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Introducing... the new benchmark for customs excellence.
Becoming an Approved Customs Practitioner is official recognition that a customs professional meets or exceeds industry standards.
First of its kind: Demonstrate you or your team's knowledge, ethics and skills with our new standard for UK customs professionals.
Have your skills and knowledge officially verified by the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade.
Demonstrate your commitment to the highest ethical standards and ongoing professional development.
Be recognised for your customs excellence, joining our community of approved professionals.
All Practitioners must sign an international trade ethics policy that covers integrity in declarations, compliance, and responsible client engagement.
Candidates complete a formal assessment process consisting of a multiple choice exercise, followed by a written assignment submitted through our learning platform. Assessments are graded and enable candidates to demonstrate practical knowledge of customs procedures and regulatory compliance. Passing your assessment, you then move on to stage 3.
The standard requires practitioners to complete a minimum of thirty CPD activities per year.
You will be recognised as an Approved Customs Practitioner. Publicly demonstrate to clients, stakeholders and employers that you are a trusted customs professional, enhancing your career progression and your organisation's reputation.
Stand out in tenders, regulatory interactions and audits with a recognised validation of competence.
Gain proactive assurance that your staff are compliant, credible and current in their knowledge.
Help individuals build their customs careers, inspiring long-term loyalty and professional pride.
The Approved Customs Practitioner standard proves professional excellence to your clients, employers and stakeholders.
The launch of the Approved Customs Practitioner standard comes at a pivotal moment for UK trade and customs. A combination of regulatory change, digital transformation, and increased enforcement has created a demand for more accountable, upskilled customs professionals.
Unlike other certificates or short courses, the Approved Customs Practitioner standard is awarded based on applied knowledge, ethical standards, and CPD, ensuring it reflects genuine capability in real-world customs work.
Approved Customs Practitioner benefits both individuals wanting to progress their customs careers and organisations hoping to demonstrate that their staff meet the highest industry standards.
You should apply if you have three or more years' experience specialising in customs operations. Relevant roles include but are not limited to:
Approved Customs Practitioner is relevant to any organisation involved in cross-border trade, including:
A: Approved Customs Practitioner is a professional standard, not just a certificate of course completion. It demonstrates ongoing competence, ethical practice, and a recognised level of expertise.
A: Yes, SMEs stand to benefit. Having an Approved Customs Practitioner on your team means you don’t have to outsource knowledge or risk getting caught out by regulatory changes. It’s a cost-effective way to build in-house capability and confidence, especially for businesses growing their international trade.
A: Your Approved Customs Practitioner standard may lapse or be suspended if the annual CPD requirement is not met. Practitioners will be given reminders and opportunities to remain compliant before removal from the register.
A: The Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade exists to empower UK and international organisations and equip individuals with the expertise to trade compliantly, sustainably and commercially. The Royal Charter was conferred on us by His Majesty King Charles III, on 10 July 2024. This is the highest accolade that can be granted to a professional body.
Therefore, becoming an Approved Customs Practitioner will demonstrate you meet industry best practices, as approved by a recognised leader in international trade.
A: Yes, membership is a pre-requisite for applying to be an Approved Customs Practitioner. At the point of application this can be any category of membership.
When Approved Customs Practitioner is awarded the candidate will then be given the opportunity to automatically upgrade to a Full Professional Member.
A: AEO is organisational, while Approved Customs Practitioner is individual. It complements AEO and strengthens your reputation with customers, partners, and regulators.
Register your interest in becoming an Approved Customs Practitioner, or putting forward your team, by filling in this form. A member of our team will be in touch within the same working day.
