Empowered Official Essentials - IIEI-257

Course Description: This six-week online course examines the important role of the Empowered Official (EO) in an organization to ensure compliance with US Government (USG) export and import related regulations. This course helps trade professionals develop a hands-on understanding of the key elements, demands, diverse duties and many responsibilities of the practicing EO with a focus on situations they may face. It is intended for those who are EOs and those who aspire to or could be.

Prerequisite: An individual should have a minimum of one years experience in a responsible trade administration or compliance position prior to taking this course.  However; you may be an EO to be or a brand new EO and this is your first exposure to the subject matter. 

Course Credit: 3 Credit Hours

NOTE:  To gain a better and more detailed knowledge and understanding of the full-range of the EOs duties and responsibilities, once you have completed this orientation, the following IIEI courses are strongly recommended, but are not required.

• Understanding the ITAR (IIEI-306)
• Understanding the EAR (IIEI-307)
• Ethics in Trade Compliance (IIEI-320)

If you are or plan to be an EO, it is also recommended that you consider completing the IIEI’s Certified US Export Compliance Officer® Program.

Major Course Topics & Course Outcomes

As a result of the group and individual activities included in this course, the student will acquire the following knowledge and skills that can be applied to the workplace:  

Trade Compliance Regulations 

• Review the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and ITAR
• Identify key definitions of EAR and ITAR
• Discuss the overall USG trade controls regulatory environment
• Recognize key portions of the USG regulations that directly impact the EO's role

Role of the EO 

• Break down the role and responsibilities of the EO within an organization
• Explain administrative and criminal penalties and liabilities

Trade Administration and Compliance 

• Interpret the USG licensing process, players and policies

Registration 

• Understand registration requirements

Jurisdiction and Classification 

• Describe jurisdictional and classification determinations

Documentation Requirements 

• Distinguish types of licenses, other forms and their usage
• Discuss filing and record keeping requirements

Organization Policies & Procedures (P&P) Impacting EO Performance 

• Recognize the impact of organizational P&P on the trade compliance effort
• Outline what to do when there are possible violation and disclosure issues
• Point out the components of a "best practice-based" trade compliance program

Common Problems Facing an EO 

• Explain the most common problems facing an EO
• Illustrate issues involving foreign nationals/persons and the unauthorized transfer of controlled technologies

Ethics and the EO 

• Identify ethical dilemmas and practical problems that an EO may encounter
• Demonstrate decision making ability in accordance with the regulations and corporate guidance

Course Materials:

• The EAR, 15 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 730-774
• The ITAR, 22 CFR, Parts 120-130
• Trade Controls & Related Internet Links
• EO Appointment and Designation Letter Templates
• Product(s)/Service(s) Matrix Template
• GlobalWatch® Article “Is Your Trade Compliance Program Super or Superficial?”
• USG Denied Entities Internet Resources Reference
• International Trade Compliance Program (ITCP) Overview
• GlobalWatch® Article “EO In Name Only?”

Please note that textbooks are subject to change. Please contact your advisor before purchasing the textbook for your class to confirm.