ALBA, the first integrated classification chatbot
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Conex, the French leader in Customs Clearance Software solutions, has launched ALBA: its conversational agent specializing in customs tariff classificationTariff Classification involves assigning a code to a good in order to determine the applicable Customs Duties, taxes, an..., natively integrated into declarants’ work tools. Backed by 40 years of regulatory expertise and real-time data updates, ALBA achieves a 95% accuracy rate for classifications, validated by human classification experts across several thousand queries under real-world conditions.
A professional solution to a critical need
With the widespread adoption of consumer-grade AI tools, more and more professionals are tempted to use general-purpose solutions to classify their goods. In a highly regulated environment such as Customs, the risks are significant: inspections, goods being held up, legal disputes, and financial penalties.
ALBA was designed to meet this need for immediacy without compromising regulatory rigor. Its conversational interface, intentionally modeled after consumer-facing tools, allows for immediate adoption. But behind this ease of use lies formalized industry expertise and a continuously updated regulatory database that powers every response.
A built-in assistant on the filer’s workstation
Integrated into the heart of the Conex Customs Clearance environment, ALBA is an expert tool that the declarant can access at any time, directly from their workstation. Through a natural dialogue combining text, photos, and documents, the agent analyzes the information, asks questions to clarify details, cross-references regulatory sources, and suggests the most relevant classification. The declarant retains control and responsibility for the final decision at all times. The tool provides analytical power and regulatory knowledge; the human user contributes professional judgment and context.
ALBA: 30 Years of Affiliation
In 1995, Alban Gruson, founder of Conex, made a visionary move: to digitize the Customs Tariff, which at the time was available only as a bulky paper binder or on microfiche. This marked the birth of the first SelecTarif Customs Encyclopedia, recently renamed Tariff via Conex™, which is now deployed in six European countries.
But Alban had bigger plans: he dreamed of an “expert system” capable of guiding declarants through the Tariff Classification process. The technological limitations of the time prevented this from happening. Conex never lost sight of this goal.
Thirty years later, ALBA has made it a reality. Derived from the Latin “alba”—meaning white or purity—its name embodies the need for precise and reliable classification and pays tribute to the man who laid the foundation for it.
Press release issued on February 16, 2026
PRESS CONTACT – C3M Agency
Michelle Amiard, michelle@agence-c3M.com
About Conex
Conex is a provider of software solutions dedicated to customs and security formalities. For 40 years, the company has been developing cutting-edge digital tools to support importers, exporters, carriers, and registered customs brokers in managing and automating their workflows. Its platforms, including CUSTOMS via conex™, ZEN via conex™ and SAFE via conex™, are powered by artificial intelligence and blockchain technology to analyze documents, automate processes, ensure data reliability, and guarantee data integrity. TARIFF via conex™, the leading customs encyclopedia, integrates ALBA, an AI chatbot dedicated to Tariff Classification. LEO via conex™ rounds out this suite of AI agents by handling the intelligent processing of commercial and logistics documents. Combined with consulting and training services, these solutions enable companies to balance productivity, regulatory compliance, and innovation. Conex serves more than 2,000 customs offices across Europe.
“At Conex, innovation isn’t a recent shift—it’s been a constant for 40 years. With ALBA, we’re accelerating this momentum by integrating the most advanced technologies with our deep customs expertise. It’s this combination—state-of-the-art technology and domain expertise—that makes the difference for our clients in an increasingly demanding environment.” Bertrand Gruson - President of Conex
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Discover our solutions
A comprehensive software suite to address all your Customs Management challenges.
CUSTOMS via Conex™
Intuitive software for managing electronic customs clearance for all customs procedures. A secure SaaS Customs Solution connected to national and European customs systems for creating and submitting import and export customs declarations.
ZEN via Conex™
The international collaborative Customs Platform with built-in AI designed to collect, exchange, centralize, track, and archive all data related to the Customs Process, through to electronic archiving.
TARIFF via Conex™
The Customs Encyclopedia, powered by AI agents for the goods classification: Customs Tariff, NESH, NC8, publications and official texts, customs regulatory monitoring.
SAFE via Conex™
The perfect software for effortlessly managing pre-clearance formalities in Europe and the United Kingdom: ENS declarations (ICS2 EU, S&S UK), PNTS/ANTES, and Logistics Envelopes (ELO, GMR, PBN) in full compliance with regulations.
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The solution designed for managing data related to the European H7 declaration, which is required for distance sales and e-commerce involving low-value goods imported from third countries.
ACCISES via Conex™
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FACTO via Conex™
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EUROPSTAT via Conex™
The software that automates your Intrastat/EMEBI and ESD filings, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements for all your trade in goods and services within the European Union.