Customs at H.Essers is indispensable in the complex world of international trade. When goods cross borders, you have to take regulations, formalities, and risks into account. At H.Essers, it is the Customs department that ensures everything runs smoothly, correctly, and in accordance with the rules. But what exactly does Customs entail? And why is this department so crucial within our organization?

Carl Roels is Senior Manager of Customs and has been with H.Essers for 10 years. He knows the world of Customs inside and out, so we asked him to tell us more.

What are the main tasks of the Customs department?
Carl: “The Customs department is a support service for our transport and warehousing activities, but it also plays a role for external customers with no direct link to our logistics. So we act as customs specialists both internally and externally. Our core activity is handling all customs formalities for our partners. Specifically, we ensure the correct declaration and tracking of goods flows for imports, exports, and transit. In addition, we assist clients with storing goods under customs supervision, such as in bonded warehouses or through specific customs procedures where import duties and VAT are temporarily suspended.”

“We also advise partners on the most efficient and optimal setup for organizing their international goods flows: this ranges from determining the correct customs procedure to assisting with permits and monitoring changing legislation; after all, international trade involves complex regulations that are constantly evolving. Mistakes can lead to delays, fines, or extra costs. Thanks to our team, goods cross borders smoothly and correctly, with as little risk as possible.”

“In summary: we take the customs burden off our partners’ shoulders so they can focus on their core business.”

How many people work for Customs?
Carl: “Since I started, I’ve seen the team grow significantly. Initially, there were 13 people in total; now we have about 50 internationally, 32 of whom are in Belgium. That growth is the natural result of the rising number of clients and the increasing volume of international goods flows. What once began as a small team has today grown into a strong international department. Although the teams are spread across multiple locations, they share one clear mission: ensuring that every goods flow is compliant and efficient.

Is this a busy period for you?
Carl: “For us, it’s always a busy period; we’re busy preparing customs documents all year round. And since we are the last link in the logistics chain responsible for ensuring a truck can be unloaded or depart, there is enormous time pressure on the department. That’s why I want to take this opportunity to give a big shout-out to the entire department for the fantastic work they do throughout the year!”

Are there any interesting projects currently underway?
Carl: “We’re currently working on a European network in collaboration with an external partner. The goal is to offer customs services to customers across Europe in the future. This is an important step toward strengthening our international services.”

What are the most important qualities for someone working in Customs?
Carl: “Accuracy is essential, because small mistakes can have major consequences; you need to spot discrepancies quickly and interpret and apply rules correctly. You also need to be able to handle stress, because as I mentioned, there’s quite a bit of time pressure involved. And you need to be a strong communicator. If you have these qualities, are reliable, and know the regulations well, you’re all set to make a difference here.”