BSMT9005 Customs & International Trade Assignment – Technological University Dublin TUD

Please respond to Tasks 1 – 4 that follow

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this assignment, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an ability to manage resources effectively and efficiently including time, data and resources.
• Appraise and develop pertinent data and information objectively.
• Understand the customs sector from various stakeholder view-points.
• Connect the role and purpose of the customs sector to the macro environment on a socioeconomic level.

Module Involved: BSMT9005 Customs and International Trade

Supervision: Assignment is individual based but lecturer is available at all times to discuss any possible issues.

Submission Method: Brightspace. Copy of presentation to be uploaded to Brightspace by Tuesday 9^th   Dec @ 23:59.

Module Weight: 30%

Referencing and Bibliography: Assignment must include in-text citations and bibliography.

Ethics and Academic Integrity: All work must conform to the expected levels of ethics and academic integrity as confirmed in class and the student handbook.

Word count: 1500 – 2000 words.

Assignment Brief:

You are working as a junior trade compliance officer for an Irish company that exports goods to the UK. Your manager has asked you to prepare a comprehensive report and complete a series of tasks to demonstrate your understanding of key concepts in international trade, including Tariff codes (HS codes), the Harmonized System (HS), and the documentation required for exporting goods from Ireland to the UK.

Task 1: Understanding the Harmonized System (HS) and Tariff Codes

Research and Explain:

1. Provide an overview of the Harmonized System (HS) and its importance in international trade.
2. Explain how HS codes are structured (e.g., 6-digit, 8-digit, or 10-digit codes) and how they are used in customs declarations.

Practical Application:

3. Identify the correct HS code for the following products:
   a. Frozen strawberries
   b. Parachutes
   c. Rear-view mirrors for cars (including plastic casing, support and self-dimmer switch)

Justify your choice of codes by referencing the Irish Customs Tariff or other relevant resources.

Task 2: Export Documentation for Ireland-UK Trade Scenario-Based Task:

Your company is exporting a shipment of 1250 tyres from Ireland to the UK. The shipper has described them as ‘new bus tyres, which are pneumatic and have a load index of 114.5’.

4. Prepare a sample Commercial Invoice and Packing List for this shipment, ensuring all required details are included (e.g., product description, HS code, value, weight, etc).
5. List and Explain:

Identify and describe four key documents required for exporting the goods from Ireland to the UK. Examples may include:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Certificate of Origin
• Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
• Export Declaration (e.g., Irish Customs Declaration)

6. Explain the purpose of each document and why it is important for customs clearance and compliance with post-Brexit trade rules.

Task 3: Post-Brexit Trade Considerations Research and Explain:

7. Explain how Brexit has impacted trade between Ireland and the UK, focusing on:
   • Customs declarations and checks.
   • Rules of origin requirements.
   • VAT and duty implications.

8. Provide a brief overview of the Northern Ireland Protocol and its relevance to Irish-UK trade.

Case Study Analysis:

9. A shipment of parachutes (HS code identified in Task 1) is being exported from Ireland to the UK. However, the shipment is delayed at customs due to incorrect documentation or noncompliance with post-Brexit rules.

Analyze the potential reasons for the delay and provide recommendations to avoid such issues in the future.

Task 4: Reflection

10. Reflect on the importance of accurate HS codes, proper documentation, and compliance with post-Brexit trade rules in ensuring smooth customs clearance and maintaining trade relationships between Ireland and the UK.

Submission Requirements:

A written report (1,500–2,000 words) covering all tasks.

Include tables, charts, or screenshots where appropriate (e.g., HS code lookup, sample documents).

Ensure all sources are referenced using a consistent referencing style (e.g., APA 7^th Edition).   

Assessment Criteria:

1. Accuracy and depth of research (e.g., correct HS codes, understanding of HS structure).
2. Practical application (e.g., quality of sample documents, justification of codes).
3. Critical analysis (e.g., case study analysis, post-Brexit considerations).
4. Professional presentation (e.g., clarity, structure, referencing).

Full assessment criteria breakdown available on Brightspace.

Note:  

1. DUE on the 9^{th of} Dec 2025 by 23:59. Please submit a soft copy in Word via Brightspace ONLY.
2. The assignment should be written using Microsoft Word with font size 12 and 1.5 line spacing. The page margin must be 2.5 cm right and left, and top and bottom.
3. The maximum number of pages allowed for this assignment is 12 pages (excluding cover page and references).
4. Appendices can only be used for relevant additional materials. Any additional page will incur a 5 points
5. The assignment must apply the correct APA 7 style referencing format.
6. Any assignments submitted late will have penalties of a 5% deduction in marks per day of late submission.
7. You are required to submit an AI Declaration Statement. This statement should outline whether AI tools were used, how they were used, and ensure academic integrity is upheld. Ensure that AI was used ethically and did not replace critical thinking or understanding of the subject matter. Take full responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of the content presented in this assignment.

Total Marks: 100

BSMT9005 Assignment Marking Rubric

TASK 1

TASK 2

TASK 3

TASK 4

Professional Presentation (10 Marks)

Total Marks: /100

90–100: Excellent – Outstanding work, exceeds expectations.

80–89: Very Good – High-quality work, minor improvements needed.

70–79: Good – Solid work, meets expectations with some areas for improvement. 60–69: Satisfactory – Adequate work, but significant improvements needed.

50–59: Pass – Meets minimum requirements, but many areas need improvement. Below 50: Fail – Does not meet minimum requirements.