Ilona Kawka

Ilona Kawka

Digital Trade & Customs Specialist at Institute of Export & International Trade
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Ilona Kawka is a digital trade expert at the Institute of Export & International Trade, the UK's leading organisation for international trade professionals. Since joining the Institute, she has played a key role in projects aimed at modernising UK global trade, with a primary focus on digital trade developments and post-EU exit border transformations.

At the Institute, which partners with governments to set global trade standards, Ilona is integral to key initiatives like the Border Target Operating Model and the Single Trade Window. Her experience plays an important role in advising on trade-related strategic challenges.

In addition to these initiatives, Ilona participates in several committees and working groups that help shape national and international trade policies and best practices for customs compliance globally. She is also a co-author of the paper, 'Enhanced Efficiency: Building a UK Border Fit for the 21st Century,' which demonstrates the authors' dedication to modernising the UK's trade infrastructure.

E: ilona.kawka@export.org.uk  

Contact information

Content by Ilona Kawka

Beyond the declaration: the raising demand for precision in regulatory data

Beyond the declaration: the raising demand for precision in regulatory data

Ilona Kawka
Ilona Kawka
01 Apr 2025

In the UK, the process of filing a standard customs or entry summary declaration required the provision of basic information, including product specifications, quantity, value, and applicable commodity codes and origin. This information has traditionally been sufficient for cross-border trade. However, this practice is evolving. For example, the government recently...

The future of customs intermediaries in the UK - overview

The future of customs intermediaries in the UK - overview

Ilona Kawka
Ilona Kawka
28 Jan 2024

Recognising the critical role that customs intermediaries play in enabling international trade for UK businesses, the government issued a consultation that sought feedback on the concept of introducing a voluntary standard. The final phase of the consultation process concluded in August 2023. A significant consensus emerged among stakeholders on the...

clearance process
Country update

Popular articles

The future of customs intermediaries in the UK - overview

The future of customs intermediaries in the UK - overview

28 Jan 2024

Recognising the critical role that customs intermediaries play in enabling international trade for UK businesses, the government issued a consultation that sought feedback on the concept of introducing a voluntary standard. The final phase of the consultation process concluded in August 2023. A significant consensus emerged among stakeholders on the...

Country update
clearance process
Beyond the declaration: the raising demand for precision in regulatory data

Beyond the declaration: the raising demand for precision in regulatory data

01 Apr 2025

In the UK, the process of filing a standard customs or entry summary declaration required the provision of basic information, including product specifications, quantity, value, and applicable commodity codes and origin. This information has traditionally been sufficient for cross-border trade. However, this practice is evolving. For example, the government recently...