
- International commercial contract basics
Import/Export Documentation & Procedures
Learn the practical procedures for moving goods internationally. This module covers common terms and definitions, main IT systems for import/export, the customs journey, completing customs declarations, transit procedures, warehousing, customs authorisations, the Customs Decision System, post-Brexit changes affecting Ireland-Northern Ireland-Great Britain trade, case studies on goods movement, and benefits of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status.
Key Topics
- Common import/export terminology
- Overview of main IT systems
- The customs journey process
- Completing import and export customs declarations
- Transit procedures and warehousing
- Customs authorisations and CDS
- Post-Brexit trade changes
- Case studies: goods movement between Ireland, Britain, Europe, and Asia
- AEO trusted trader status benefits
What Our Past Participants Say
Professionals from leading Irish and international companies have completed this programme and apply the knowledge in their daily work.
“This was a great course. The content and lecturers were excellent. I’m really glad I attended. The learnings are being put to use on a daily basis.”
Tim Hourihan – National Customs & Trade Compliance Director
“I found the course to be very informative, covering an excellent choice of topics. The tutors spoke from years of experience and were able to relate everything to real life business scenarios. During and on completion of the course I was able to apply what I learned directly to my role”
Sarah McKenna – Trade Compliance Specialist
“I found the course excellent, and we have already started implementing some changes here in the office to ensure compliance and better process following what I learnt”
Michelle Swift – Chief Financial Officer
Apply for your Certificate in International Trade
Register now for the 2026 cohorts or contact our training team for more information.