2026 Spring Forwarder Magazine

16 THE FORWARDER | SPRING 2026 In May, CIFFA will introduce a program poised to reshape how customs professionals are trained in Canada. The CIFFA Accredited Practitioner in Customs (CAPC ) is not simply another online credential. It is a practical, career-focused program designed by experienced customs brokers and vetted by trade lawyers — created to reflect the realities of modern customs operations and the legal framework that governs them. At a time when compliance expectations are rising and digital systems continue to evolve; the industry needs professionals who can do more than recite regulations. It needs practitioners who can apply them confidently and correctly. CAPC was designed with exactly that goal in mind. Built by Practitioners — Grounded in Law One of CAPC’s strongest differentiators is who stands behind it. The case studies were developed by working customs brokers who understand the day-to-day pressures of managing entries, advising clients, and interacting with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). As well the e-textbook was vetted by trade lawyers to ensure it reflects current legal standards and compliance expectations under Canada’s customs framework. That dual perspective — operational and legal — gives the program both practical relevance and regulatory depth. “This new course uses thought provoking analytical case studies and questions to educate students using real life scenarios, practical examples, mathematical formulas and calculations, and basic management analysis and decision making. Says Lorin Levine, customs broker and consultant. “The online delivery methodology mixes up the style instead of requiring regurgitation of memorized facts. I also recommend this course to anyone who is preparing to write their CBSA professional exam.” Real-World Learning, Not Just Theory Unlike traditional courses that focus largely on exam preparation, CAPC is structured around immersive case studies. Participants work through realistic scenarios involving: • Regulatory compliance and risk management • Tariff classification, valuation, and origin • Customs processes and procedures, including CARM • Enforcement, penalties and appeals Instead of memorizing sections of legislation in isolation, learners are placed in situations that require analysis, judgment, and practical problem-solving. “Customs professionals make decisions every day that carry financial and legal consequences,” says Bruce Rodgers, Executive Director of CIFFA. “Case-based learning prepares people for that responsibility in a way textbooks alone can’t.” A Clear Path Toward Customs Brokerage For those planning to pursue their customs broker licence, CAPC provides a structured and meaningful foundation. While it supports readiness for the CBSA Customs Broker Licensing Exam, its broader focus is preparing professionals for the work itself. That distinction matters in an industry where compliance errors can carry significant consequences. CAPC emphasizes critical thinking, professional judgment, and applied accuracy — essential qualities for future licensed brokers. Designed for the Trade Community CAPC is ideal for: • Individuals beginning their customs careers • Professionals preparing for the Customs Broker Licensing Exam • Logistics and freight forwarding staff managing cross-border shipments • Trade compliance specialists overseeing tariff classification and valuation • Managers within CIFFA member firms strengthening team expertise Developed by CIFFA in support of its customs broker members, the credential reflects the expectations of Canada’s global logistics community. Fully Online. On-Demand. Built for Working Professionals. The CIFFA Accredited Practitioner in Customs (CAPC) program isn’t just designed around real-world learning — it’s designed around real-world schedules. Delivered entirely online and completed at the learner’s own pace, CAPC offers the flexibility today’s customs and trade professionals need. There are no travel requirements and no time away from the office. Participants can progress through modules when it works for them — whether that’s between client files, after hours, or alongside their daily operational responsibilities. Accessible from anywhere in Canada, the on-demand format ensures that geography, workload, and shifting priorities don’t stand in the way of professional development. Built by customs brokers. Reviewed by trade lawyers. Structured around real-world challenges. For those entering the field — and for those charting a path toward becoming a licensed customs broker — CAPC represents more than training. It represents preparation for the realities of the job. Learn more, and take advantage of presale pricing A New Standard for Customs Professionals: CAPC Launches This Spring