Register here
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
Further dimensions of the Reform
Ward Lietaert, academic collaborator UAntwerp, Global Trade Compliance & Customs Manager at Heraeus Electro-Nite
4:40 pm
The impact of the Reform for national Customs Authorities
Kristian Vanderwaeren, head of the Belgian Customs Administration
5:05 pm
Discussion
5:30 pm
Reception and networking
Recognitions (under application)
- OVB
- IGO
- IBJ
- ITAA
Location
UAntwerp, Stadscampus
Hof van Liere
Prinsstraat 13, 200 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.
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.
