The new rules and procedures framework UCC, which commenced in May 2016, is part of the modernisation of customs throughout the European Union and replaces the former Community Customs Code. Supply chain and customs professionals must learn about these changes because it influences their import and export activities.
Future of business, customs and logistics
In RSM’s Executive Master in Customs and Supply Chain Compliance, faculty members and guest speakers will educate practitioners in both the customs service and business to understand how the UCC framework can be implemented and followed effectively through co-operation and creativity.
Current participants say the programme makes an impact on the future of business, customs and logistics. “RSM brings strategic value to customs and foreign trade management by driving compliance efficiency, confronting new challenges and accelerating growth in cross-border trade,” says Sasank Mohanty, global customs and foreign trade manager at Sandoz, a Novartis company.
New factors to consider
“Traditionally, people working in customs mostly dealt with customs duty, and tax and legal matters,” says Dutch Custom’s head of trade relations Frank Heijmann. “Now, customs authorities do more than make sure that import duties are paid,” he said, adding that the attacks in the United States and changes in global logistics have created new factors to consider such as safety, health, economy and environment. “We don’t want radioactive substances being smuggled across borders, nor explosives or protected exotic animals,” said Heijmann.
Changed regulations
“The tasks and responsibilities of the customs have extended and regulations have increased,” said Heijmann. “This means that anyone dealing with customs needs expertise, not only in terms of customs legislation, but also in the field of supply chain management.”
The master programme’s curriculum builds on the changed regulations in the EU customs environment. It benefits professionals who work in customs authorities, government agencies, the service business and the logistics business, and everyone else involved in international cross border supply chains.
International perspectives
Participants will explore three focal points: customs regulations, supply chain management and information and compliance. For the former, the participants will thoroughly explore and understand the legal and regulatory aspects of the customs domain, including the international background of customs procedures, the perspective of the World Customs Organization, and the Union Customs Code.
Executive master student Hans Pieters, permanent representative to the World Customs Organisation at Belgium Administration for Customs and Excise Duties, agrees. “This executive master programme offers me a comprehensive view of today’s customs and logistics ecosystem. Also, by combining customs officers with business representatives, the variety of perspectives is sure to broaden the views of all participants,” says Pieters.
Top Sector Logistics Scholarship
The Top Sector Logistics Scholarship can support professionals in increasing their knowledge of European customs law, supply chain management and information management. On behalf of the Top Sector Logistics, the Dutch Institute for Advanced Logistics in the Netherlands, its programme secretary Connekt will provide 24 scholarships of € 5,000 to practitioners who are accepted into the Executive Master in Customs and Supply Chain Compliance programme.
The second run of the Executive Master in Customs and Supply Chain Compliance starts in March 2017. The 10 modules are scheduled for March, May, September and November 2017, and continue into 2018 with modules in January, March, May, July, September and November 2018.
