“A new era in customs management”: interview with Bertrand Gruson, CEO of Conex

Conex, a provider of customs solutions, is celebrating its 40th anniversary and is hosting Conex Day on 9 October in Lille—a major event for the customs and supply chain industries that brings together its ecosystem of customers and partners. On this occasion, Bertrand Gruson, the company’s CEO, reflects on the challenges facing the company and the users of its solutions.

How does the declaration of customs duties become a competitive advantage for globalised companies?

Since the beginning of the year, customs duties have been at the centre of economic debates, particularly with the new rules of the game introduced by Donald Trump. These announcements serve as a reminder of a basic fact: customs duties are a regulatory tool used by governments in their trade relations. They are prompting a re-evaluation of the supply chain, taking into account new tariff constraints related to the origin of goods during the sourcing process.

In this ever-changing environment, a customs service with a solid foundation becomes a strategic asset. Customs is too often perceived as an administrative burden, when in reality it is a strategic link in the supply chain. A well-managed declaration not only helps avoid the risk of delays, additional costs, or penalties, but also streamlines trade and optimises delivery times. In an environment where geopolitical and regulatory tensions are on the rise, the ability to remain compliant and agile is becoming a competitive advantage. Conex supports companies by providing digital tools that transform this requirement into a competitive advantage: our clients become more responsive, secure their operations, and ensure the continuity of their international supply chain.

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By Laurène MATZEU DE VIALAR on Voxlog.fr on 08.10.2025