What is International Trade Law: Course Duration, Admission 2025, Colleges, Salary & Scope

Here are some tips on how to study International Trade Law:

• Take a strong foundation in public international law: International trade law is a subfield of public international law, so it is important to have a strong understanding of the fundamental principles of public international law, such as the law of treaties, the law of state responsibility, and the law of international organizations.
• Take courses in international trade law: Most law schools offer courses in international trade law. These courses will cover the major topics in international trade law, such as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and regional trade agreements.
• Read widely in the field of international trade law: There are many excellent textbooks and articles on international trade law. Reading widely in the field will help you to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
• Participate in moot courts and other extracurricular activities: Moot courts and other extracurricular activities can help you to develop your legal research and writing skills, as well as your public speaking skills.

Yes, International Trade Law has now become an independent field of study primarily because most of the governments have become a member / part of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Recently, International Trade Law has become a very popular and important law specialisation also because of the transactions between private sectors of different countries is an important part of the WTO activities.

If you wish to become an International Trade Lawyer in India then you need to ensure the following steps:

• Complete a law degree from a recognized university
• Pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE)
• Gain experience in International Trade Law through internships and jobs.
• Go for post-graduation in International Trade Law.

Yes, apart from undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, there are other options for studying International Trade Law in India. These include:

• Diploma programs in International Trade Law or related fields like International Business Law.
• Certificate courses in specific areas of International Trade Law.
• Online courses offered by universities or other online platforms.

The subjects covered in an International Trade Law course will vary depending on the specific program, but some common topics include:

• Introduction to International Trade Law: This course will typically cover the basics of International Trade Law, such as the sources of International Trade Law, the role of international organizations in international trade, and the different types of trade agreements.
• Law of the World Trade Organization (WTO): The WTO is the most important international organization governing international trade. This course will cover the major WTO agreements, such as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
• Regional trade agreements: Regional trade agreements are becoming increasingly important in international trade. This course will cover the major regional trade agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the European Union, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
• Trade remedies: Trade remedies are measures that governments can use to protect domestic industries from unfair trade practices. This course will cover the different types of trade remedies, such as tariffs, quotas, and anti-dumping duties.
• Dispute settlement: International trade disputes are often complex and difficult to resolve. This course will cover the different ways in which international trade disputes can be settled, such as through negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.

Some popular colleges to study International Trade Law are:

One of the most popular job profiles that candidates can pursue after completing a course in International Trade Law is to become a Lawyer in this field. Apart from this, candidates can also pursue other law job profiles after completing their International Trade Law course from a reputed college/ university. 

In this current period of massive globalization and modernization, the survival of a country on its own is unimaginable. International trade is now fundamental for global economic prosperity. Every country has to depend on other countries for their import or export of raw materials and other essential goods for the proper development of its economy.

The genesis of International Trade Law was laid down in the primitive times by the introduction of the barter system. This system was gradually transformed, developed and got upgraded into a more sophisticated, dignified, and reliable method of the binding written conventional rules, which guide different nations towards the sole aim of a good code of conduct.

These conventional rules, policies, and laws are what basically form the functionaries of International Trade Law. The work of international trade lawyers is split between two main areas:

1. Application of domestic law to international trade
2. Treaty-based international law governing trade flows.    

There is a profusion of career opportunities in the area of International Trade Law both within India and in global organizations outside India. Listed below are few names for the same:

1. Legal Firms Practicing in International Trade Law
2. International Trading Companies
3. IPR Consultants 4. Academicians
4. Export and Import Companies
5. National Financial Institutions Banking and Non-Banking
6. World Trade organisation
7. International Finance Organizations World Bank and IMF
8. Government Customs and Excise Department
9. Dispute Settlement Companies / Individuals
10. Shipping Companies
11. United Nations and similar international organizations.