Profession
Beyond the EU Data Hub: harmonising customs knowledge
Enrika Naujokė23 Jul 2026
Beyond the EU Data Hub: harmonising customs knowledge
The EU is building a single Customs Data Hub - but harmonised data and harmonised law will not, on their own, produce consistent customs decisions across twenty‑seven member states. This article argues that the customs reform is the moment to add the missing element: harmonised customs knowledge. It traces how...
Profession
Perspective
Work smarter: tools and techniques to boost productivity
Work smarter: tools and techniques to boost productivity
16 Apr 2026
One of the major technology companies has recently published a document on preparing for superintelligence, emphasising the importance of keeping people at the centre of technological development. Although there is still some way to go, the shift is already underway, with companies increasingly favouring professionals who enhance their capabilities through...
Profession
Topic spotlight
Stability in times of uncertainty: PIFFA’s perspective on the future of logistics in Europe
Marek Tarczynski10 Feb 2026
Stability in times of uncertainty: PIFFA’s perspective on the future of logistics in Europe
The interview underlines the increasing complexity of trade and customs compliance for the logistics sector, driven by sanctions regimes, environmental regulations, tighter border controls and ongoing EU Customs Code reforms. It points to Poland’s growing importance as a regional logistics hub and the disruptive effects of the war in Ukraine...
Profession
Perspective
Rethinking professionalism and customs functions
Rethinking professionalism and customs functions
22 Jan 2026
This article examines what is required for customs functions to remain effective in the modern trade environment. It draws on key insights from the 31st Authors’ Meeting and the perspectives of business and customs practitioners, alongside academics. It analyses how the roles of customs specialists, representatives and compliance officers are...
Profession
Perspective
To make customs sexy
Achim Rogmann20 Jan 2026
To make customs sexy
This article takes a broad view of the customs ecosystem, considering not only trade and administration, but also academia, non-customs authorities and legislators. It links the evolving mission of EU customs with education, innovation, and European integration, examining how diverse actors interact within a complex system. The article is written...
Profession
Perspective
The future of customs in Europe: insights from CLECAT
Eva Cartwright15 Jan 2026
The future of customs in Europe: insights from CLECAT
The interview marks the start of the Reflections Series, which follows on from the Customs Ecosystem Conference that took place on 6–7 October 2025. The series aims to share key insights and perspectives from leading figures in the customs ecosystem. Our first guest is Ms Eva Cartwright, CLECAT's Senior Manager...
Profession
Perspective
The role of the risk register in compliance and risk management
Mark Rowbotham19 Oct 2025
The role of the risk register in compliance and risk management
This article introduces the risk register as a practical tool for identifying, assessing, and managing risks within organisations and projects. It explains how risks can be categorised, prioritised, and monitored through both qualitative and quantitative approaches, and illustrates these principles with a sample risk register for a customs training course.
Compliance
Profession
Topic spotlight
Where does the customs broker’s responsibility end and the importer’s begin?
Omer Wagner15 Oct 2025
Where does the customs broker’s responsibility end and the importer’s begin?
An importer of Botox has been required by Customs to pay additional duties, following the reclassification of the product from a "medicinal product" to a "toxin". The importer is now suing their customs broker for negligence, alleging a classification error and the broker’s failure to advise that a certificate of...
Profession
Country update
Customs in the age of data: new challenges for customs professionals
Albert Willem Veenstra13 Jul 2025
Customs in the age of data: new challenges for customs professionals
“We are continually adding new competences and skills to the role of the compliance professional. This raises the question of how we ought to prioritise what is essential to learn,” says Albert Veenstra. Read Enrika Naujokė’s interview with the professor to learn more about the growing importance of data quality...
Profession
Perspective
The future of customs: AI, education and the human factor
Frank Heijmann08 Apr 2025
The future of customs: AI, education and the human factor
With AI advancing rapidly, concerns about its impact on jobs and decision-making are growing. In this engaging interview, Enrika Naujoke and Frank Heijmann explore how AI is transforming customs, the balance between human judgment and machine efficiency, and why a strong foundation in education might be essential for navigating the...
Digitalisation
Profession
Case law
Interview: Why Politicians Lie About Trade... and What You Need to Know about It
Dmitry Grozoubinski24 Nov 2024
Interview: Why Politicians Lie About Trade... and What You Need to Know about It
Dmitry Grozoubinski is a recognized authority on international trade policy and the author of “Why Politicians Lie About Trade”. The book is an accessible guide to how international trade really works. It gives voters a peak behind the curtain, and equips them with the tools to ask the right questions...
Profession
Interview
How to build relationship with a customs broker: Step-by-step instructions from a customs official
Rizwan Mahmood10 Mar 2024
How to build relationship with a customs broker: Step-by-step instructions from a customs official
Finding the right customs broker can be a huge problem for traders. One may seem to be "your" person, but they may misunderstand you or not listen to you. Another may not have the proper level of knowledge and so on. This article is designed to help you with this...
Profession
Explainer
The future of customs intermediaries in the UK - overview
Ilona Kawka28 Jan 2024
The future of customs intermediaries in the UK - overview
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...
Profession
Country update
Customs brokers in Europe: Shaping and establishing a future-proof roleEnrika Naujokė28 Jan 2024
Customs brokers in Europe: Shaping and establishing a future-proof role
Case law tells us how importing and exporting SMEs, which do not have in-house customs expertise, understand their role and responsibilities, as well as those of a customs broker. Often, when a dispute arises with customs over penalties imposed on an importer or exporter for an offence, the company claims...
Profession
Explainer
Customs brokers and their management: current challenges and the future
Customs brokers and their management: current challenges and the future
14 Jan 2024
Customs brokers are an important part of the customs ecosystem. Both parties - traders and customs - can benefit greatly from working with these professional intermediaries. Customs brokers take on the complex tasks related to customs clearance, protect and serve the interests of the parties involved while balancing their different...
Profession
Perspective
What is ‘cool’ about customs for you?
Rainer Wilms30 Nov 2023
What is ‘cool’ about customs for you?
‘What are your main tasks as the Head of European Customs at DB Schenker? What are the main challenges and how do you deal with them? How do you measure success? What is ‘cool’ about customs for you? If you would have all the powers and resources, what would be...
Profession
Explainer