I read your article in the 14th April edition of FTW on the proposed Sars knowledge test with great interest as I was very heavily involved at one time in training.
The subject relating to training in the field of logistics and Customs is a vast one and even though I have been involved from a practical point of view in international trade for over 50 years I am still learning and adapting as the subject is extremely vast.
Knowing Customs law is just one aspect of the equation. It is just as important to understand how international trade functions and relate it back to how it is administered and legislated by the authorities.
I have always believed that we have a desperate need to develop a recognised qualification in this complex field similar to the accounting profession. Regrettably there has been little support or enthusiasm for undertaking such a project by the industry. It is therefore not surprising that the Sars Customs wish to regulate this matter, according to your article, by testing individuals that are accredited.
I believe there is no problem with the authorities getting involved in such matters - after all everyone has accepted the fact that the authorities have to test you for your competence in driving.
My concern in this matter is that accreditation should be based on a recognised course that tests the knowledge of individuals based on a well thought out curriculum which should take into account all aspects of international trade and not a set of random questions which could vary at the whim of the person asking them.
The course in question in my opinion should be at least three years in length if it is to cover the essential aspects of international trade directly and indirectly related to Customs law. A compromise on the length of the course would not give time for entrants to the industry to understand all aspects and technicalities of the industry.
Obviously the implementation of such a course would need input from a variety of sources but I believe the resources are readily available to put such a course together - especially if it gains the support of the Sars (in the past there was great reluctance in this matter by all parties).
The speed at which this could be introduced might be of concern, but I believe ideas could be copied, for instance, from other authorities on what should be an essential part of the course and adapted to local requirements.
There is no reason why this process cannot be expedited by dividing the course into three modules of a year each .The first year concentrating on the basics and then progressing to additional topics related to international trade and customs.
The division into the segments is to enable the speediest implementation of such a course which obviously the Sars Customs would like to see. For each module there would be a test and based on this test the person would be accredited, subject to completion of the course.
Whilst the first year curriculum is under way the individuals structuring the course could work on the following year’s curriculum in detail so that there is a continuity. Although this may not be ideal it is the quickest way to respond to the urgency of the matter
I believe this is totally achievable if we want to achieve a professional body that understands the requirements of international trade and customs affairs.
I would like to see a permanent solution to this issue as much as the Sars customs do as there is a great need for professionalism in the industry on both sides of the fence if we are to move forward.
The objective of all parties should be identical in this matter and that is to make sure there is compliance and that the future generations we are creating in the industry and government will have a better understanding of the legal requirement relating to the practical aspects of international trade (this is most essential especially when drafting new legislation).
Finally, the computer age may be a blessing - but many of our actions are now based on automated responses rather than analytical thinking .This is not the fault of the computer age but more the inability to use IT technology in a positive way. I am hopeful that any course that is introduced would include such a topic as the students being trained today are the individuals that will develop the industry in the near future.
John P Busuttil, E&D Training and Shipping Consultancy.
