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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Clearing and Forwarding Agent 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96368  Occupational Certificate: Clearing and Forwarding Agent 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-TETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 11 - Services  Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-07-01  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
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.

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.

    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. In order 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. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related Curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a Statement of Results or certifying a Work Experience Record.

    RPL for access to the Qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
    NQF Level 4 with Mathematical Literacy. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 333101000-KM-01, Freight Forwarding Practice and Procedures Theory, NQF Level 5, 20 Credits.
  • 333101000-KM-02, Compliance and Brokerage Theory, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.
  • 333101000-KM-03, Warehouse and Distribution Theory, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
  • 333101000-KM-04, Environment, Energy Efficiency and Ethics, NQF Level 5, 3 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 40.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 333101000-PM-01, Plan and co-ordinate freight movement of cargo, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 333101000-PM-02, Plan and co-ordinate customs clearing, delivery and pickup of cargo, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 333101000-PM-03, Prepare and process data/documentation associated with international trade in compliance with applicable and current legislation, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 333101000-PM-04, Audit commodities against customs and other statutory requirements, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 333101000-PM-05, Apply rebate, drawback and bond facilities, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 333101000-PM-06, Prepare documents for receipt, storage and removal of warehoused cargo, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
  • 333101000-PM-07, Prepare receipts of cargo to be distributed, NQF Level 5, 3 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 54.

    This Qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 333101000-WM-01, Conduct cargo forwarding processes, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 333101000-WM-02, Process customs compliance procedures, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 333101000-WM-03, Communication and documentation for warehousing processes and requirements, NQF Level 5, 2 Credits.
  • 333101000-WM-04, Documentation for distribution processes and procedures, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 26. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Forward cargo within the international logistics environment.
    2. Observe compliance with statutory requirements within the international logistics environment.
    3. Conduct warehousing operations within the international logistics environment.
    4. Assist with distribution of cargo within the international logistics environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Freight movement of cargo within the international logistics environment is planned and co-ordinated.
  • Shipment files are correctly completed according to standard operating procedures, INCO terms and statutory regulations.
  • The status and the data contained in the shipment are identified and analysed in order to process the shipment for import or export purposes.
  • Customs clearing, delivery and pickup of cargo are planned and co-ordinated.
  • Cost responsibility and risk are administered in accordance with chosen international commercial terms (incoterms).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Data/documentation to comply with international trade requirements and current legislation are planned and prepared.
  • Client information to meet statutory requirements is validated.
  • Evaluation criteria, tariff classification processes, prohibition and restriction processes in accordance with statutory requirements are assessed and applied.
  • Clearing instructions are followed and clearance documentation is submitted to SARS and Customs during the clearance process.
  • The response from SARS response is received and processed in accordance with company procedures.
  • Commodities against Customs and other statutory requirements are audited.
  • Rebate, drawback and bond facilities are applied as per procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Compliance of incoming and outgoing goods is verified against industry regulatory requirements.
  • Cargo is checked for completeness and possible losses and damage.
  • Just-received inbound document to confirm loss or damage is completed, amended and recorded according to the policies and procedures of the company.
  • Documentation or data notification to the warehouse to reflect incoming and outgoing cargo/goods is generated.
  • The goods received/goods dispatched notes according to standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements are completed.
  • All required documents to confirm weight and dimensions of the cargo are completed.
  • The type of cargo for storage and risk-profiling purposes is assessed according to physical attributes.
  • Storage space for different types of cargo allocated to clients is identified, evaluated and recorded.
  • Stock-taking activities according to international logistics regulatory requirements are conducted.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Receipts for the distribution of cargo are prepared.
  • Shipment files that comply with statutory regulatory requirements are correctly completed.
  • Cost responsibility and risk in accordance with chosen international commercial terms are administered.
  • Estimation and costing of freight movement for the distribution of cargo within the international logistics environment are prepared.
  • Simulation of the cargo movement scenario, including the identification of cost points along the route and third party providers based on geographic elements is efficiently conducted.
  • Disbursement, billing, and customer invoicing is completed in accordance with industry standard practice.
  • Industry standards on different forms of estimation and costing prior to invoicing are complied with.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated formative assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them in respect of the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated summative assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality partner, is required for the issuing of this Qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

    The external assessment model requires that the external assessment be conducted through a combination of a written assessment and practical tasks (written case study report compiled with the assistance of a Mentor and formally presented to a panel of registered Assessors). Practical tasks will also be assessed by registered Assessors. The combination of the written and practical assessment will be conducted over a period of two working days. 
    		•

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

    The broad competencies of this qualification were compared to a similar international qualification in Canada.

    International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association (FIATA):
    FIATA is an international association that sets standards for member countries and offers a qualification comparable to this qualification.

    In Canada the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) provides the following two comparable Qualifications:
    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 Qualification compares well to the NQF Level 5 Qualification as most areas are covered in some form or other. The differences are that it also covers 'Trade Shows' and places some emphasis on partnering and partnerships.

    Conclusion:
    The comparability study reveals that the South African qualification is comparable to the international qualifications. The comparison mainly extends to the contents of the curricula. The differences appeared to be in terms of level and approaches to delivery of learning. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Diploma in Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance at NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Export Management at NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Export and Imports Management at NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in International Trade (Exports/Imports) at NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Exports Management at NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in International Trade Management (Exports/Imports) at NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

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

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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.