Specialised education programmes on customs strategy and on e-commerce customs compliance launched

The Universities of Antwerp and Liège have launched two new educational modules in the area of trade and customs law. The teaching sessions on ‘customs strategy and international trade’ will take place end of November, whereas the module on ‘customs compliance in e-commerce’ will take place beginning of December.

The modules are part of a specialised programme of continuing education. Considering the current travel restrictions, both modules will entirely take place online. The universities will welcome lecturers from international institutions such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the customs authorities, the academic world, the legal profession and the private sector. The teaching programmes are developed in collaboration with the Belgian Customs Administration.

Customs Strategy and International Trade

International trade is more volatile than ever. Brexit, trade disputes, covid-19, digitalisation… external events and trends impact traditional trade patterns. A customs strategy matters, both at the level of the authorities and at the level of the economic operator. Defining such strategy requires insight in the EU customs policy environment and stakeholders. It also requires understanding of the current regulatory framework and technology tools relevant for a specific supply chain or product, and how to monitor future change.

Participants will learn how to manage the customs and trade function. They will be introduced into the stakeholders of the customs environment at EU and national level, gain an understanding of how to respond to disruptive trends, and learn how to anticipate change and address future challenges such as supply chain due diligence and carbon border adjustment mechanisms. Topics such as ‘managing trade through technology’ and ‘how to deal with customs enforcement trends’ are addressed as well.

• Timing: 23 November – 27 November 2020
• Full programme and registration are available here.

Customs compliance in e-commerce

Alongside the lifecycle of a low value consignment throughout the supply chain, our advanced program on eCommerce explains the customs and VAT rules as applied to cross−border e−commerce.

The programme is open to anyone who is or will be dealing with customs compliance in e-commerce. The participants will be introduced to the e-commerce environment and the role of customs. Subsequently, the module will address customs formalities upon import and export in the specific context of e-commerce, IT systems at EU and Member State level, VAT formalities upon import and the changes brought by the new VAT e-commerce package, product compliance requirements, how to be in control of the customs function (compliance systems, standard operating procedures, AEO, risk assessment, authorisation management). The educational programme will conclude with a session on customs investigations and the impact of non-compliance.

• Timing: 7 December – 10 December 2020
• Full programme and registration are available here.