Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 7:37 AM AWST
23/07/2026 7:37 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Classify complex commodities for the import and export of goods through customs
Classify complex commodities for the import and export of goods through customs
Unit of competency
National Code
TLIA4055A
TLIA4055A
State Code
D4931
D4931
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
30/10/2014
Field of Education
080311 - International Business
Original Release Date
30/10/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to classify complex commodities for the import and export of goods in accordance with Customs and related legislation and workplace requirements. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1Apply identification principles to goods
- 1.1 Objective and analytical classification principles are applied
- 1.2 Research resources are accessed to classify goods
- 1.3 Precedents are considered
- 1.4 Assistance is sought as required
- 1.5 Administration Appeals Tribunal (AAT) decisions and court cases are considered
- 1.6 Product knowledge research is undertaken
2Select tariff headings for consideration (4 figure)
- 2.1 The principles of statutory construction in the context of particular tariff headings and words are applied
- 2.2 Relevant precedents are applied when classifying commodities
- 2.3 Aids to interpretation of the tariff are used where applicable
- 2.4 Alternate headings are considered as appropriate
- 2.5 Pre or post classification potential areas of dispute are identified
3Select tariff sub-heading (6 or 8 figure) for consideration
- 3.1 AAT decisions, court cases and other precedents on tariff classification are interpreted and applied
- 3.2 Sub-heading notes are reviewed in hierarchical order
- 3.3 The dash system is applied to the classification
- 3.4 The correct statistical code is identified
4Interpret and apply Section and Chapter Notes
- 4.1 Tariff classification is determined
- 4.2 Rejection of alternate headings are justified by reference to the Section and Chapter Notes
5Interpret and apply rules for interpretation to goods
- 5.1 Interpretative rules are applied to justify tariff classification of goods
- 5.2 Research resources are accessed when interpreting and applying rules for interpretation to goods
- 5.3 Requirements for tariff classification advice are identified
6Complete post classification requirements in accordance with legislative requirements
- 6.1 Tariff Classification Advice Request is prepared in response to identified problems
- 6.2 Classification is entered correctly on the customs entry/declaration in accordance with the requirements of Customs and related legislation and workplace procedures
- 6.3 Completed documentation is retained by relevant personnel in the enterprise in accordance with the requirements of Customs and related legislation and workplace procedures
- 6.4 Relevant documentation and other sources of information (e.g. from internet, industry experts, etc.) is retained and passed on to the client in accordance with the requirements of Customs and related legislation and workplace procedures
- 6.5 Post entry classification advice to the client is initiated where required
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.
Information on relevant aspects for the classification of commodities for the import and export of goods may include:
processes and practices for classifying various types of complex commodities
the contents and purpose of Customs Tariff Act 1995, Schedule 2, 3 and 4
Objective classification may include:
the classifier finding out as much as possible about the goods in the condition they are imported or exported
Analytical classification may include:
technology
the avoidance of generalised terms such as souvenirs, printed matter and clothing as these terms do not demonstrate analytical classification as required to correctly identify the goods
Harmonized system terminology may include:
sufficient identification to be capable of being transferred into tariff terminology. For example, a tool holder could be included in the identification if the holder worked solely or principally with machines described specifically in the harmonized system
Assistance may include:
advice from more experienced colleagues, customs brokers, experienced classifiers, technical experts
seeking further details about the goods from the client
consulting technical experts in the industry that the goods belong to
classification software
from customers
commercially available
additional resources
Tools may include:
Harmonised System Explanatory Notes and Commodities
dictionaries, trade journals, technical publications
Menu may include:
the list of chapters at the start of the Customs Tariff Act 1995 for imports and the summary of classification in the front of the AHECC
Type may include:
Type Chapters (refer to Chapters 64-66, 84-95 and 97 in the Harmonized System)
Materials may include:
Material Chapters (refer to Chapters 1-63 and 67-83 in the Harmonized System)
Merchandise trade may include:
goods that are covered by a reference number in Schedule 4 of the Customs Tariff Act 1995 or a export statistical item in Chapters 98 and 99 in AHECC
Section and Chapters Notes may include:
Legal Notes contained within Schedule 3 Customs Tariff Act 1995 and include directional notes (inclusion, restriction, extension) and definitional notes and notes having application across the complete Schedule. All relevant Legal Notes are expected to be considered and applied. Notes that have specific industry application such as paper, chemicals, base metals and some textile notes may require clarification/assistance from other parties
Interpretation rules may include:
General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System. They are the rules that are to be followed for every classification
Clarification may include:
seeking assistance from colleagues, customs broker, more experienced classifier, or technical expert
obtaining additional information from client
Sub-heading notes may include:
Legal Notes contained within Schedule 3 Custom Tariff Act 1995 and include directional notes (inclusion, restriction, extension) and definitional Notes and Notes having application across the complete Schedule. All relevant Legal Notes are expected to be considered and applied. Notes that have specific industry application such as paper, chemicals, base metals and some textile Notes may require clarification/assistance from other parties
Dash system is:
a design feature of the Harmonized System which assists with the selection of the appropriate 8 figure classification
New developments in the classification of complex commodities may relate to changes in:
technology
legislation
regulations
case law
WCO Classification
processes
systems
Information on new developments in the classification of complex commodities may be obtained from:
internal networks such as: own work team, staff in other departments, support staff, managers, training staff, etc.
