A Guide to Importing and Special Procedures
Import with Confidence and Control
Importing goods can expose your business to risks — from supplier reliability and payment terms to compliance issues and unexpected costs. This course walks you through the end-to-end import process, giving you the knowledge to plan, document, and clear goods successfully while exploring the benefits of special customs procedures to reduce duty costs.
Who This Is For
- Import managers, administrators, and coordinators
- Compliance officers and operations managers
- Freight forwarders handling inbound goods
- Procurement and purchasing teams sourcing internationally
- Finance and accounts staff responsible for duty and VAT payments
- Businesses considering using Inward Processing (IP) or Outward Processing (OP)
What You'll Learn
This course will help you to:
- Define an import and understand the process flow
- Assess supplier and country risk before purchase
- Classify goods using the correct commodity code and determine their origin
- Identify import controls, licences, and certifications needed
- Apply Incoterms® 2020 to import contracts
- Understand and prepare standard and preference documentation
- Manage purchase orders for imported goods
- Organise the movement of goods and complete import clearance
- Use the Customs Declaration Service for imports
- Calculate and manage import duties and taxes
- Gain awareness of special procedures such as Inward Processing (IP) and Outward Processing (OP)
By the end of the course, you’ll have a clearer framework for importing goods, with practical guidance to reduce risks and spot potential opportunities for saving on duty payments.
How It Works
- Format: Live, interactive online training via Zoom, with Q&A and practical exercises
- Duration: Full day — 9:30am to 3:30pm
- Cost: £320 + VAT per delegate. Includes course materials and 30 minutes of free Helpdesk time for follow-up questions after the session.
Contact us for group or bespoke training pricing by email us at team@exporter-services.co.uk.
Learn from the Experts
Exporter Services has been empowering UK businesses to trade successfully for over 15 years.
- Delivered hundreds of import training sessions for SMEs across multiple sectors
- Trusted by Chambers of Commerce and leading importers nationwide
- Trainers with practical, real-world experience in customs compliance and international trade
“Exporter Services carried out some training for the company I work for recently and it was so informative! We all learnt a great deal and will definitely continue to use Exporter Services for import/export queries in the future.” – Michael Grant, Stork Ltd
Why Train With Us
- Reduce import compliance risk and avoid HMRC penalties, delays, or shipment rejections
- Streamline your importing process from supplier selection to customs clearance
- Identify cost-saving opportunities by understanding and applying special customs procedures such as IP and OP
- Get support after the session with 30 minutes of free Helpdesk time for any questions that arise after the course
Easy to Book – We Work Around Your Process
Whether your organisation can book instantly or needs to follow a formal approval route, our process is simple and transparent.
Option 1 – Book & Pay Now
- Secure your place instantly by card payment via our ‘Book Now’ button
- Receive a confirmation email immediately
- Shortly before the course, we’ll send your handout and Zoom link
Option 2 – Request an Invoice
- Request a quote, using the form below, for the number of delegates attending
- Once you confirm, we’ll issue an invoice for immediate payment
- On payment, your place is secured and we’ll send your handout and Zoom link before the session
Download our latest training brochure here.
Upcoming Dates
Please scroll up to the top right of the page to see the next available course dates.
Bespoke Training
Need training tailored to your exact business needs?
Our bespoke courses are built around your sector, processes, and challenges, and can be delivered online or onsite.
Click here to find out more.
Ready to Get Started?
Book now or request a quote using the form below.