Godfried Smit
Godfried Smit studied Dutch Law and Tax Law at Erasmus University Rotterdam and Leiden University. He began his career with Dutch Customs and subsequently held various positions at evofenedex.
Godfried serves as Secretary General of the European Shippers’ Council (ESC), representing the interests of European shippers in Brussels. In this role, he is closely involved in European policy developments related to customs, trade facilitation, international trade and freight transport, with particular responsibility for inland, rail and maritime transport.
With extensive experience in customs and international trade, Godfried is actively involved in discussions on EU customs reform, trade compliance, supply-chain data and the development of efficient and resilient European supply chains.
Alongside his professional career, Godfried has taught international and customs law at Leiden University. He is a frequent speaker at conferences, seminars and industry events on customs, transport, international trade and European regulatory developments.
Contact information
Content by Godfried Smit
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...
Modernising EU Customs: a perspective from the European Shippers' Council
In this interview, Godfried Smit, Secretary General of the European Shippers’ Council, shares his reflections on the EU Customs Reform. From the future EU Data Hub and the growing importance of high-quality supply chain data to the practical steps companies should already be taking, the interview offers an insider’s view...
EU Customs Reform & Data Hub: a turning point for European trade
Godfried Smit, Secretary General of the European Shippers' Council, talks to Enrika Naujokė about the EU customs reform and what it means for businesses preparing for change - essential viewing for customs and trade compliance professionals tracking the new Union Customs Code and the EU Customs Data Hub. Topics covered:...
EU centralised clearance - benefits and limits
Godfried Smit, Secretary General of the European Shippers' Council, explains how centralised clearance works under the Union Customs Code and why customs and trade compliance professionals should understand both its practical benefits and its current limits. Topics covered: The legal basis of centralised clearance (Article 179 of the UCC, and...
Popular articles
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...
Modernising EU Customs: a perspective from the European Shippers' Council
In this interview, Godfried Smit, Secretary General of the European Shippers’ Council, shares his reflections on the EU Customs Reform. From the future EU Data Hub and the growing importance of high-quality supply chain data to the practical steps companies should already be taking, the interview offers an insider’s view...
EU Customs Reform & Data Hub: a turning point for European trade
Godfried Smit, Secretary General of the European Shippers' Council, talks to Enrika Naujokė about the EU customs reform and what it means for businesses preparing for change - essential viewing for customs and trade compliance professionals tracking the new Union Customs Code and the EU Customs Data Hub. Topics covered:...