external networks such as: staff in various regulatory authorities
bulletins, journals, magazines, books, etc.
internet websites
internal and external training programs
Ways of learning skills and knowledge required for new developments in customs classification may include:
external training programs
internal training programs
reading independently
coaching in the workplace
online learning on a computer
networking with relevant internal and external contacts
Depending on the organisation concerned, workplace procedures may be called:
standard operating procedures (SOPs)
company procedures
enterprise procedures
organisational procedures
established procedures
Communication in the work area may include:
phone
electronic data interchange (EDI)
fax
email
internet
RF systems
oral, aural or signed communications
Consultative processes may involve:
other employees and supervisors
clients
agents
personnel in relevant authorities and institutions
management and union representatives
industrial relations and OH&S specialists
Documentation and records may include:
Customs and related legislation
Australian Harmonized Export Classification Book
Customs Tariff Act 1995 and Schedules
precedents database
dictionaries
trade or technical publications
Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN)
manifests, cartnotes, delivery notes, special clearances, consignment notes, authorised weighbridge certificates, and special clearances
internal documentation
operations manuals, job specifications and induction documentation
manufacturers specifications for relevant equipment
workplace procedures and policies
supplier and/or client instructions
quality assurance procedures
extrinsic material (as defined in the Acts Interpretation Act)
Applicable legislation and regulations may include:
Customs and related legislation
Australian Harmonized Export Classification Book
Customs Tariff Act 1995 and Schedules
other legislation related to importing and exporting of goods
export/import/quarantine/bond requirements
equal employment opportunity and affirmative action legislation
equal opportunity legislation
workplace relations regulations
relevant state/territory OH&S and environmental protection legislation
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.
Information on relevant aspects for the classification of commodities for the import and export of goods may include:
processes and practices for classifying various types of complex commodities
the contents and purpose of Customs Tariff Act 1995, Schedule 2, 3 and 4
Objective classification may include:
the classifier finding out as much as possible about the goods in the condition they are imported or exported
Analytical classification may include:
technology
the avoidance of generalised terms such as souvenirs, printed matter and clothing as these terms do not demonstrate analytical classification as required to correctly identify the goods
Harmonized system terminology may include:
sufficient identification to be capable of being transferred into tariff terminology. For example, a tool holder could be included in the identification if the holder worked solely or principally with machines described specifically in the harmonized system
Assistance may include:
advice from more experienced colleagues, customs brokers, experienced classifiers, technical experts
seeking further details about the goods from the client
consulting technical experts in the industry that the goods belong to
classification software
from customers
commercially available
additional resources
Tools may include:
Harmonised System Explanatory Notes and Commodities
dictionaries, trade journals, technical publications
Menu may include:
the list of chapters at the start of the Customs Tariff Act 1995 for imports and the summary of classification in the front of the AHECC
Type may include:
Type Chapters (refer to Chapters 64-66, 84-95 and 97 in the Harmonized System)
Materials may include:
Material Chapters (refer to Chapters 1-63 and 67-83 in the Harmonized System)
Merchandise trade may include:
goods that are covered by a reference number in Schedule 4 of the Customs Tariff Act 1995 or a export statistical item in Chapters 98 and 99 in AHECC
Section and Chapters Notes may include:
Legal Notes contained within Schedule 3 Customs Tariff Act 1995 and include directional notes (inclusion, restriction, extension) and definitional notes and notes having application across the complete Schedule. All relevant Legal Notes are expected to be considered and applied. Notes that have specific industry application such as paper, chemicals, base metals and some textile notes may require clarification/assistance from other parties
Interpretation rules may include:
General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System. They are the rules that are to be followed for every classification
Clarification may include:
seeking assistance from colleagues, customs broker, more experienced classifier, or technical expert
