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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Diploma: Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
59304  National Diploma: Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Transport and Logistics Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
TETA - Transport Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Diploma  Field 11 - Services  Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  246  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2020-07-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2020-07-30   2022-07-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
22444  National Diploma: Freight Forwarding  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  240  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The combination of learning outcomes that comprise this qualification will provide the qualifying learner with vocational knowledge and skills appropriate to the context of international logistics and freight forwarding. The learner will have an understanding of the international logistics and freight forwarding service environment and how he or she should operate within the legislative, safety and quality systems which govern the workplace. This Qualification will provide the opportunity for learners to develop their practical skills with the essential embedded knowledge required in this strictly controlled environment.

This Qualification is designed to be flexible and accessible so that people are able to demonstrate the competencies required to work safely and productively at a strategic level in the freight forwarding and customs compliance environment. Recipients of the Qualification will have the knowledge and skills to assume a managerial role in the international supply chain sector.

Learners who successfully complete this Qualification will be able to:
  • Understand and apply knowledge of the relevant communication process to promote effective interaction in the work context.
  • Support international logistics needs with a freight forwarding framework.
  • Align the freight forwarding organisation to compliance criteria.
  • Use tools to manage and report on the performance of a freight forwarding function.
  • Develop and maintain freight forwarding clients.

    This Qualification will therefore enable the effective introduction, implementation and management of systems, processes and procedures required for the seamless operation of an international logistics and freight forwarding business. A learner who achieves this Qualification will be capable of combining a range of self-organisational, people management and life-long learning skills with a working knowledge of the international logistics and freight forwarding operations, and integrating these within a context to produce a professional practice that adheres to the high quality standards expected and required by the industry.

    This Qualification is the final in a series of Qualifications in a learning pathway for learners in the international logistics and freight forwarding environment from Level 2 to 5.

    Rationale:

    The National Diploma: International Logistics and Freight Forwarding: NQF Level 5 replaces the following Qualification:
  • National Diploma: Freight Forwarding; ID 22444; NQF Level 5.

    This Qualification reflects the workplace-based needs of the international logistics and freight forwarding industry that relates to the strategic management of operations that has been expressed by all roleplayers to meet both current and future needs. It will contribute to the upliftment of the industry and will set a standard of professionalism in the industry.

    This Qualification enables the learners to develop competencies such as self-discipline, decision making, safety, situational awareness, judgement, logical reasoning, ethics, integrity and responsibility, to the operation of safe, efficient and comprehensive national and international cargo movement systems.

    The intention of this Qualification is to ensure South Africa remain compliant with national and international standards for the movement of cargo within and across its borders.
  • Promote the development of functional knowledge and competencies that are required in the Freight Forwarding and Customs compliance environment.
  • Provide opportunities for career pathways and life-long learning for learners in the Freight Forwarding and Customs compliance environment. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communication in Second Language at NQF Level 3 or equivalent.
  • Communication at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.

    Access to Qualification:

    Access is open to all learners bearing in mind the learning assumed to be in place. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Qualification is made up of a combination of learning outcomes from Fundamental, Core and Elective components, totalling a minimum of 246 Credits.
  • Fundamental: 47 Credits.
  • Core: 125 Credits.
  • Elective: 74 Credits.
  • Total: 246 Credits.

    Fundamental component:
  • All unit standards to the value of 47 credits are compulsory.

    Core component:
  • All unit standards to the value of 125 credits are compulsory.

    Elective component:
  • The elective component consists of individual unit standards from which the learner must choose a unit standard based on the area in which they work or in which they are interested. Learners are then required to choose unit standards totalling a minimum of 74 credits. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate effectively with internal and external clients to promote effective interaction in the work context.

    2. Support international logistics needs with a freight forwarding framework.

    3. Align the freight forwarding organisation to compliance criteria.

    4. Use tools to manage and report on the performance of a freight forwarding function.

    5. Develop and maintain freight forwarding clients. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    1.1 Information is collected, analysed and processed as required in order to make business decisions.
    1.2 Effective written and verbal communication is used in order to promote efficient operations in the division, department and organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    2.1 The international trade environment is analysed to identify threats and opportunities for the freight forwarder.
    2.2 The freight forwarder is analysed for the purpose of aligning functions to the changing needs of importers and exporters.
    2.3 A consultative process is used to develop strategies and objectives to meet researched needs of importers and exporters.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    3.1 The international trade legal environment is evaluated to ensure compliance.
    3.2 Organisational policies and procedures are formulated to ensure compliance.
    3.3 Advice is provided to importers and exporters regarding risk management and legal compliance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    4.1 A tool is selected for measuring and reporting on individual/departmental performance.
    4.2 Individual/departmental performance is reported with a view to taking appropriate action.
    4.3 Preventative and corrective action is implemented in light of non-conforming performance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

