1

Read and interpret documents for import consignment

1.1

Documents for import transaction are reviewed and assessed for compliance with Customs and other regulatory body legislation and requirements

1.2

Customs and/or other legislation is accessed and their implications for import clearance are determined

1.3

Missing or ambiguous documents and/or information is identified and client is advised

2

Identify and analyse problems

2.1

Requirements for import clearance transaction are analysed and concerns are identified and documented

2.2

Implications and risks associated with identified concerns are assessed and recorded in accordance with workplace procedures

3

Develop and review alternative solutions

3.1

Appropriate alternative solutions to identified issues and problems are developed with due consideration to managing the risks involved, legislative requirements and client needs

3.2

Comparative benefits and risks of alternative solutions are assessed and documented in accordance with workplace procedures

3.3

Various options and the outcome of the review of their comparative benefits and risks are documented as required

4

Select and justify solution

4.1

Alternative solutions are developed based on review outcomes and preferred solution is selected

4.2

Selection justification is documented in accordance with workplace procedures and policies with due reference to compliance with all legislative requirements, selected solution benefits, risks involved and how they will be managed

4.3

Critical issues identified during the review and analysis process are discussed and cleared with relevant internal and external personnel as required

5

Complete border clearance transaction

5.1

Results of integrated border clearance transaction review are discussed with the client

5.2

Advice is provided to client on border clearance transaction, recommended solution and rationale for the recommendation

5.3

Integrated border clearance transaction is completed in accordance with agreed approach, relevant legislative requirements and workplace procedures

6

Document and record border clearance transaction

6.1

Required documentation for integrated border clearance transaction is completed and verified in accordance with legislative requirements and workplace procedures

6.2

Information is entered into appropriate systems as required

6.3

Records are made of integrated border clearance transaction and information on specific issues, problems and related solutions adopted, and action taken

6.4

Relevant information concerning integrated border clearance transaction is forwarded to client for compliance with Customs and related legislation requirements, and relevant internal and external personnel in accordance with workplace and organisational procedures

6.5

Integrated border transaction records are retained according to Customs and related legislation requirements, and workplace and organisational procedures

7

Implement formal review mechanisms for dispute resolution

7.1

Need for a formal review of a dispute related to a border transaction is identified in accordance with relevant Customs requirements and other related legislation

7.2

Appropriate review mechanism for a dispute related to a border transaction is identified in accordance with relevant Customs requirements and other related legislation

7.3

Identified review mechanism is implemented for the resolution of a dispute related to a border transaction in accordance with the relevant Customs requirements and other related legislation

This section describes the knowledge and skills required for this unit.

Required knowledge:

Biosecurity requirements

Classification of a consignment in accordance with the Customs Tariff Act

Commercial and shipping documentation

Current Incoterms

Customs and other legislation and policy relevant to the border clearance function

Documentation requirements for analysing, advising on and conducting integrated border clearance transactions

Duty Concessions etc.

Goods and Services Tax

Issues relevant to a border clearance and appropriate action that can be taken to deal with such issues

Other indirect taxes, including dumping and countervailing, wine equilisation tax (WET), luxury car tax (LCT)

Preferential trade agreements including free trade agreements

Sources of information on new developments in border clearance and related legislative requirements

Valuation of a consignment in accordance with the Customs Act

Ways of learning skills and knowledge required for new developments in border clearance and related legislative requirements

Required skills:

Communicate effectively with clients

Demonstrate fit and proper person requirements

Identify and resolve import prohibitions and restrictions

Identify, interpret and learn skills and knowledge required for relevant new developments in border clearance transactions

Negotiate, communicate and liaise effectively verbally and in writing with clients and other stakeholders

Provide quality customer service

Read and interpret instructions, procedures and information relevant to analysing, advising on and conducting border clearance transactions

Read and interpret legislation

Report information or activity that may compromise Australia’s security

Take responsibility for analysing, advising on and conducting border clearance transactions and related solutions

Undertake continuous professional development

Use software application systems

Work with integrity to maintain professional standards

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include:

reading and interpreting transaction request facts

identifying and analysing problems that may arise in completing a border clearance transaction

developing and reviewing alternative solutions

selecting and justifying solutions to typical border clearance transaction problems

completing border clearance transaction

documenting and recording border clearance transaction.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Performance is demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

Resources for assessment include access to:

range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or

an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace.

In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

relevant documentation.

Method of assessment

Practical assessment must occur:

through activities in an appropriately simulated environment at the registered training organisation, and/or

in appropriately simulated workplace environment and/or

in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace.

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate to this unit:

direct observation of the candidate mentoring individuals or small groups

knowledge tests and performance questions

direct observation of the candidate applying tasks, requirements and work practices.

Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Information on relevant aspects of border clearance transactions may include:

functions and responsibilities of a customs broker

internal and external review practices available to analyse and review issues and problems arising within border clearance transactions

processes and practices for advising clients on issues and related solutions arising during an assessment of border clearance transactions

role and authority of customs, the appropriate regulatory authority responsible for biosecurity, and other regulatory bodies and how they fit into the structure of government and customs broking practices

Analysis of a border clearance transaction must involve:

careful and detailed consideration of client instructions and needs, all compliance requirements and relevant workplace quality standards

consideration of all possible interactive effects and risks, and a comparative review of appropriate solutions to problems and issues identified in the course of the analysis

Aspects of border clearance transactions that will need to be examined and analysed to establish any interactive effects and problems may include:

dispute resolution

free trade and other preferential tariff agreements

GST requirements

import prohibitions and restrictions

infringement notices and penalties

permit requirements

tariff classification requirements

valuation

Aspects of transaction that may be considered in the consideration of interactive effects and issues can include:

client requirements

compliance with all legislation and permit requirements

cost effectiveness

risk assessment (to nominee and corporate brokerage, regulatory authorities and client)

source/s of information

timeliness

New developments in border clearance requirements and operations may relate to:

goods

legislation

policy and guidelines

processes

systems

technology

Information on new developments in border clearance requirements and operations may be obtained from:

external networks such as staff in various regulatory authorities, airline, shipping, road transport and storage; personnel, staff in bond stores and other customs broking firms, etc.

internal and external training programs

internal networks such as own operations team, staff in other departments, support staff, managers, training staff, etc.

internet websites

official booklets, bulletins, journals, magazines, books, etc.

Ways of learning skills and knowledge required for new developments in border clearance requirements and operations may include:

coaching in the workplace

external training programs

internal training programs

networking with relevant internal and external contacts

online learning

reading independently

Workplace procedures may include:

company procedures

enterprise procedures

established procedures

organisational procedures

standard operating procedures (SOPs)

Communication in the work area may include:

electronic data interchange (EDI)

email

internet

oral, aural or signed communications

phone

Consultative processes may involve:

clients

management representatives

other employees and supervisors

other relevant government departments, authorities and institutions

relevant authorities and institutions

Documentation and records may include:

Australian Taxation Office legislative requirements

client instructions

information from relevant websites

internal documentation used for border clearance transactions

manufacturer specifications for equipment required when conducting analysis

operations manuals, job specifications and induction documentation

other legislative requirements and publications pertaining to border clearance functions

relevant Customs and related legislation

relevant sections of Australian Customs and Border Protection publications

workplace procedures and policies

Applicable legislation and regulations may include:

Customs Act 1901and related legislation

export/import/quarantine/bond requirements

privacy legislation

taxation legislation

other government and legislative requirements pertaining to border clearance