Importance Of Export/Import Certificates (EICs) For International Shipping?

A proper import-export certificate ensures people working in international logistics can expertly perform different tasks within the industry.

Essentially, the certificate represents the achievement of a high level of qualification for any international trade professional and may make the difference between a regular shipper and an expert. Let’s look at what an import-export certificate is and why getting one would be a good idea.

What Is EIC?

The answer to the question of what is import export certificate is quite straightforward: It’s a certification awarded to people who complete the associated program. The purpose of the program is to teach professionals about the vast array of regulations used in international shipping, export and import finance, and similar aspects of the industry.

The EIC program is a creation of the International Chamber of Commerce. Some of the topics included in the program are:

• International logistics
• International business
• Export and import finance

Using this program, international trade professionals can gain crucial knowledge that allows them to step into various roles. By getting an EIC, people working in international shipping may specialize as carriers, forwarders, managers, brokers, and trade finance bankers, to name a few.

Why an Import Export Certificate Matter in International Shipping?

Understanding what the certification and its associated program offer will be the most direct way to answer the question of why is an EIC important. The program covers a range of international shipping facets, which means the acquired knowledge may prove useful in numerous ways.

For starters, an EIC program will teach you what documents are required for import and export. This will be essential when going through the legal aspects of international logistics and ensuring the necessary paperwork is in order.

Next, the certification will prove that you can write genuine, professional contracts without the assistance of a dedicated service. This aspect is crucial. Even if you still desire professional help in this regard, possessing an understanding of how contracts are made will be an essential skill, particularly during business negotiations.

The EIC program also teaches about everything included in potential litigation cases. The acquired knowledge will include a detailed description of the process, litigation risks and benefits, and a basis for understanding the associated costs.

Finance is another shipping aspect covered by the EIC classes. International import and export payments are frequently subject to different international surcharges, tariffs, and taxes. Different stakeholders will have varying preferred ways of handling transactions, often depending on the regulations of their country of origin.

The particular options for payment will include specific procedures which may be complex to follow. The EIC program teaches importers and exporters how to navigate such procedures without issues. Additionally, it will teach you the ins and outs of forfaiting, factoring, and other aspects of international shipment transactions.

On a similar note, not all methods of payment are the same concerning their advantages, risks, and particular features. Choosing the best method involves some special insight, and an EIC will serve as proof of detailed knowledge on the matter.

When it comes to logistics and shipping, the EIC program teaches how various modes of transportation operate in practice. While certain facets of transport may seem clear in theory, that knowledge won’t necessarily play out with what commonly happens in the field.

Likewise, it’s important to understand how the transport chain works, from the shipper, through an intermediary like a freight forwarder, to the carrier and cargo recipient. With export/import certification, you’ll know how to work with these different actors according to the best practices.

The World Customs Organisation is tasked, among other things, with determining specific tariffs. Taking the EIC course will ensure you know about those tariffs and understand how to use them.

Finally, the program teaches you how to handle outsourcing in an international environment. This aspect can be particularly tricky as it involves specific risks and benefits that you should be aware of before deciding to outsource any part of the production.

As may be apparent, an IEC program offers invaluable knowledge on plenty of subjects. Created by industry experts, the program provides the essential skills and practical know-how and serves as grounds for further professional growth and specialisation.

How to Get Import Export Certificate

With all its advantages, an EIC is something that practically no shipping professional should be without. Even if the certificate doesn’t seem 100% relevant to your field, the broad knowledge you’ll get from the program will likely prove useful in several scenarios.

If you decide to get certified, you’ll need to enrol in the EIC program. Luckily, this step will be quite straightforward.

The EIC program is accessible via different online platforms. While you can find plenty of reliable websites that offer EIC training, the International Chamber of Commerce is the best source. After all, this is the very organisation that created the EIC.

Once you find a legitimate program, you can sign up for an online course. These courses are self-paced, which means you won’t have to adjust your schedule. Instead, you’ll be able to determine how and when you take the classes without pressure or a time limit.

The learning materials are comprehensive and readily available, consisting of digital texts and video material, as well as other sources. Since international shipping is the primary subject, the program will likely be in English, although you may find options in other languages as well.

To get certified, you’ll need to pass an assessment. This final part of the process will take place entirely online and will require you to answer no less than 70% of the questions correctly. If you meet this condition, you’ll be issued a certificate.

Getting an EIC Is a Good Idea

If you’re looking to become more proficient in any facet of international shipping, you’ll do well to take an EIC course and gain certification. The knowledge acquired during the process will prove useful, and the certificate itself will establish you as a qualified professional.

In other words, there’ll be plenty to gain and nothing to lose. An EIC can only benefit your business, which is why you should consider completing the program as soon as possible.