    5.1 Logistics activities of importers and exporters are analysed in order to identify new business targets.
    5.2 Marketing efforts are supported at strategic level in order to arrive at integrated, end to end logistics frameworks.
    5.3 New business performance is reported against agreed targets.
    5.4 Action is taken to ensure that new business targets are met.
    5.5 Performance in regard to new business acquisition is reported in terms of policies and procedures.
    5.6 Performance of existing business is monitored to ensure continuous support. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The purpose of this International Comparability is to facilitate the development of a meaningful learning path and its associated curriculum incorporating both theoretical and practical vocational skills which will ensure compatibility, comparability and compliance with existing international qualification specification and regulation.

    The research undertaken indicates that as for the Level 4 Qualification, there is no one Qualification which matches identically to this one. The broad competencies of this Qualification were compared to similar Qualifications or programmes from the following countries that represented either best practice in the field or offered the learning at this level of competence:
  • International (FIATA).
  • Canada.
  • United States of America.
  • Singapore.
  • Japan.
  • United Kingdom.

    Below are the qualifications/programmes that were found:

    International - International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association (FIATA).

    Diploma in Freight Forwarding:
  • An introduction to Freight Forwarding:
    > International freight forwarder and the freight business.
    > Organisation of the company.
    > Financial requirements.
    > Professional organisations.
    > FIATA documents and forms.
    > General knowledge of transport and related geography.
    > Special transport services.
    > Packing requirements.
    > Co-operation with other service providers.
    > Information and communication technologies.
  • Sea Transport (General):
    > Regulations for the transport of goods by sea.
    > Shipping services.
    > Types of vessels.
    > Bill of lading.
    > Pricing of ocean freight.
    > Geography of ocean transport and port facilities.
  • Maritime Containers (Sea Containers):
    > General knowledge of container transports by sea.
    > Types and specification for most used containers.
    > Loading procedure.
    > Way-bills and accompanying documents.
    > Pricing of inland and ocean freight.
    > Geography of container traffic.
  • Air Transport:
    > General conditions of carriage.
    > Types and specifications of the most used aircrafts and air-pallets.
    > Way-bills and accompanying documents.
    > Calculation of airfreight.
    > Geography in air transport.
  • Road Transport:
    > Legal requirements for national and international road transport.
    > Types of road vehicles.
    > Way-bills and accompanying documents.
    > Tariffs.
    > Geography of road transport.
  • Rail Transport:
    > Legal requirements of national and international rail transport.
    > Ways and means of transportation.
    > Way-bills and accompanying documents.
    > Tariffs (conventional or combined transport).
    > Geography and operational aspects in rail transport.
  • National/International Carriage by Inland Waterway:
    > Legal requirements of transports by inland waterway.
    > Types of barges used in inland waterway carriage.
    > Way-bills and accompanying documents.
    > Determination of freight charges for inland waterway transport.
    > Geography of inland waterways.
  • Customs Procedures:
    > General information on the national customs administration.
    > National customs tariffs.
    > National customs procedures.
    > Liability of the freight forwarder.
    > International conventions.
    > Other possible duties of the customs administration.
  • Logistics:
    > Logistics and forwarding.
    > Logistics concept/project.
    > Physical distribution systems.
    > Sub-systems in logistics (Freight Forwarding).
    > Information handling and control issues.
    > Value added services.
    > Commodity related systems.
    > Rights and duties of the warehouse operator and the customer.
    > Types of warehouse.
    > Warehouse documents and information technology.
    > Construction, layout and safety.
    > Debit of warehouse charges/rent.
    > General.
  • Insurance:
    > Liability insurance.
    > Transport insurance.
  • Dangerous Goods:
    > Role of parties in the transport chain.
    > Regulations.
    > Classification.
    > Marking of hazardous cargo and cargo handling.
    > Training.
    > Documentation.
  • Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) in Forwarding:
    > Basic understanding of computer and its environment.
    > The role of information technologies in forwarding.
    > Data storage and management and databases.
    > Principles of networking and data sharing.
    > Telecommunication and its applications.
    > Electronic data interchange and value-added network.
    > Bar-coding and its application.
    > Internet and web-based technology.
    > e-Commerce.
    > Web-based applications and e-marketplace.
    > Security.
    > Electronic fund transfer and e-payments.

