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On 26 March 2026, the EU legislators agreed to overhaul the Union’s customs framework, equipping the EU with a modern toolbox to address trends such as the surge in trade volumes (particularly in e-commerce), digital data-driven processes and a rapidly growing number of EU regulatory
standards requiring border checks, all within the context of challenging geopolitical realities. The reform aims to introduce innovative instruments to facilitate global trade, collect customs duties more effectively and efficiently, and strengthen controls on non-compliant, dangerous, and unsafe goods.
With this afternoon seminar, the University of Antwerp offers the opportunity to explore and get up to speed with the latest on these new developments in customs policy and regulation. The speakers’ expertise ensures a comprehensive and critical overview at an academic level.
Programme
2:00 pm
Welcome and introduction
Anne Van de Vijver, dean Faculty of Law UAntwerp
Eric Van Dooren, associate professor in Customs Law UAntwerp
2:10 pm
The Reform as a new step in the European customs project
Timothy Lyons, KC, barrister, 39 Essex Chambers; lawyer, Brussels Bar
2:35 pm
The legislative proces of the Reform
Frank Heijmann, counsellor Customs, Permanent Representation of the Netherlands to the EU
3:00 pm
EU Customs Data Hub and e-commerce
Daan De Vlieger, academic collaborator UA – Customs & Trade advisor
3:25 pm
Break
3:50 pm
New roles and responsibilities, including the EU Customs Authority
Philippe Heeren, academic collaborator UAntwerp, partner EU Customs and Trade at Reed Smith LLP Brussels
4:15 pm
From Ambition to Compromise: Customs Infringements and Penalties in the UCC Reform
Ward Lietaert, academic collaborator UAntwerp, Global Trade Compliance & Customs Manager at Heraeus Electro-Nite
4:30 pm
EU Customs Reform: Towards Implementation
Yannick Van Ranst, policy coordinator and team leader Unit Customs Policy, DG Taxud
4:50 pm
The impact of the Reform for national Customs Authorities
Kristian Vanderwaeren, head of the Belgian Customs Administration
5:15 pm
Discussion
5:40 pm
Reception and networking
Recognitions
- OVB
- IBJ
- ITAA (under application)
- IGO has accredited this training for magistrates, judicial trainees and members of the judicial staff, provided that they attend the training in person. If a participant registers but does not attend, the IGO will not cover any costs incurred. Substitution by a colleague is permitted. In that case, the substitute must sign next to the name of the participant being replaced, indicating their own name and function. The book used as part of the training is not included in the IGO accreditation or in the training fee. Participants who wish to use the book must purchase it themselves.
⚠️ Please note: The organiser does not verify whether a participant is entitled to reimbursement by the IGO. If it subsequently appears that the code selected was incorrect, any costs remain the responsibility of the participant or their service. The organiser cannot be held liable for this.
Location
UAntwerp, Stadscampus
Hof van Liere
Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerp
Registration fee
- The registration fee is €225.
- This fee covers participation in the seminar, all materials and documentation, the full text of the New Union Customs Code in book form, coffee break and reception.
- IGO participants, FODFIN, and students/staff of the University of Antwerp are not included in the provision of a complimentary copy of the book. However, they are welcome to obtain the publication independently if they wish.
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.
It is required that participants are effectively present. Replacement by a colleague is possible; the organization will be informed in writing in advance.
The prices stated are prices exclusive of VAT (Exemption VAT due to article 44 §2 4°), because Nexus/ATA is a non-taxable legal person in the current state of the legislation. The legislator can change this and Nexus/ATA therefore reserves the right to charge this VAT in case the legislator decides to do so.
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.
