EU customs changes: What you need to know

Selling into the EU? Customs rules are changing and understanding the Union Customs Code (UCC) is key to keeping your goods moving smoothly.

What you’ll learn

• Understand the key changes to the Union Customs Code and how they impact UK exports to the EU

• Assess the implications for your costs, processes, and customer experience when trading with the EU

• Take practical steps to prepare your business to stay aware of evolving EU customs requirements

Description.

Customs rules are evolving. Learn what the Union Customs Code (UCC) changes mean for your EU exports and how to control costs and keep your goods moving.

In this session, we’ll cut through the complexity and explain what the UCC means in practice for UK SMEs exporting to the EU. You’ll get a clear overview of upcoming changes, including new charges on low value goods and the shift towards a more digital, data driven customs system.

We’ll focus on what matters for your business how these changes could affect your costs, processes, and customer experience, and what you can do now to prepare.

Whether you’re new to exporting or looking to future proof your EU trade, this session will help you stay competitive and ready for what’s next.

Speakers

Jef Bastijns
Regulatory Manager, Brokerage & Customs Affairs, UPS

Jef Bastijns is Regulatory Manager, Brokerage & Customs Affairs for UPS across Europe, the Middle East, Africa. He leads regulatory strategy and customs advocacy on major international trade developments, including EU Customs Reform, de minimis changes, e-commerce regulation, trade compliance, and customs modernization.

With a career spanning logistics operations, trade compliance, customs affairs, and government engagement, he has become a recognized voice on customs modernization, e-commerce regulation, de minimis reforms, and international trade facilitation. He regularly engages with policymakers, customs administrations, and industry leaders to help shape practical and future-proof trade frameworks. He is a recognized industry expert and speaker known for providing practical insights on customs modernization, cross-border trade, compliance, and global supply chain transformation.

Emanuele Frezza
EU Affairs Senior Manager, UPS

Emanuele Frezza works as EU Affairs Senior Manager at UPS Europe in Brussels since February 2020. At UPS he is responsible for lobbying and advocacy activities on a range of EU policy issues, with a focus on trade, customs and postal policies. He is a member and contributor to the work of the European Express Association (EEA), which represents the interests of the express industry in Europe. Emanuele is also a member of the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) where he has held the position of Chair of the Trade and External Affairs Committee. Emanuele started his career at UPS as Public Affairs Manager for UPS Italy in May 2017, being based in Milan. Emanuele holds a Bachelor and a Master of Science in Economics from Bocconi University in Italy and a Master of Science in European Politics from KU Leuven in Belgium.