General Customs & Trade Practitioner (GCT)

The General Customs & Trade Practitioner designation recognises professionals who offer specialised services in customs consulting, trade strategy, and dispute resolution across various regulatory and commercial domains. 

These practitioners typically engage in: 

  • Customs classification under the Harmonised System (HS) 
  • Customs valuation according to the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Valuation Code 
  • Rules of origin and preferential trade agreements 
  • Customs procedures, documentation, and trade compliance management

Their role is central to supporting clients with technical interpretations, cross-border risk mitigation, dispute management, and the optimisation of international trade operations. 

AWARDING CRITERIA

To be awarded the General Customs & Trade Practitioner designation, applicants must meet both academic and workplace experience requirements.

1. Academic Component

Applicants must have completed an NQF Level 7 or 8 qualification, preferably with modules in:

  • Customs
  • International trade
  • Economics
  • Logistics
  • Law
  • Taxation

Acceptable qualifications may include:

  • Bachelor’s or Honours degrees in Accounting, Law, Economics, Logistics, or Tax
  • Postgraduate Diplomas in Customs, Trade, or Taxation

Applicants with an NQF Level 6 diploma or degree that is dedicated to international trade or customs are also eligible.

In cases where an applicant holds an NQF 7 or 8 degree without customs or trade components, the application may be supported by:

  • Additional certificates or diplomas in customs or trade
  • Documented Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for seasoned professionals demonstrating strategic, high-level practical experience

2. Experiential Learning / Work Experience Component

Applicants must have engaged in customs or trade law work as their primary or sole professional activity for at least five (5) consecutive years within the past seven (7) years.

Relevant experience includes (but is not limited to):

  • Providing technical assistance in interpreting laws, regulations, tariff codes, and rules of origin
  • Reviewing or auditing compliance systems related to customs valuation, HS codes, and origin
  • Developing and implementing risk assessments or gap analyses on customs/trade compliance
  • Advising on cross-border sourcing strategies and trade supply chain decisions
  • Designing and delivering customs compliance procedures, training, and improvement programmes

Verification is achieved by submitting a detailed resume of relevant work experience, supported by a third-party validation from a senior customs or trade expert.


3. Competency Assessment

To demonstrate competence, applicants must submit the following:

  • Verified proof of work experience
  • Proof of an accredited qualification, as listed above
  • Proof of a clear tax record
  • Proof of a clear criminal record

4. SARS Readiness Programme

In line with SARS-recognised criteria for Recognised Controlling Bodies (RCBs) and registered tax practitioners, all applicants must complete the SARS Readiness Programme before registering as a tax practitioner.


RETAINING THE DESIGNATION

To maintain the designation, members must meet the following requirements annually:

1. Code of Conduct

Members must adhere to the SAIT Professional Code of Conduct and Ethics.


2. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Members must complete a total of 30 hours of CPD annually, in line with SARS and SAIT requirements:

  • 18 verifiable hours, consisting of:
    • 10 hours: Tax-related CPD
    • 6 hours: Profession-related CPD
    • 2 hours: Ethics CPD
  • 12 non-verifiable hours of relevant learning

3. Annual Fees

All members must ensure that their annual membership fees are paid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FEE AMOUNT NOTE
Registration Fee R800.00 Once-off fee to process your application
Annual Membership Fee R7 332.00 Payable within 30 days of approval
Monthly Option 1st, 15th, or 25th of each month Debit order option available
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