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Data is challenge and opportunity, says Customs Support Group

[ June 18, 2026   //   ]

Access to high-quality customs data is both a significant challenge and opportunity for European manufacturers and retailers, says a report published ahead of the first Customs Support Group summit in Amsterdam on 3 June.

The survey of around 150 senior customs and trade compliance leaders shows data quality and visibility are becoming the foundation for compliance, resilience, AI and competitiveness.

However, the survey also showed many companies lack reliable and centrally-available customs data to quickly assess risks, make consistent use of duty savings and advance digital processes.

It showed regulatory requirements, trade conflicts and new sustainability obligations are increasing the complexity of international trade, at a time when many companies lack reliable data.

But companies also see data as a main advantage, whereas regulatory change and increasing complexity was the most frequently mentioned challenge, followed by data quality and visibility.

For many companies, these two issues were directly linked, as without reliable data, it can be impossible to manage new trade regulations, sanctions, sustainability requirements or reporting obligations efficiently.

Nicolas Collart, chief trade operations and compliance officer at Customs Support Group, said: “The discussions at the Summit showed that the poor availability and quality of data, the lack of common data structures and the low level of data sharing lead to fragmentation. This makes it significantly more difficult for both companies and customs authorities to analyse and manage risks based on data. In a world facing increasing trade barriers, companies need much greater visibility over their customs and trade-related data.

“The growing complexity is not only driven by the number of rules, but above all by the speed at which requirements are changing.”

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