Diploma in Customs Administration

Description of the Programme
This foundation course is designed to equip learners with basic skills, knowledge and attitude in Customs and its processes. Graduates of the KESRA Certificate in Customs Administration will gain knowledge about global operations of Customs and the requisite competencies to handle Customs Clearance and Freight Operations. Students will develop advanced technical skills in traditional and topical aspects of international customs law and customs administration, preparing them to effectively apply complex policy and practice in workplaces focused on cross-border trade. You will enhance your employment options and advancement in customs administration, public sector agencies and businesses involved in cross-border trade. Upon completion of the course, graduates will be able to:

• Deliver key customs brokerage and freight forwarding operations.
• Protect public health and safety and reduce crime through robust operations and procedures regulating transportation between countries.
• Apply policy in an ever-shifting environment, taking into account complex regulatory and legal implications.
• Prepare customs documentation and ensure that shipments meet all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods.
• Determine and track duties and taxes payable and process payments on behalf of client.
• Ensure policy responses are compliant with WTO laws, other international legal obligations and emerging and topical aspects of international trade.
• Resolve problems relating to cross-border trade with well-developed practical responses that meet international obligations while achieving national trade policy objectives.
• Prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or procedures.
• Clear goods through customs and to their destinations for clients.
• Pay, or arrange for payment of, taxes and duties on shipments.
• Calculate duty and tariff payments owed on shipments.
• Classify goods according to tariff coding system.
• Sign documents on behalf of clients, using powers of attorney.
• Advise customers on import and export restrictions, tariff systems, insurance requirements, quotas, or other customs-related matters.
• Arrange for transportation, warehousing, or product distribution of imported or exported products.
• Monitor or trace the location of goods.
• Inform importers and exporters of steps to reduce duties and taxes.
• Provide advice on transportation options, types of carriers, or shipping routes.
• Apply for tariff concessions or for duty drawbacks and other refunds.
• Insure cargo against loss, damage, or pilferage.

Admission Requirements
KCSE Mean Grade of C (Plain) with C- in Mathematics and English.

Course Duration
2 Years

Mode of Study
Day/Evening/Weekend/e-campus

Institution offering the programme
Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA) which is the Kenya Revenue Authority’s premier training school specializing in Tax and Customs Administration, Fiscal Policy and Management.

Career and Employment Opportunities
Graduates work in global customs operations where they handle customs clearance and freight operations. This course enhances prospects for employment and advancement for those with, or seeking, careers in customs administration, other public sector agencies and businesses involved in cross-border trade. Graduates will develop skills and knowledge that will be highly attractive to employers in these fields.

Entry-level jobs

• Custom Declarant
• Customs Representative
• Freight Forwarder
• Customs Processor
• Air/Sea Cargo Handling Documentation Clerk
• Bureau of Customs Employee Customs Examiner/Appraiser
• IMPEX (IMPORT-EXPORT) Officer/Staff in export and import Companies
• Regulatory Compliance Officer/Trade Compliance Officer
• Logistics Analyst/Trade Compliance Analyst
• Logistics and Importation Specialist
• Warehouse Manager
• Transport Planner
• Export Office Administrator
• Distribution Managers

Academic Progression
Bachelor of Science in Customs Administration