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The future of EU Customs | What’s in it for business and customs?
14 April @ 10:30 am - 5:30 pm
| €175The reform of the Union Customs Code (UCC) represents the most significant transformation of the EU customs framework in decades. Moving from a declaration-based system to a fully data-driven model, the reform will fundamentally change how customs authorities and businesses interact across the European Union.
This high-level conference brings together EU policymakers, customs authorities and business leaders to examine what the reform means in practice, both for economic operators and for customs administrations.
At a time when key implementation details are still being defined through implementing and delegated acts, it is crucial for stakeholders to gain clarity on the direction of travel. Businesses, as the backbone of European industry and trade, require predictability, proportionality and legal certainty. Customs authorities, in turn, need effective tools to ensure enforcement, risk management and fair competition.
This is precisely why ICC, as the voice of business, is taking the initiative to organise this event — to create a platform for open dialogue and practical clarification for companies. The conference is organised in close cooperation with FEB, BusinessEurope, Agoria, Essenscia and Fedustria, ensuring strong representation from across European industry.
The event will focus in particular on:
- The EU Customs Data Hub and the shift towards a data-driven supervision model
- The balance between facilitation and enforcement
- The evolving role of AEO and trust-based supervision
- Liability, sanctions and governance implications
- E-commerce
Structured around interactive panel discussions — “What’s in it for Business?” and “What’s in it for Customs?” — the conference aims to foster an open and constructive exchange between public and private stakeholders.
10:30 am – 10:45 am | Welcome & Setting the Scene
Jan Delen, Chair BE committee on Customs & Trade Facilitation
John Bescec, Chair global commisison on Customs & Trade Facilitation
- Objectives of the event
- State of play of the EU Customs Reform
- Next steps: Implementing & Delegated Acts (IA/DA)
10:45 am – 11:40 am | Keynote – EU Policy Perspective
Luisa Santos, Deputy Director General at BusinessEurope
Vanessa Hernandez-Guerrero, Head of unit A2 – customs legislation (DG TAXUD) at the European Commission
11:40 am – 1:10 pm | Panel Discussion I : what’s in it for business?
Focus on facilitation, trust&check, AEO, liability and governance implications of the reform
Moderated by Pieter Haesaert, chairman CRSNP, director Portorium & Tom De Ridder, Senior Manager Customs at KPMG
- Jimmy Geninazzi Customs & Trade Compliance manager Belgium bij Dow Sillicones Belgium
- Anna Kantrup – BDI
- Pinar Oezdemir – VW Group
- Werner Rens, Advisor-General and Head of Department at the Marketing & Facilitation Department of the General Administration of Customs and Excise, FPS Finance
1:10 pm – 2:10 pm | Networking Lunch
2:10 pm – 3:20 pm | Panel Discussion – The EU Data Hub
From Customs Declarations to a Data-Driven System: How Will It Work?
Opening intervention by Kanto Petri, head of unit Architecture & Digital operations (DG TAXUD), European Commission
Followed by a panel discussion
- How will the EU Data Hub function in practice?
- What are the policy intentions behind it?
- What does it mean concretely for businesses?
Moderated by Pieter Haesaert, chairman CRSNP, director Portorium
- Vidar Gunderson, Customs advisor and Venture investor – Adiuvero
- Björn Bolling, vice chair CRSNP and CEO Xcomm
- Walter Vandermeiren, Customs Brokerage Director AT UPS | Customs Regulations
- Ridvan Taci, Chairman – Customs Software Alliance
3:20 pm – 3:50 pm | Coffee Break
3:50 pm – 5:00 pm | Panel Discussion II: What’s in it for customs?
The evolving role of customs authorities
Enforcement may be strengthened but is facilitation for industry sufficiently enhanced?
Can enforcement be strengthened while simultaneously reducing red tape for compliant industry operators?
Topics: E-Commerce & Data Responsibility removal de minimis rule, data reporting, tempory storage, etc
Moderated by Anna Jerzewska
- Luis Fernandez, Customs Affairs Advisor at the Permanent Representation of France to the EU
- Małgorzata Krok, The Minister’s Envoy for Warsaw’s EUCA bid
- Brigitte Vandenbussche, Customs and Excise Advisor, Cabinet of Finance
- Roel Van ‘t Veld – Head of European Affairs at DG Customs – Ministry of Finance of The Netherlands
5:00 pm – 5:20 pm | Closing Session – Key Takeaways & Next Steps
By Valerérie Picard, Head of Trade – International Chamber of Commerce
Paula Baene, ICC Global Policy for Trade and Customs
When?
Tuesday, 14 April 2026
10:30 am – 5:20 pm CET
Where?
ICC Belgium c/o VBO-FEB
Rue Ravenstein 4
1000 Brussels
Participation Fee
- Members ICC/ VBO-FEB/ AGORIA/ ESSENSCIA/FEDUSTRIA/ BUSINESS EUROPE: €175 excl. VAT
- Non-Members: €295 excl. VAT
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made in writing up to 4 working days before the event to receive a full refund.
After this date, no refund will be possible. Substitutions are accepted at any time.
Contact
For practical information and registrations, please contact:
Theodora Mbiye
Theodora.mbiye.mulomba@iccwbo.be
Registrations have been closed for this event.