The Customs Ecosystem Conference 2025, hosted by the Customs of Lithuania and the Lithuanian Customs Practitioners Association on 6-7 October, brought together customs professionals, policymakers, academia, and businesses to advance innovation, collaboration, and future-ready operations in the European customs ecosystem.
The two-day event featured keynote sessions, workshops, and interactive roundtables on digital transformation, EU customs reform, and the use of artificial intelligence to improve compliance and trade efficiency. Speakers from across Europe and outside, including Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Latvia, Georgia, and Armenia shared insights into emerging technologies and policy developments shaping “future-proof” customs operations. Academia highlighted the importance of nurturing the next generation of customs professionals, while associations emphasised collaboration to drive excellence and closer cross-border cooperation.
Representing the European Shippers’ Council (ESC), Mr Godfried Smit and Mr Matteo Nenciolini outlined ESC’s priorities for a transparent, efficient, and secure customs framework. Key points included a robust and safe data hub, clear transition rules, and a fair, predictable division of liability among supply chain partners. ESC also advocated for a meaningful AEO/T&C status, offering tangible benefits to all economic operators, including SMEs, such as faster border clearance, fewer checks, and reduced paperwork.
During the event but also in Brussels, ESC actively participated in roundtables and discussions with other trade associations, exchanging ideas on cooperation, best practices, and strategies to improve EU customs processes. This engagement reinforced ESC’s commitment to collaboration, harmonisation, and advancing a unified European customs vision.
The conference concluded with a call to strengthen partnerships, leverage digitalisation and AI, and build a modern, innovative, and sustainable customs ecosystem across all EU Member States.