    The above Diploma does not compare well to this Draft Level 5 Qualification as all of its contents are covered in either the Level 3 or Level 4 International Logistics or Freight Forwarding Operations Qualifications. It must be noted that the above Qualification is internationally renowned as best practice at the lower levels.

    Canada - Forum for International Trade Training (FITT):
  • Certificate in International Market Entry and Distribution:
    > Defining strategic needs.
    > Barriers to entry.
    > Distribution issues.
    > Introduction to market entry strategies.
    > Partnering with foreign agents and distributors.
    > Foreign direct investment and market entry.
    > Strategic alliances.
    > Investing in international partnerships.
    > Trade shows.
    > Finding the right partner.
    > Negotiating partnering agreements.
    > Working with suppliers.
    > Technology partnering.
    > Managing a joint venture.
    > Exit strategies.

    The above Qualifications compares well to the Level 5 International Logistics and Freight Forwarding Qualification as most areas are covered in some form or other. The differences are that it also covers 'Trade Shows' and place a large emphasis on partnering and partnerships.
  • Certificate in International Trade Research:
    > An introduction to international trade research.
    > Planning the research process.
    > Defining research objectives.
    > Evaluating export opportunities.
    > Data collection.
    > Using the internet.
    > Analysing the data.
    > Market intelligence.
    > Competitive intelligence.
    > Management information systems for international trade.
    > Applying trade research: Products and processes.
    > Applying trade research: The promotional strategy.
    > Evaluating import opportunities.
    > Research support for foreign direct investment.

    This Qualification does not compare that well as its main emphasis is in international trade research and marketing issues related to that. Some of these modules are covered in the Fundamental component of this Qualification.
  • Certificate in Legal Aspects of International Trade:
    > An introduction to business law.
    > Principles of Canadian contract law.
    > International business contracts and conduct.
    > Product liability.
    > Resolution of disputes.
    > Sale of goods.
    > International sale of goods.
    > Agents, distributors and franchises.
    > Technology and intellectual property.
    > e-Commerce and the internet.
    > Payment and finance.
    > Carriage of goods and insurance.
    > Competition and anti-trust law.
    > Public trade law.

    The above Qualification places far more emphasis on the legal environment specifically with Canadian contract law than this qualification.
  • Certificate in International Trade Management:
    > The global economy and international companies.
    > Managing the export process.
    > International business planning.
    > Competitive and business intelligence.
    > Managing for competitive advantage.
    > Operating an export office.
    > Outsourcing operations.
    > Managing strategic alliances and virtual corporations.
    > Supply chain management.
    > International trade finance.
    > Building an international workforce.
    > Managing cultural diversity.
    > Managing international innovation.
    > Managing international assets and risk.

    The above Qualification is the most consistent with the Level 5 International Logistics and Freight Forwarding Qualification. Most of the modules are similar in nature with the exception of the modules on 'Competitive and Business Intelligence' and 'Cultural Diversity'. The only place our Qualification deals with cultural diversity is in the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes.

    United States of America - Centres for International Trade Development
  • Certificate in International Financing:
    > International Trade.
    > Provide Expert Advice and Insight Into Strategies for Small Businesses.
    > Terminology Procedures and Banks Usage of Letters of Credit.
    > How to mitigate Risk for International Payments.
    > How to Insure Foreign Receivables and Offer Competitive Credit Terms to Buyers with Limited Risks.
    > Managing Risky Markets While Increasing Sales.

    The South African Qualification compares well to the above Qualification as all the subject matter is covered. Our Qualification does however cover a much wider range of subjects.

    Singapore - Singapore Logistics Association:
  • Higher Diploma in Freight Forwarding.

    The Singapore Qualification could almost be a duplicate of the South African one as they both cover the same content and therefore are very similar.

    Japan - Customs Training Institute:
  • Certificate: Management Leader:
    > Administration and Advanced Knowledge of Management.
  • Certificate: Senior Management:
    > General Knowledge and Skills.
  • Certificate: Technical Customs Co-operation for Experts:
    > Officials Deepen Their Knowledge and Acquire Skills in the Field of Technical Customs Co-operation as Experts.

    The above Qualifications are more inclined to 'Generic Management' than pure international logistics and freight forwarding. They also place a lot of emphasis on 'Customs Compliance' only.

    United Kingdom - The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT):
  • International Advanced Diploma:
    > Strategic Management and Leadership.
    > The Strategic Environment for Logistics and Transport.
    > Organisation Level Planning in Logistics and Transport.
    > Research Methodology and Work-based Project.

