The World Customs Organisation and the European Commission – amongst other key international organisations and agencies – consider knowledge of supply chains a core competency for border management professionals in the public and private sector.
This learning activity (typically delivered over one day or two half-days) explores how supply chains enable modern production systems, generate economic value, shape trade and customs policy, and influence contemporary border management practices.
A significant aspect of the learning activity is the opportunity to explore how supply chain philosophies, challenges, and practices apply to border management and trade compliance environments, and how these can be reimagined through supply chain principles.
Illustrative topics include:
- contemporary supply chain management theories, strategies, and operational practices
- the economic and regulatory forces that drive international supply chains and subsequent demand for efficient border management services
- the interfaces amongst supply chain operators, especially those with customs and other border agencies
- the roles played by the various border agencies and supply chain actors
- supply chain enabling notions of coercion, trust and partnership
- supply chain data, trade documents, and systems designed to share such information
- the cost of friction and inefficiencies amongst supply chain operators and with border agencies
- scope for innovation and trade facilitation
- the influence of contemporary supply chain management ideas and principles on trade policy, and border management strategies and practices.
The themes explored are particularly relevant to aspiring and practising leaders in border management, trade facilitation, and trade compliance. It may also be of interest to supply chain practitioners wishing to explore how their field applies to ports, borders, and the wider regulatory environment.
Illustrative Learning Themes
The approach draws on experience gained through research, policy engagement, executive education, and university teaching across multiple international contexts. A high level of interaction is encouraged to explore how supply chain principles apply to cross-border trade and customs environments.
1. Fundamentals: international supply chains, trade and production
Attention is given to contemporary supply chain thinking, strategies, and concepts, alongside the political and economic forces that shape modern supply chains. This also provides an opportunity to explore the influence of trade, tariff, and customs policy on supply chain arrangements. Consideration may additionally be given to operational risks, business competitiveness, and resilience.
2. Supply chain operations
Operational and commercial arrangements between supply chain partners can be examined, together with the roles and obligations of different actors and the supporting technologies and systems involved. This may also provide an opportunity to consider trade documentation and the ways in which trade and customs relevant data can be shared across supply chains and with border agencies.
3. Supply chain management within the context of trade and customs policy
Attention is placed on contemporary supply chain management practices and how they relate to trade compliance, supply chain security, and regulatory objectives. The costs and operational impacts experienced by public and private actors provide a useful basis for exploring how supply chain principles and trade facilitation objectives may align.
4. Applied supply chain thinking
Discussions may conclude with reflection on how relationships between public and private sector actors can support improved supply chain performance, and how supply chain principles and ideas are reflected in contemporary trade and customs policy at both strategic and operational levels.
Requirements
A reasonably good understanding of English is essential. Where delivered online, participants are encouraged to join from a relatively undisturbed environment.
Participation
Activities are typically not recorded in order to encourage open discussion and interaction. Supporting materials and additional learning resources may be shared where appropriate.
Delivery Formats
Formats range from executive workshops and short courses to university teaching and consultancy-supported learning activities.
Collaboration
Please get in touch to explore opportunities for delivery, adaptation, or collaboration.
Annex
Box 1: Extracts from the WCO Picard (2019) Professional Standards
| Strategic Managers/Leaders | Operational Managers and Leaders |
| International Supply Chains: | |
| The individual should be able to: 5.1. Understand the complexities of an international supply chain. 5.2. Recognize the stakeholders, documentation and terminology of a global supply chain and the linkage with Customs supervision and trade compliance. 5.3. Understand international supply chain instruments and standards (e.g. the Revised Kyoto Convention, SAFE Framework, INCOTERMS, etc.). 5.4. Understand international, regional and national regulations affecting the international supply chain, including supply chain security measures. 5.5. Understand the value of technology for global supply chains in terms of traceability, compliance, resilience etc | The individual should be able to: 10.1. Understand the complexities of the international supply chain. 10.2. Recognize the stakeholders, documentation and terminology of the global supply chain and the linkage with Customs and trade compliance. 10.3. Understand international supply chain instruments and standards (e.g. the Revised Kyoto Convention, SAFE Framework, INCOTERMS, etc.). 10.4. Understand international, regional and national regulations affecting the international supply chain, including supply chain security measures. 10.5. Understand the value of technology for global supply chains in terms of traceability, compliance, resilience etc. |
| International Economics | |
| The individual should be able to: 6.1. Describe Customs, trade, fiscal and economic policy and its impact. 6.2. Compare free trade vs. protectionism policies. 6.3. Explain the role of the tariff and taxes in economic development. 6.4. Sketch an economically attractive climate for national and international investments. | The individual should be able to: 8.1. Describe Customs, trade, fiscal and economic policies and their impact. 8.2. Compare free trade vs. protectionist policies. 8.3. Express the role of the tariff and taxes in economic development. |
| Visioning | |
| The individual should be able to: 19.1. Think outside the box. 19.2. Formulate future strategic options. 19.3. Convince stakeholders at all levels of the need for reform through informed and compelling arguments and effective communication (e.g., public consultations and hearings). | |
| Customer Orientation | |
| The individual should be able to: 39.1. Understand customer needs and their business environment. 39.2. Develop and implement customer service standards. 39.3. Create a customer evaluation and feedback system. | The individual should be able to: 37.1. Understand customer needs and their business environment 37.2. Develop and implement customer service standards 37.3. Create a customer evaluation and feedback system |
Box 2: Extracts from the European Commission’s (2019) Customs Competency Framework “CustComp(eu)”
| Supply Chain Operations Competency |
| “The Supply Chain Operation competency covers all aspects of the International Supply Chain – this relates to both the core Customs flows (import/export/ transit) and the supply chain of Trade and how they are linked. Emphasis on effective working methods between Customs and Trade and the safety and security aspects of supply chains”. Learning topics: a. The integrated supply chain (Customs and Trade) b. Maximising smooth supply chain operations c. Safety and security aspects of the supply chain |
| Strategic Supply Chain Management Competency |
| The Strategic Supply Chain Management competency refers to the following activities: • Has knowledge of the international supply chain logistics and the role of Customs herein; • Focuses on improvements to reduce waste and administrative burden, and to increase efficiency for both Trade and Customs; • Knows what drives trade facilitation and looks to optimise cooperation and transparency; • Understands safety and security considerations, economic impacts, EU and International trade legislation and agreements; • Focuses on cost reductions in relation to Customs controls and actions; Applies supply chain models and has understanding of how outsourcing models are used in supply chains, and the elements of the supply chain that are outsourced to different parties; • Captures the requirements of the different stakeholders; • Assesses risk related to supply chain operations. Learning Topics: a. General strategic supply chain management topics b. Customs and the supply chain |
Trade Facilitation Consulting 