Program Overview

Introduction to the Customs Debt and Litigation Program

The Customs Debt and Litigation program is designed to explore the incurrence of customs debt and the recovery of customs duties, which play a crucial role in daily customs practices. Often, disputes arise on these matters, and this program aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of these areas.

Target Audience

This advanced module is intended for participants who have already passed the basic program (English and/or Dutch) or can prove that they have obtained an equivalent degree of experience.

Course Information

The module consists of two and a half days of classes, which will be held physically. There are also two additional days in this module, both taught in Dutch, on litigation and law enforcement in Belgium in customs and excises. These days are mandatory for regular students registered for the Advanced Master in tax law (specialization customs and excises). Participants who voluntarily opt to follow those two days will receive a certificate of attendance.

Course Structure

• The classes will be 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, in June 2026. Foreign participants are offered the opportunity to take the exam online.

Competence Level

This advanced module is designed to ensure participants achieve an advanced level of competence (Level 3 of the EU Customs Competency Framework).

Course Material

Digital course materials are provided, including PowerPoints and court bundles (legal doctrine, case law). These digital course materials will be made available through the university's electronic learning environment.

Location

The program will be held at UAntwerpen Stadscampus, Prinsstraat, Antwerp.

Tuition Fees

• Price for 2.5 training days: 1290 EUR. The price covers registration, study material, exam, catering, and lunches.
• Price for the additional two days: 890 EUR. The price covers registration, study material, catering, and lunches.

Registration

Each application/registration is binding and cannot be cancelled. It is required that participants are effectively present. Replacement by a colleague is possible (for all the sessions); the organization will be informed in writing in advance.

Recognition

• The training is eligible for the Flemish training leave and training cheques.
• The training is recognized by IBJ for 15 points (continuing education).
• The training is recognized by ITAA.
• Training premium (PC336): after you or your employee(s) have followed a training course, you can apply to Liberform for a training premium.

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 Eric Van Dooren, judge at the Belgian Supreme Court and associate professor at the University of Antwerp.

Program Subject to Changes

The program is subject to changes.

Program Schedule

23 March 2026 - Customs Debt

• Incurrence of customs debt and determination of the amount of duties (Alexander Baert attorney, Deloitte)
  • 9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
  • 1:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
• This first session focuses on the incurrence of customs debt and its recovery.

24 March 2026 - Customs Debt Guarantees

• Guarantees (Gunter Boffel attaché, FOD Financiën, AAD&A)
  • 9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
• Repayment, remission, extinguishment (Philippe Heeren international trade and customs lawyer at ReedSmith law firm and customs and international trade professor at the University of Tilburg)
  • 1:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

25 March 2026 - Litigation

• Litigation according to the UCC, PIF, and EPPO (Jennifer Vanderputten en Pascale Vandeweyer - European Delegated Prosecutors Ward Lietaert attorney, Customs Legal)
  • 9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Optional Day 1 - 26 March 2026 - Litigation and Law Enforcement in Belgium

• Beschikkingen, recht van administratief beroep en fiscale geschillenregeling (Gunter Boffel - attaché, FOD Financiën AAD&A)
  • 9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
• Administrative en strafrechtelijke sancties en strafvervolging (Eric Van Dooren raadsheer, Hof van Cassatie en professor, Universiteit Antwerpen)
  • 1:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Optional Day 2 - 27 March 2026 - Litigation and Law Enforcement in Belgium

• Strafbaarstellingen en transactionele regelingen (Erhard Vermeulen - advocaat, Antaxius advocaten)
  • 9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
• Toerekenbaarheid van misdrijven en strafsancties (Erhard Vermeulen - advocaat, Antaxius advocaten)
  • 1:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.