Special Report: Highlights of the ODASCE Conference in Marseille, France
I was thrilled to participate in the 17th ODASCE conference held at the magnificent Palais du Pharo in Marseille. This event, organised by the Organisation pour le Développement des Activités de Sécurisation des Echanges (ODASCE), brought together experts and professionals from across the customs and trade sectors to explore some of the most pressing issues we face today. As I reflect on my experience, I’m eager to share my personal insights and takeaways from this remarkable gathering.
Day 1: A Dynamic Start
The conference began with an inspiring welcome from Marc Brocardi, President of ODASCE, who set the tone with his emphasis on unlocking new perspectives in customs and trade. Senior representatives from key EU institutions, including DG TAXUD and DG TRADE, alongside French governmental and industrial leaders, led the morning sessions.
One standout for me was the presentation on the ongoing reform of the Union Customs Code (UCC). I believe this reform signals a transformative era for EU customs. As highlighted, the shift of customs to Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič's portfolio reflects a deliberate move towards integrating customs into the EU's broader economic strategy. This alignment underscores a shift away from fragmented, siloed processes to a unified, technology-driven framework. I found the discussion about the single digital platform particularly compelling. Imagine a future where real-time data simplifies operations, reduces red tape, and fosters compliance seamlessly—this is the vision that resonated with me.
Another highlight was the intervention on EU Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The pride in the EU's achievements was palpable, and I felt a renewed sense of optimism for businesses navigating these opportunities. The resources shared, such as Access2Markets and the Single Entry Point, reminded me of the EU's commitment to empowering businesses. The removal of over 130 trade barriers, unlocking €6 billion in trade opportunities, exemplifies the tangible impact of these efforts. I couldn’t help but feel inspired by this proactive approach to ensuring fair trade in a turbulent global landscape.
De-Risking Value Chains
A fascinating roundtable discussion explored the evolving complexities of value chains. From securing raw materials to navigating regulatory challenges, the emphasis on economic sovereignty struck a chord with me. In a world increasingly defined by uncertainty, I think the ability to de-risk and fortify supply chains is more critical than ever.
I appreciated the key insights from Director General Florian Colas of DGDDI (French Customs), who highlighted the evolving challenges faced by French customs. With the significant increase in merchandise volumes and the broadened scope of control responsibilities, customs is tasked with managing compliance with increasingly complex regulations and contributing to economic governance, leading to a profound transformation. The Director General stressed that customs has evolved beyond mere border controls—it is now a vital tool for economic security, protecting our way of life. Governments are increasingly dependent on customs to manage trade flows, ensure compliance, and safeguard national interests. Meanwhile, the European customs landscape is on the verge of significant reform, as the EU Customs Code is set to undergo major changes in the coming years. These developments position customs professionals at the heart of this dynamic environment.
Participatory Think Tanks
The afternoon brought a shift to hands-on collaboration with the Think Tanks. These sessions were designed to tackle specific customs challenges through interactive discussions.
Learning from Border Risk Management illuminated how past customs controls can inform more agile, future-focused risk management strategies.
Including Customs in Contractual Relations underscored the importance of embedding customs risk into agreements, which I believe is vital for securing operations in today’s interconnected world.
Customs & Transportation: The New Interactions delved into the synergy between digitisation, logistics, and customs. For me, this session captured the essence of modernising processes to meet the demands of global trade.
Lastly, The Challenges of Compliance, where I had the privilege of contributing, stood out for its deep dive into regulatory challenges like sanctions, deforestation, and forced labour. I was moved by the passion in the room, as participants shared actionable solutions for integrating compliance into daily customs operations.
The day concluded with a spectacular Gala Evening at the Palais de la Bourse. This wasn’t just an elegant affair—it was a testament to the power of human connection, as professionals from diverse backgrounds bonded over shared experiences and challenges.
Day 2: Hot Topics and Future Directions
The second day opened with sessions on hot topics, and I was struck by how timely and relevant these discussions were.
The session on Customs IT Work Programs vividly illustrated the progress and challenges in implementing the UCC’s digital transformation. As someone deeply invested in streamlining customs operations, I think the clarity provided around deadlines and milestones was invaluable.
Equally engaging was the discussion on ethical and environmental rules in supply chains. The emphasis on compliance and traceability stirred a sense of urgency in me. With regulations expanding, it’s clear that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity for businesses aiming to thrive in the future.
The final session on AEO vs. Trust & Check left me reflecting on the evolving relationship between businesses and customs. The comparisons drawn highlighted the need for flexibility and innovation in these partnerships. I believe these insights will shape how businesses approach customs cooperation in the years ahead.
Closing Reflections
As the conference concluded, Alain Gronier and the rapporteurs synthesized the Think Tanks, encapsulating the collective insights from two days of intense collaboration. Their summary was insightful and a poignant reminder of the strength of shared knowledge. I had the pleasure of joining the rapporteur on stage to present our conclusions on customs compliance.
Finishing touches
I was particularly moved by the witty and thought-provoking Discovery Report from Denis Redon, which brought humour and a fresh perspective to emerging regulatory frameworks. Finally, Marc Brocardi’s closing speech left us with a profound sense of purpose. His call for continued dialogue resonated deeply with me—I felt a renewed commitment to addressing the challenges of our industry together.
Final Thoughts
Attending the ODASCE conference was more than just an opportunity to learn; it was an emotional journey that reaffirmed my passion for the customs and trade profession. I left Marseille inspired by the wealth of knowledge shared and the connections forged. I truly believe that by working together, we can navigate the complexities of global trade and drive meaningful progress for our industries.
What do you think? How can we, as a community, turn these insights into action? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Everlasting memories unlocked…merci!
Crédit photo Sylvain Truc
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