Occupational Certificate: Clearing and Forwarding Agent

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION:

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Clearing and Forwarding Agent.

A Clearing and Forwarding Agent carries out customs clearing procedures and ensures that insurance, export/import licences, and other formalities are in order to facilitate the movement of cargo internationally and locally and ensures compliance with current legislation.

SKILLS RATIONALE:

This qualification reflects the workplace-based needs of the international logistics and freight forwarding industry that relates to the clearing and forwarding operations that have been expressed by all role-players to meet both current and future needs. It will contribute to the upliftment of the industry and set a standard of professionalism in the industry.

This qualification serves to equip the qualifying learner with the fundamental skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to support the provision of world-class services and improve customer service in international logistics and supply chain management to promote an efficient and comprehensive national and international cargo movement system.

The intention of this qualification is – to ensure that South Africa remains compliant with national and international standards for the movement of cargo within and across its borders, by promoting the development of functional knowledge and competencies that are required in the Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance environment; and providing opportunities for career pathways and life-long learning for learners in the Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance environment.

The Forwarding and Clearing Industry (F&C) comprises economic activities and supply chains that relate to all imports and exports of goods entering or leaving South Africa as well as those transiting this country. This is essential for the success of every industry in South Africa and therefore contributes to the growth of the South African economy as a whole. This industry is critical to the ongoing performance of South Africa as an international trading nation, and its activities facilitate all forms of physical trade. Though there are many areas of commerce and industry critical to the long-term performance of the economy, there are few more so than this industry.

Logistics, a major component of the supply chain, contributes substantially to the costs of the goods in South Africa, and is above the international norm. A large proportion of this overspend could be attributed to inefficiencies and lack of competence. To compete globally, South Africa needs to achieve just-in-time delivery as an essential requirement of its cost efficiency. This requires the maintenance of world-class supply chains, competence, and skills.

The F and C Industry serves as an input to nearly every industry in the national and international economy and utilises all modes of transport involved in the carriage of goods, cargo, and freight, be it by ocean, air, rail, or road. The industry is also a service provider of warehouses, transit sheds and the associated management of shipment tracking, costing and accounting data. The transport sector, including the Forwarding and Clearing Industry, comprises a substantial proportion of South Africa’s national carbon footprint, and is therefore the ideal environment to maximise the impact of practical, new, green logistics approaches and technologies.

 A QUALIFIED LEARNER WILL BE ABLE TO:

• Forward cargo within the local and international logistics environment.
• Observe compliance with statutory requirements within the local and international logistics environment.
• Conduct warehousing operations within the local and international logistics environment.
• Assist with distribution of cargo within the local and international logistics environment.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

• NQF Level 4 with Mathematical Literacy.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES:

• Forward cargo within the international logistics environment.
• Observe compliance with statutory requirements within the international logistics environment.
• Conduct warehousing operations within the international logistics environment.
• Assist with distribution of cargo within the international logistics environment