Rethinking professionalism and customs functions

Published 22 Jan 2026
Rethinking professionalism and customs functions
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Perspective
Profession

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 evolving in response to EU Customs Reform, sustainability regulations, geopolitical uncertainty and technological change.

Related content

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…

Profession
Topic spotlight
Beyond the EU Data Hub: harmonising customs knowledge

Beyond the EU Data Hub: harmonising customs knowledge

Enrika Naujokė
Enrika Naujokė
23 Jul 2026

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…

Profession
Perspective
EU customs compliance in a digital age: the future of customs professionals

EU customs compliance in a digital age: the future of customs professionals

Elena Lalova
Elena Lalova
29 Jun 2026

A short reflection by Elena, Chairman of the Bulgarian National Organization of Customs Agents, on how the EU customs reform and rising automation are reshaping the customs representative profession -…

Profession
Where does the customs broker’s responsibility end and the importer’s begin?

Where does the customs broker’s responsibility end and the importer’s begin?

Omer Wagner
Omer Wagner
15 Oct 2025

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…

Profession
Country update
Stability in times of uncertainty: PIFFA’s perspective on the future of logistics in Europe

Stability in times of uncertainty: PIFFA’s perspective on the future of logistics in Europe

Marek  Tarczynski
Marek Tarczynski
10 Feb 2026

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.…

Profession
Perspective
Structural shifts in customs functions: practitioner's perspective

Structural shifts in customs functions: practitioner's perspective

Walter Van der Meiren
Walter Van der Meiren
27 Jan 2026

A practitioner's perspective on how the customs function is changing inside organisations, presented by Walter Van der Meiren, Customs Brokerage Director at UPS, drawing on experience processing thousands of customs…

Profession