Import Export Specialist Business & Administration Technicians
SaveWhat Does an Import Export Specialist Do?
Import export specialists have and apply deep knowledge of import and export goods including customs clearance and documentation. They declare goods that cross the border, inform customers about customs and give advice concerning disputes related to customs legislation. They prepare the documents needed and make sure they are delivered to customs. They check and process duty and make sure VAT payments are done as applicable.
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Where Do I Start?
Embargo Regulations
The national, international and foreign sanctions and embargo regulations, e.g. Council Regulation (EU) No 961/2010.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become an Import Export Specialist
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialEmbargo Regulations knowledge
The national, international and foreign sanctions and embargo regulations, e.g. Council Regulation (EU) No 961/2010.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialInternational Commercial Transactions Rules knowledge
Pre-defined commercial terms used in international commercial transactions which stipulate clear tasks, costs and risks associated with the delivery of goods and services.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialInternational Import Export Regulations knowledge
Know the principles that govern the import and export of products and equipment, trade restrictions, health and safety measures, licenses, etc.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialValue-added Tax Law knowledge
Taxes imposed on the purchase prices of goods and the legislation that governs this activity.
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EssentialAdminister Multi-modal Logistics skill
Manage the flow of products through multi-modal transportation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Conflict Management skill
Take ownership of the handling of all complaints and disputes showing empathy and understanding to achieve resolution. To be fully aware of all Social Responsibility protocols and procedures, and to …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Export Strategies skill
Follow and implement strategies according to the size of the company and possible advantages towards the international market. Set goals to export products or commodities to the market, in order …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Import Strategies skill
Follow and implement strategies for importing according to the size of the company, the nature of its products, the available expertise, and business conditions on the international markets. These strategies …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialBuild Rapport With People From Different Cultural Backgrounds skill
Understand and create a link with people from different cultures, countries, and ideologies without judgements or preconceptions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCommunicate With Shipment Forwarders skill
Maintain a good flow of communication with shipper and freight forwarders, who ensure a correct delivery and distribution of goods.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCreate Import-export Commercial Documentation skill
Organise the completion of official documents such as letters of credit, shipping orders, and certificates of origin.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCreate Solutions To Problems skill
Solve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising information to evaluate current practice and generate new understandings …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Customs Compliance skill
implement and monitor compliance with import and export requirements in order to avoid customs claims, supply chain interruption, increased overall costs.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialFile Claims With Insurance Companies skill
File a factual request to an insurance company in case a problem occurs which is covered under an insurance policy.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialHandle Carriers skill
Organise the transportation system through which a product is conveyed to its buyer, through which a product is sourced from a supplier, including customs.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialHandle Quotes From Prospective Shippers skill
Evaluate the quotes fares and services offered from prospective transporters on the market.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialHave Computer Literacy skill
Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMeet Deadlines skill
Ensure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMonitor Merchandise Delivery skill
Follow up logistical organisation of products; ensure that products have been transported in a correct and timely fashion.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Clerical Duties skill
Perform administrative tasks such as filing, typing up reports and maintaining mail correspondence.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPlan Transport Operations skill
Plan mobility and transport for different departments in order to obtain the best possible movement of equipment and materials. Negotiate the best possible delivery rates. Compare different bids and select …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSpeak Different Languages skill
Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply For Refunds skill
Make inquiries at the supplier in order to return, exchange or refund goods.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialArrange Customs Documents skill
Make sure goods have the proper documentation and information to pass customs.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialArrange Customs Inspection skill
Contact customs in order to let them inspect the import or export goods. Make sure every shipment has the proper documentation and conform to legislation and regulations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialManage Import Export Licenses skill
Ensure the effective issuing of permits and licenses in import and export processes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 66 displayed)
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OptionalGeneral Principles Of Food Law knowledge
The national and international legal rules and requirements applied in the food industry.
