Every import is preceded by an export from another territory. In this advanced module, participants will gain insights in the barriers upon export and will learn to understand the importance of compliance with all formalities and controls – which have grown in importance in recent years. The sessions relate to the formalities upon export (and the tax implications linked thereto), sanctions, and export controls. Both theory and practice are covered in this interactive module, allowing participants to implement their learnings after successful completion of the programme.

The module will be supervised by Yves Melin (Partner at Reed Smith law firm) and Isabel Fressynet (Associate at Reed Smith law firm).

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 four and a half days of classes on:

  • 13, 14, 15 and 16 May 2024: 9.15 a.m. - 12.15 p.m. and 1.45 p.m. - 4.45 p.m.
  • 17 May 2024: 9.15 a.m. - 12.15 p.m.

All classes are taught in English and involve a high degree of interaction. 
Participation in the exam is only possible after meeting the minimum attendance requirement.

  • In a physical setting: a minimum individual attendance rate of at least 75% was achieved (force majeure situations included).
  • In an online setting: 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).

Exam

The exam will take place on 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 material

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

UAntwerpen, Stadscampus
Prinsstraat 13
2000 Antwerp.

The exam will also take place on the Stadscampus, University of Antwerp.
The correct auditorium for courses and exam will be communicated after registration.

Tuition fees

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

  • physically: EUR 2180 (covers registration, study material, exam, catering and lunch). 
  • online: EUR 1900 (covers registration, study material and exam).

Please note: on 17 May 2024, 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 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.

Recognition

Recognitions requested: IBJ, ITAA 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 Yves Melin (Partner at Reed Smith law firm) and Isabel Fressynet (Associate at Reed Smith law firm)

Programme (tentative)

13 May 2024

DAY 1 - 13 May 2024

Session 1, Cross-border trade in goods: the relevance of export from a customs, excise and VAT perspective: 9.15 a.m. - 12.15 p.m. 

Speaker: 

  • Kristian Vanderwaeren, Head of Belgian Customs

Session 2, Export and exit out of the customs territory of the Union: general principles and formalities: 1.45 p.m. - 4.45 p.m. 

Speakers: 

  • Daan De Vlieger, Director Global Trade Advisory at Deloitte
  • Nick Vandenabeele (Deloitte)

14 May 2024

DAY 2 - 14 May 2024

Session 3, An introduction to export controls and sanctions: 9.15 a.m. - 12.15 p.m. 

Speakers: 

  • Bert Gevers, Partner at Loyens & Loeff 
  • Yves Melin, Partner International Trade and Customs at Reed Smith LLP
  • Isabel Fressynet, Associate International Trade and Customs at Reed Smith LLP

Session 4, Export controls and sanctions: the US perspective: 1.45 p.m. - 4.45 p.m.

Speakers: 

  • Karen Nies-Vogel, Director of Exporter Services at United States Bureau of Industry and Security
  • Tan Albayrak, Partner International Trade and National Security at Reed Smith LLP

15 May 2024

DAY 3 - 15 May 2024

Session 5, Export controls and sanctions: an European comparison: 9.15 a.m. - 12.15 p.m. 

Speakers: 

  • Tim Hesselink, Partner at Kneppelhout Advocaten
  • Safak Herdem, Partner at Herdem Attorneys

Session 6,  Export controls and sanctions: a Belgian approach: 1.45 p.m. - 4.45 p.m. 

Speakers: 

  • Frieda Coosemans, General Counseler International Economy at FOD Economie
  • Giani Pandey, Legal Counsel at Strategic Goods Control Unit Flanders

16 May 2024

Day 4 - 16 May 2024

Session 7, Internal compliance programmes and investigations: do’s and don’ts: 9.15 a.m. - 12.15 p.m. 

Speakers:

  • Yves Melin, Partner International Trade and Customs at Reed Smith LLP
  • Tan Albayrak, Partner International Trade and National Security at Reed Smith LLP

Session 8, Regulatory controls on export: the shipment of waste: 1.45 p.m. - 4.45 p.m. 

Speakers:

  • Yorg Aerts, Policy Officer at the European Commission (DG ENVI)
  • ​Frithjof Laubinger, Environmental Economist at the OECD

17 May 2024

Day 5 - 17 May 2024

Session 9, Export credits. Towards an EU belt and road? An opportunity for European exporting companies: 9.15 a.m. - 12.15 p.m.

Speakers:

  • Adam Jirousek, Policy Officer at the European Commission (DG TRADE)
  • ​David Drysdale, Head of the Export Credits Division at the OECD

14 June 2024 - Exam

The exam will take place on Friday 14 June 2024, 9.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m..

Location: Stadscampus, University of Antwerp.