Import | Antwerp Tax Academy | University of Antwerp

Target audience

This advanced module can be taken by participants who have already passed the basic programme (English and/or Dutch) or can prove that they have obtained an equivalent degree of experience.

Course information

This module consists of three and a half days of classes.
All classes are taught in English and involve a high degree of interaction.
All classes are recorded. Participants can listen to the recordings afterwards in preparation for the exam.
In online settings: a minimum individual attendance rate of at least 75% was achieved (digital in real time) and a maximum of 25% participation in delayed relays (force majeure situations included)
In a physical setting: a minimum individual attendance rate of at least 75% was achieved (force majeure situations included).
Participation in the exam is only possible after meeting the minimum attendance requirement.

Exam

The exam will take place at the Stadscampus, University of Antwerp.
Foreign participants are offered the opportunity to take the exam from a distance.

Competence level

This advanced module is designed to ensure participants achieve an advanced level of competence (Level 2 of the EU Customs Competency Framework).

Course materials

Digital course materials are provided (e.g. PowerPoints, court bundles (legal doctrine, case law)). These digital course materials will be made available through the university’s electronic learning environment.

Location

Online or physically on the Stadscampus. The exact format will be communicated later.

Tuition fees

The price depends on the format (physical or digital) in which the lessons will be given.

Physically: EUR 1750 (covers registration, study material, exam, catering and lunch).

Please note: on the last classday, no lunch will be provided, as this is only a half-day lesson.

Registration

Electronically only through this webpage.

The registration fee is paid within 30 days of receipt of the debit note to KBC account number BE91 7360 6389 5176 of Nexus, CST-UAntwerp, Venusstraat 23, 2000 Antwerp. Each application/registration is binding and cannot be cancelled. Replacement by a colleague is possible with simple written notification to the organizers.

The prices mentioned are prices excluding VAT (Exemption VAT due to article 44 §2 4°), as the University of Antwerp is, in the current state of legislation, a legal entity not subject to VAT. Nexus/ATA reserves the right, however, in case VAT is still due on the registration price, to pass this VAT on to the participants.

Nexus is recognised as a training provider in the SME Portfolio (KMO portefeuille) system. Using this system could enable participants to save up to 30% of the registration fee. SME Portfolio applications must be submitted no later than 14 days after the course start date. The participant undertakes to respect the rules set out by the Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The accreditation number for Nexus Antwerp’s SME portfolio is DV.O100321.

Recognition

The required approvals are requested from the competent authorities (OVB, ITAA, IBJ and IGO).
The training is eligible for the Flemish training leave and training cheques.
Recognition paid educational leave under the PC226 is applicable.
Training premium (PC336): after you or your employee(s) have followed a training course, you can apply to Liberform for a training premium. The premium is a financial intervention to employers or companies that pay for the training: more info and application.
It is required that participants are effectively present. Replacement by a colleague is possible; the organization will be informed in writing in advance.

Lecturers

The module is taught by a team of lecturers with relevant expertise from the academic world, the government sector, the private sector and the legal profession. The module will be supervised by Ward Lietaert, Lawyer at Customs Legal.

Programme

An updated programme will be online soon.

22 April 2025 (tentative)

1. Free circulation and exemption of import duties (9.15 a.m. 12.15 p.m.)

Philippe Heeren, European Trade Counsel at Amazon & Ward Lietaert, Lawyer at Customs Legal

Collection of import duties and other charges where goods are liable, belong to the fiscal obligations of customs authorities. A common customs tariff duty is applicable to goods imported into the European Union. If applicable, duty relief can be applied. Depending on the commercial policy measures, the application of relief and any other formalities are laid down in respect of the legal procedures that are linked with the importation of such goods (such as pre-authorization, certificates, etc.).

2. Customs declarations and control (13.45 p.m. - 16.45 p.m.)

Dorothy Cardoen, AAD&A - Afdelingshoofd Antwerpen Operation Afdeling 2

Nick Neesen, Sales Executive at Descartes Systems Group

A customs declaration is an official document that lists and gives details of goods that are being imported or exported. In legal terms, a customs declaration is the act whereby a person indicates the wish to place goods under a given customs procedure. Types of declarations are related to trade flow. Elements as presentation of goods and responsibility, control, rectification and annulation of the import declaration are essential elements for this module.

23 April 2025 (tentative)

1. Trade defence rules and instruments (9.15 a.m. - 12.15 p.m.)

Dylan Geraets, Associate - Government & Global Trade at Mayer Brown

Trade defence instruments – applied in compliance with European Union law and the rules of the World Trade Organization – play an important role in achieving open and fair international trade and in defending European production against trade distortions such as subsidization or dumping by trade partners.

2. Customs requirements and the rules on food and hygiene standards (1.45 p.m. - 4.45 p.m.)

Aude Mahy, Food Law Partner at DALDEWOLF Belgium

Louis Van Den Bleeken, food hygiene expert at the Belgian food safety agency (FAVV).

This topic tackles the key principles that specifically apply to the import of foodstuffs in the EU, from hygiene requirements to the organisation of official controls. The session will be enriched with case studies issued from the practice.

24 April 2025 (tentative)

1. Entry procedures and arrival notification in EU perspective (9.15 a.m. - 12.15 p.m.)

Michaël Van Giel, Customs Management Support, ADON

Advance cargo information about consignments entering the EU determine anticipate on risk analysis priorities. Lodging this information at the first customs office of entry into the EU demand formalities and compliancy procedures by the carrier of the goods, by the importer-consignee or a representative. This module will look into detail on the step by step procedure, the responsibilities and the evolutions related to the entry into the customs territory.

2. Authorization-related clearance and simplifications (1.45 p.m. - 4.45 p.m.)

Nick Vandenabeele, Senior Manager & Daan De Vlieger, Partner - Global Trade Advisory, Deloitte

The placement of goods under a customs procedure is linked with a customs declaration. Apart from the classic declaration process, this module wants to focus on simplifications that will have a positive impact on the day-to-day operational flow in relation with trade volume. These simplifications are depending on authorizations and additional compliance measures. In particular, we will discuss the Entry into the records, centralized clearance, as well as specific storage procedures. Finally, we will discuss the policies on repayment and remission of an amount of import duty.

25 April 2025 (tentative)

1.Financing import-related customs activities (9.15 a.m. - 12.15 p.m.)