Recommended Books
3 books -
OptionalCommunication Principles knowledge
The set of commonly shared principles in regards with communication such as active listening, establish rapport, adjusting the register, and respecting the intervention of others.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalPerfume And Cosmetic Products knowledge
The offered perfume and cosmetic products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalTobacco Products knowledge
The varieties of products that can be manufactured using tobacco leaves as a base. The types of tobacco products which are smoked tobacco products, smokeless tobacco products, and byproducts of …
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalBeverage Products knowledge
The offered beverage products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalCoffee, Tea, Cocoa And Spice Products knowledge
The offered coffee, tea, cocoa and spice products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalExport Regulations Of Dual-use Goods knowledge
Field of information distinguishing national and international regulations concerning the export of dual-use goods.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFish, Crustacean And Mollusc Products knowledge
The offered fish, crustacean and mollusc products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFood Hygiene Rules knowledge
The set of national and international regulations for hygiene of foodstuffs and food safety, e.g. regulation (EC) 852/2004.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalIndustrial Tools knowledge
The tools and equipment used for industrial purposes, both power and hand tools, and their various uses.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMetal And Metal Ore Products knowledge
The offered metal and metal ore products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMining, Construction And Civil Engineering Machinery Products knowledge
The offered mining, construction and civil engineering machinery products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMultimedia Systems knowledge
The methods, procedures and techniques pertaining to the operation of multimedia systems, usually a combination of software and hardware, presenting various types of media such as video and audio.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalPharmaceutical Products knowledge
The offered pharmaceutical products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalRegulations On Substances knowledge
The national and international regulations on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, e.g. regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalTextile Products, Textile Semi-finished Products And Raw Materials knowledge
The offered textile products, textile semi-finished products and raw materials, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalWatches And Jewellery Products knowledge
The offered watches and jewellery products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalDairy And Edible Oil Products knowledge
The offered dairy products and edible oil products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalFruit And Vegetable Products knowledge
The offered fruit and vegetable products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
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OptionalHardware, Plumbing And Heating Equipment Products knowledge
The offered hardware, plumbing and heating equipment products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalTypes Of Maritime Vessels knowledge
Know a large variety of maritime vessels and their characteristics and specifications. Use that knowledge to ensure that all security, technical, and maintenance measures are taken into account in their …
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalAgricultural Equipment knowledge
The offered agricultural machinery and equipment products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAgricultural Raw Materials, Seeds And Animal Feed Products knowledge
The offered agricultural raw materials, seeds and animal feed products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAnimal Health Rules Of Distribution Of Products Of Animal Origin knowledge
Types of national and international animal health rules governing the distribution and introduction of products of animal origin for human consumption, e.g. Directive 2002/99/EC.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalChemical Products knowledge
The offered chemical products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalClothing And Footwear Products knowledge
The offered clothing and footwear products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalComputer Equipment knowledge
The offered computers, computer peripheral equipment and software products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalConstruction Products knowledge
The offered construction materials, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalElectrical Household Appliances Products knowledge
The offered electrical household appliances products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalElectronic And Telecommunication Equipment knowledge
The offered electronic and telecommunication equipment and products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalExport Control Principles knowledge
The restrictions a country imposes on its exported products and goods.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFlower And Plant Products knowledge
The offered flower and plant products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFood And Beverage Industry knowledge
The respective industry and the processes involved in the food and beverage industry, such as raw material selection, processing, packaging, and storage.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFootwear Industry knowledge
Major brands, manufacturers and products available on the footwear market including the different types of shoes, components and materials used.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFurniture, Carpet And Lighting Equipment Products knowledge
The offered furniture, carpet and lighting equipment products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalGlassware Products knowledge
The offered china glassware and other glassware products such as cups and vases, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalHides, Skins And Leather Products knowledge
The offered hides, skins and leather products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalHousehold Products knowledge
The offered household products or goods, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalICT Software Specifications knowledge
The characteristics, use and operations of various software products such as computer programmes and application software.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalImport Export Regulations Of Dangerous Chemicals knowledge
The international and national legal rules for exporting and importing dangerous chemicals.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMachinery Products knowledge
The offered machinery products their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalOffice Equipment knowledge
The offered office machinery and equipment products, its functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalProtective Measures Against The Introduction Of Organisms knowledge
The national and international protective measures against the introduction of organisms, e.g. Council Directive 2000/29/EC, on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalSugar, Chocolate And Sugar Confectionery Products knowledge
The offered sugar, chocolate and sugar confectionery products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalTeamwork Principles knowledge
The cooperation between people characterised by a unified commitment to achieving a given goal, participating equally, maintaining open communication, facilitating effective usage of ideas etc.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalTextile Industry Machinery Products knowledge
The offered textile industry machinery products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalTypes Of Aircraft knowledge
The various types of aircraft, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalWaste And Scrap Products knowledge
The offered waste and scrap products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalWood Products knowledge
The various wood products such as lumber and furniture, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalClothing Industry knowledge
Major suppliers, brands and products involved in the clothing industry.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalInternational Regulations For Cargo Handling knowledge
The body of conventions, guidelines and rules which dictate the activity of loading and unloading cargo in international ports.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalLive Animal Products knowledge
The offered live animal products, their specificity and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMachine Tools knowledge
The offered machine tools and products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMeat And Meat Products knowledge
The offered meat and meat products, their properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalNational Regulations On Handling Cargo knowledge
The national regulations governing the loading and unloading of cargo in ports within that country.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalOffice Furniture Products knowledge
The offered office furniture products, its functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalRegulations For International Transportation knowledge
Know the relevant regulations and legislation that applies to transportation of national or foreign cargo or passengers to and from different countries via vessels or aircraft.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalTypes Of Coffee Beans knowledge
Most known coffee types, Arabica and Robusta, and the cultivars under each one of those types.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAbide By Business Ethical Code Of Conducts skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCommunicate With Customers skill
Respond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Market Research skill
Gather, assess and represent data about target market and customers in order to facilitate strategic development and feasibility studies. Identify market trends.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWrite Work-related Reports skill
Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalApply Regulations Regarding The Sale Of Alcoholic Beverages skill
Comply to government regulations concerning the sale of alcoholic beverages and obtain a license if required.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalInvestigate Manufacturing Facilities skill
inspect foreign manufacturing facilities for violations of child labour laws, product safety, hygiene, or other areas of concern.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Export Of Commodities skill
Use tariff schedules and obtain the right logistics and licenses for the export of different types of products and commodities to foreign countries.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Import Of Commodities skill
Oversee the activities for buying and importing products and commodities by obtaining the right import permits and tariffs. Perform any other follow-up actions.
Course recommendations coming soon.