5 Facts About Import/Export Specialists

Welches sind die 5 Facts bei der Ausbildung zum Sachbearbeiter Import / Export?

For many companies, international trade flows are part of everyday business. Administrative staff andImport/Export Clerkhelp companies conduct cross-border business andcoordinate administrative processescovering customs, transportation, and international shipments. The continuing education program provides practicalBasic knowledge of customs and tradeand is particularly suitable forPeople working in sales, logistics, or administration.The following5 Factsdemonstrate which skills are required in the field of import and exportin demand across all industriesare.

Administrative staff coordinate shipments, prepare documents, and oversee administrative processes related to the international movement of goods. This includes, for example, transport documents, customs formalities, and delivery arrangements.

The responsibilities of an Import/Export Clerk in detail:

  • Order processing:Receiving, processing, and tracking international orders, as well as providing customer service.
  • Customs Clearance & Compliance:Preparation of export and import documents, certificates of origin, and the classification of goods.
  • Transportation Arrangements:Selecting suitable freight forwarders, booking cargo space, and monitoring international delivery dates.
  • Financial Processing:Preparing quotes and invoices, and processing letters of credit or bank guarantees.
  • Complaint Management:Investigation and resolution of issues related to shipping damage, delivery delays, or incorrect customs declarations.

The continuing education program for import/export clerks typically covers topics such as customs procedures, international trade terms, transportation logistics, and export documentation. The goal is to handle the international movement of goods correctly and efficiently.

A detailed overview of the key learning objectives for Import/Export Clerks:

  1. International Trade & Transportation
    • International Trade Terms (Incoterms):Who bears which costs and which risks? (e.g., FOB, CIF, DDP).
    • Transportation:Operations involving sea, air, rail, and road transport, as well as intermodal transport.
    • Freight Forwarding Services:Collaborating with freight forwarders and obtaining quotes.
  2. Customs Clearance & Foreign Trade
    • Import Processing:Customs clearance procedures, import duties, tariff classification (commodity codes), and value-added tax.
    • Export Processing:Export procedures, assessment notices, and export accompanying documents (ABD).
    • Preferential Treatment & Origin:Determining the Origin of Goods, Free Trade Agreements, Certificates of Origin, and EUR.1.
  3. Order Processing & Administration
    • Payment and Credit Protection:Letters of credit (L/C), documentary collections, and advance payments.
    • Document Management:Preparation of commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and waybills (e.g., CMR, bill of lading/B/L).
    • Order processing:From preparing quotes, through order confirmation and production monitoring, all the way to invoicing.
    • Complaint Management:Handling delivery delays, damage during shipping, and incorrect deliveries.
  4. Law & Correspondence
    • Contract Law in International Trade:Fundamentals of international sales law (e.g., the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG)).
    • Intercultural Communication:Business correspondence with international customers and suppliers in foreign languages.
    • Currencies & Exchange Rates:Hedging against currency risks.

Many participants come from the fields of administration, sales, purchasing, or logistics. The continuing education, further training program is therefore often used to expand existing business knowledge with expertise in international trade.

  • Why the Import/Export Clerk Continuing Education Program Is Suitable for Business Professionals:
    • Profile Expansion:You combine your administrative background with in-depth expertise in foreign trade.
    • Versatility:You'll become a sought-after liaison between sales, freight forwarding, customs, and international customer relations.
    • Attractive earning opportunities:The average gross salary for import/export clerks in Switzerland is about CHF 70,200 per year.
  • Relevant business-related career fields
    With this expertise, you'll be ideally qualified for roles in:
    • Export and Inside Sales:Order processing and customer service worldwide.
    • Procurement:Procurement of international goods and monitoring of the supply chain.
    • Freight Forwarding and Logistics:Freight management and warehousing.
  • The admission requirements for the Import/Export Clerk further training program are generally practical and straightforward:
    • Basic training:Completed basic commercial training (Federal VET Diploma) or an equivalent program.
    • Language Skills:Very good German language skills (spoken and written) for reading comprehension.
    • Experience:In most cases, specific work experience in foreign trade is not required, but it is often an advantage.
    • Willingness to learn:Motivation for regular classes, follow-up work, and e-learning.

Import and export clerks often work with suppliers, customers, transportation companies, or government agencies from different countries. Foreign language skills and intercultural communication can therefore be important in their day-to-day work.

An overview of the key skills required for an Import/Export Clerk:

  • Customs and Tax Information:Knowledge of customs tariffs, rules of origin, free trade agreements, and the preparation of export/import documents (e.g., certificate of origin, ATA Carnet).
  • International Trade Terms (Incoterms):In-depth familiarity with the current Incoterms in order to correctly define liability, the transfer of risk, and costs associated with shipments.
  • Payments and Contracts:Understanding of international payment terms such as letters of credit, collections, bank guarantees, and foreign exchange transactions.
  • IT and Systems Expertise:Proficiency in using ERP systems (such as SAP) and the Swiss Federal Customs Administration’s electronic customs clearance systems (e-dec / Passar).
  • Logistics and Freight Forwarding:Knowledge of the various modes of transportation (air freight, ocean freight, rail, truck) and the ability to coordinate and monitor them efficiently.
  • Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Skills:The ability to stand your ground with shipping companies and suppliers, as well as tact and sensitivity in handling customer complaints.

Companies in the manufacturing, retail, and logistics sectors rely on well-functioning international supply chains. Consequently, there is a wide range of career opportunities in the import and export sectors.

  • Typical Responsibilities as an Import/Export Clerk
    • Freight Forwarding and Logistics:Handling of international freight, truck transport, air freight, and ocean freight.
    • Industry and Commerce (Sales/Purchasing):Providing support to international customers and suppliers, preparing quotes, and processing letters of credit (payment guarantees).
    • Customs:Accurate customs declaration of goods, obtaining permits, and handling free trade agreements.
  • Possible Positions for Import/Export Specialists
    • Export Clerk / Import Specialist
    • Customs Clerk
    • Order Processing Clerk (Sales/Purchasing)

Providers of the continuing education program “Import/Export Clerk (formerly Export Clerk)”