    The above Qualification seems to be on a higher level than the South African Level 5 Qualification and could be as high as an Honours Degree. It also aimed at developing strategic decision making skills in logistics and transportation as opposed to general across the board logistics and freight forwarding.

    Conclusion:

    This particular Level 5 Qualification is matched somewhere within the training courses shown above and by looking at the other international courses shown here as a comparison.

    As South Africa is emerging from its previous limited trading situation to one of being a global player in terms of global trade, it means that there will be a far greater demand for people at this higher level getting involved in and employed in the Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance sector due to increased international trading. In South Africa there is also a need to build the competencies of people who were previously disadvantaged in terms of the educational and employment systems and therefore this Level 5 Qualification will address these particular needs.

    While there may be different ways of expressing the content of the learning taking place all over the world, there is sufficient consensus that it all refers to the same basic competencies required to work within the 'international logistics and supply chain management' environment. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation is possible with:
  • ID: 24493; National Certificate: Management, NQF Level 5.
  • ID: 49126; National Certificate: Management and Administration, NQF Level 5.
  • ID: 49469; National Diploma: Complex Procurement, NQF Level 5.
  • ID: 57957; National Certificate: Export Administration, NQF Level 5.
  • ID: 58473; National Diploma: Freight Handling Logistics, NQF Level 5.
  • ID: 58600; National Certificate: Land Transport Planning, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical articulation is possible with:
  • ID: 50224; National Certificate: Governance and Administration, NQF Level 6.
  • ID: 24406; National Diploma: Management Accounting, NQF Level 6.
  • ID: 20909; National First Degree: Customer Management, NQF Level 6.
  • ID: 58601; National Certificate: Land Transport Planning, NQF Level 6. 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQA's (including professional bodies); and in terms of moderation guideline detailed in "Qualification Assessor Criteria.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the Qualification, unless ETQA policies specifies otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual Unit Standards, Exit Level Outcomes as well as the integrated competence described in the Qualification.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 

  • CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant should:
  • Be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or an ETQA that has a memorandum of understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Be in possession of a relevant Qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher. 

  • REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    This qualification replaces qualification 22444, which is 'National Diploma: Freight Forwarding', level 5, 240 credits. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  252278  Advise and generate solutions in terms of forwarding standard trading conditions  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Core  242867  Advise, capacitate and contract service providers  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Core  252288  Align logistics activities to achieve competitive advantage  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Core  115821  Apply business financial practices  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Core  120310  Apply client service techniques to improve service delivery  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Core  252290  Apply principles of supply chain management in a freight forwarding operation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  252037  Build teams to achieve goals and objectives  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Core  252291  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the legal framework of freight forwarding  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Core  119173  Develop and maintain effective working relationship with clients  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Core  252303  Evaluate information systems for global logistics  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  252294  Formulate risk management policies and procedures for international trading companies  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Core  252296  Secure and retain new business in the freight forwarding industry  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Core  119090  Use the Project Management methodology, related tools and document templates of an Enterprise Resource Planning product  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  7887  Develop and Manage Marketing Plans and Strategies  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  12 
    Core  120306  Manage service delivery improvement  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 
    Fundamental  115792  Access, process, adapt and use data from a wide range of texts  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Fundamental  120304  Analyse, interpret and communicate information  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Fundamental  117763  Prepare, verify and distribute reports  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  16 
    Fundamental  115817  Provide and respond to feedback  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Fundamental  7885  Research and update the legal knowledge required for business compliance  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Fundamental  115789  Sustain oral interaction across a wide range of contexts and critically evaluate spoken texts  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Elective  252273  Apply financial operations in a freight forwarding environment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Elective  252275  Comply with conditions of carriage  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Elective  115855  Create, maintain and update record keeping systems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Elective  113856  Develop and manage the road transport marketing strategy  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  13 
    Elective  15233  Harness diversity and build on strengths of a diverse working environment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Elective  252277  Implement and manage foreign exchange payment mechanisms and systems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Elective  252300  Manage distribution, inventory and warehousing  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  18 
    Elective  252292  Manage freight forwarding capital projects  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  14 
    Elective  7863  Manage staff development  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Elective  115833  Monitor, assess and manage risk  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Elective  252281  Negotiate international contracts of purchase and sale  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Elective  119857  Plan and implement Quality Management Systems in corporate and project context  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Elective  15214  Recognise areas in need of change, make recommendations and implement change in the team, department or division  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Elective  252260  Select and develop service providers for a forwarding operation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Elective  10985  Conduct a disciplinary hearing  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 



    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.