Right in the Middle of Things: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
CUSTOMS & TRADE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM
As professionals in export, import, and customs, we also share our knowledge through vocational training. Our subject matter experts are active across Switzerland in seminars, diploma programs, or directly in higher vocational education.
Thanks to solid training in adult education (federal diploma or equivalent), our professionals' didactic methods and competencies are ensured at the highest level. So that the lessons are guaranteed to be an experience with "AHA" moments.
Your Learning Journey
In collaboration with our cooperation partners, we have carefully put together a continuing education program to ensure that you:
- gain professional confidence and
- can immediately apply what you have learned in practice.
During the training, you will be guided through the jungle of international business transactions in a highly practical manner by lawyers, recognized practitioners, experienced supply chain experts, and former employees of the Federal Customs Administration — with plenty of room for specific questions.
Cooperation Partners
Key Values
- Less self-study – more guided learning with high interaction and in-depth expert exchange during classes
- The program broadly covers professional challenges. Real-life scenarios are explored at live locations. Learning becomes truly enjoyable.
- Nationally recognized school diploma with dual signature (Swiss Shippers Council SSC and Zollschule.ch )
- Personal, individual coaching
Target Audience
Aspiring Customs & Trade Professionals ideally already have initial operational experience in handling exports/imports and wish to deepen their expertise. The program is also frequently attended by (specialist and management) professionals with degrees in procurement, sales, business administration, logistics, freight forwarding, supply chain management, finance or similar fields, who want to better understand the cross-departmental connections and export-related requirements to support strategic development.
Program Benefits
The program does not focus on any particular industry and broadly addresses professional challenges. Examples from numerous industries are used throughout.
In addition, the program emphasizes personal coaching, personal development for assertiveness in customs matters, as well as three extra practice days to deepen relevant competencies and address further foreign trade topics.
Scope, Teaching Concept and Objectives
The program consists of 13 modules (including three practical days) and an additional exam day, where the acquired knowledge is reviewed in a practical context. The course comprises a total of 105 lessons. Classes are held on weekdays, one day per week with occasional breaks to process the material. You typically complete the program within 3 months.
Key Statistics
Objective
is to strengthen competencies for daily business activities—whether through intensive expert exchange, numerous practical examples or targeted practice days. In addition to professional skills, personal, social, and methodological (soft) skills are also trained.
Personal Mentoring
Education is a personal mission for us and is pursued with great dedication. The program is accompanied by a certified mentor. As a sparring partner and foreign trade expert, she is available for personal subject-related questions and supports participants in linking learned content to practical application.
Course Modules
The learning objectives of the Customs and Trade Professional program include understanding customs and trade processes, utilizing free trade agreements, complying with compliance regulations, and securely applying import/export processes:
Legal Foundations
Contract law in foreign trade, Incoterms 2020 and transport law
Customs Operations
Customs law, operational customs handling import/export
Free Trade Agreements
Saving duties through the use of free trade agreements
Export Control & Compliance
Export control of dual-use goods, sanctions, embargoes
Tariff Classification
Customs tariffing and customs duties
EU & Swiss VAT
EU customs clearance, EU VAT and Swiss VAT
Market Development
Market development and intercultural communication
Supply Chain Management
End-to-end supply chain optimization
Transport & Logistics
Transport law and transport processing
Export Financing
Export financing, bank guarantees, letters of credit
🎯 Exclusive Practice Days
Freight Forwarder Visit
Import and export processes – hands-on experience at a freight forwarder
International Framework
Behind-the-scenes visit to WTO/UNO headquarters
Exam Preparation
Exam review and development of professional/personal competencies
Target Group
The course is aimed at professionals who want to independently manage and optimize customs and trade processes. The target group mainly includes employees from purchasing, logistics, and foreign trade departments.
Perfect for:
Didactic Concept
With us, you don't just learn about customs—you're guided by education professionals who are not only subject-matter experts but also certified trainers. The program applies the ARIVA model, guiding participants through theory blocks, practical application, reflection, and interactive learning phases. The blend of theory and practice ensures direct transfer into everyday work life.
Modular Structure
Topics are taught in modules, allowing for flexible adjustments
Practical Relevance
Strong integration of real-life examples and exercises, including on-site insights
Experience Orientation
Participants' professional experiences are central, with learning via reflection and peer exchange
Action Orientation
Realistic tasks ensure practical application of knowledge
Cooperative Learning
Group work, field visits, and discussions make learning collaborative and deepen retention
Reflection
Reflection phases help derive strategic actions from professional experiences
🎯 ARIVA Learning Model
Our proven methodology for effective adult learning
Activation
Prior knowledge activation
Reflection
Individual learning process
Integration
Cooperative learning phases
Verification
Learning process reflection
Application
Real-world implementation
Cognitive Apprenticeship
Support through modeling, guidance, and coaching to promote independent action
Completion and Certification
The course ends with a voluntary diploma exam. After completing all modules and passing the final exam, participants receive the "Customs and Trade Professional" diploma awarded by Zollschule.ch and the Swiss Shippers Council.
What can Customs & Trade Professionals do after completing the course?
Customs & Trade Professionals…
- understand the impact of free trade agreements on Swiss exporters and draw conclusions for their own company's balance sheet
- are capable of creating conditions for tax exemption in exports and implementing these operationally
- form their own opinions on global trade and current cross-border trade challenges and justify them in a nuanced way
- can assign appropriate customs procedures for various business cases in import/export
- determine, analyze, and explain Incoterms based on business processes and assign them purposefully
- understand and describe the necessary compliance steps for export control of dual-use goods, sanctions, and embargoes using a representative example
- apply their expertise to determine the origin of goods through practical case studies
- assess and consider the significance of customs tariff numbers and customs duties in a global context, using the global situation of their representative export company
- articulate opportunities and risks in export activities of a representative company
Costs
- Comprehensive course materials
- Personal mentoring support
- 3 exclusive practice days
- Industry networking
- Certificate preparation
- Comprehensive course materials
- Personal mentoring support
- 3 exclusive practice days
- Industry networking
- Certificate preparation
💰 Financing Options
Upon request, the member price is also granted to private self-payers (no employer contribution). Most employers cover a large portion of the cost and/or time.
🎓 Diploma Exam
The diploma exam costs CHF 600 (separate from course fees). Our services are exempt from VAT as educational services.
🏢 RAV Support
RAV funding may be granted upon request. Company-specific guidelines are developed during the course.
Dates
The next course starts in March 2026. The schedule is available for download here: Stundenplan CTP_English_Spring26
Do you have questions or need support for your education application to your employer?
Join one of our information sessions via Zoom or Teams. We take the time to address your individual questions to help you choose the right program and distinguish it from other advanced education options. We look forward to seeing you!