obtaining additional information from client
Sub-heading notes may include:
Legal Notes contained within Schedule 3 Custom Tariff Act 1995 and include directional notes (inclusion, restriction, extension) and definitional Notes and Notes having application across the complete Schedule. All relevant Legal Notes are expected to be considered and applied. Notes that have specific industry application such as paper, chemicals, base metals and some textile Notes may require clarification/assistance from other parties
Dash system is:
a design feature of the Harmonized System which assists with the selection of the appropriate 8 figure classification
New developments in the classification of complex commodities may relate to changes in:
technology
legislation
regulations
case law
WCO Classification
processes
systems
Information on new developments in the classification of complex commodities may be obtained from:
internal networks such as: own work team, staff in other departments, support staff, managers, training staff, etc.
external networks such as: staff in various regulatory authorities
bulletins, journals, magazines, books, etc.
internet websites
internal and external training programs
Ways of learning skills and knowledge required for new developments in customs classification may include:
external training programs
internal training programs
reading independently
coaching in the workplace
online learning on a computer
networking with relevant internal and external contacts
Depending on the organisation concerned, workplace procedures may be called:
standard operating procedures (SOPs)
company procedures
enterprise procedures
organisational procedures
established procedures
Communication in the work area may include:
phone
electronic data interchange (EDI)
fax
internet
RF systems
oral, aural or signed communications
Consultative processes may involve:
other employees and supervisors
clients
agents
personnel in relevant authorities and institutions
management and union representatives
industrial relations and OH&S specialists
Documentation and records may include:
Customs and related legislation
Australian Harmonized Export Classification Book
Customs Tariff Act 1995 and Schedules
precedents database
dictionaries
trade or technical publications
Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN)
manifests, cartnotes, delivery notes, special clearances, consignment notes, authorised weighbridge certificates, and special clearances
internal documentation
operations manuals, job specifications and induction documentation
manufacturers specifications for relevant equipment
workplace procedures and policies
supplier and/or client instructions
quality assurance procedures
extrinsic material (as defined in the Acts Interpretation Act)
Applicable legislation and regulations may include:
Customs and related legislation
Australian Harmonized Export Classification Book
Customs Tariff Act 1995 and Schedules
other legislation related to importing and exporting of goods
export/import/quarantine/bond requirements
equal employment opportunity and affirmative action legislation
equal opportunity legislation
workplace relations regulations
relevant state/territory OH&S and environmental protection legislation
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of:
interpreting and applying rules for interpretation to goods
selecting and justifying heading (4 figure)
locating and justifying a sub-heading (6 or 8 figure)
completing post classification requirements
interpreting and applying Section and Chapter Notes
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
Resources for assessment include:
a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
Method of assessment
Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation
As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests
Practical assessment must occur:
through activities in an appropriately simulated environment at the registered training organisation, and/or
in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of:
interpreting and applying rules for interpretation to goods
selecting and justifying heading (4 figure)
locating and justifying a sub-heading (6 or 8 figure)
completing post classification requirements
interpreting and applying Section and Chapter Notes
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
Resources for assessment include:
a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
Method of assessment
Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation
As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests
Practical assessment must occur:
through activities in an appropriately simulated environment at the registered training organisation, and/or
in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace
No information
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W936 | TLI41610 | Certificate IV in International Freight Forwarding (Senior Operator) | Qualification |