Conex revolutionises customs management with its new version of ZEN: a collaborative platform powered by AI

Conex revolutionises customs management with its new version of ZEN: a collaborative platform powered by AI

Conex is unveiling the most advanced version of its international collaboration platform, marking a real breakthrough in the sector. Incorporating an enhanced version of artificial intelligence, ZEN redefines automatic document processing with the power of intelligent understanding.

 

A technological leap towards an accelerated customs process 

Designed to automate reliably the intelligent identification and extraction of data from multiple document sources, ZEN harnesses the power of AI and takes declarants into a new era of customs management. Since its launch, ZEN has already transformed working methods, but goes further by analysing documents and data, while increasing the accuracy and speed of information processing.

Unprecedented automation, powered by AI

Its intelligent Document Understanding agent decodes, classifies, verifies and analyses the various documents with unprecedented speed and accuracy. It transforms documentary chaos into a perfectly structured data stream that is immediately operational for customs clearance.

Enhanced control for optimised user comfort

With this innovation, ZEN puts the declarant at the heart of the process. The user retains total control over their declarations, assisted by ultra-high-performance summary indicators that instantly highlight any inconsistencies that need to be rectified. Data can be analysed in the blink of an eye, even for large volumes, allowing the declarant to focus on any contentious issues and ensure quality control in record time.

“Thanks to the work of our development teams and our investment in R&D, CONEX enables declarants to meet today's challenges in drawing up customs declarations, such as complexity, the diversity of information sources, the heterogeneity of document formats and the pressure of urgency.  As a result, customs operators are entering a new era in which ease of use, speed and accuracy are finally combined.
ZEN is the key to this transformation,” stresses Bertrand Gruson, CEO of Conex.

Tangible benefits for businesses

The first companies to adopt Zen, including major players in transport and logistics, are already reporting a spectacular change in their operations. Saving time, reducing errors and simplifying processes are just some of the benefits that make ZEN an essential tool for anyone looking to modernise their customs management.

 


Agence C3M
Michelle Amiard, michelle@agence-c3M.com

 

FRACHT-CONEX-ZEN

 

Fracht France has adopted the Zen via conex solution, to digitise the processing of its customs declarations declarations and go 100% paperless 
 

In 2023, Fracht France’s Customs service went paperless, equipping itself with ZEN via conex™. The arrival of the collaborative customs platform marked a revolution in terms of both customs processing practices and archive management, as confirmed by Sébastien Tanné, Customs Team Leader. 

Fracht, a rapidly expanding customs business 

The Fracht Group has been present in France since 2007, using the Conex customs declaration processing solution since 2011, when it opened its customs department. Fracht France is a freight forwarder and registered customs agent, handling all types of goods worldwide. A model of organisation originating in Switzerland, the company has been rewarded by continuous growth, the trust of thousands of customers of all sizes and in all sectors, and an impressive series of ISO certifications.  

Driven by a powerful dynamic for development, within a global group with more than 2,000 employees in over 55 countries, Fracht France - which itself became a Group within the Group in 2018 - employs 120 people in France, and more than 180 people in West Africa and Oceania, through its 9 subsidiaries.  

In France, employees are spread across 7 agencies and 2 warehouses.  

The Customs department is developing in line with this growth, and now employs 12 declarants at the Tremblay-en-France and Strasbourg sites. The teams are multi-tasking, managing the import, export and transit of all goods, at either of the two customs clearance sites. 

A unified software platform for processing data flows 

Implemented in the autumn of 2023, ZEN via conex enables teams of declarants to work on a single processing platform that receives all the logistics, administrative and accounting documents (invoices, packing lists, etc.) sent by customers and third parties for goods to be cleared through customs or in transit.  

In the Customs department, our team of declarants used to receive 250 emails a day, with attachments or email transfers ... Over the last year, everything has changed: instead of this continuous avalanche of items to be opened, printed, read, typed... we have a single shared tool, ZEN via conex, which channels incoming documents and enables partially automated processing. Incoming documents are analysed and processed semi-automatically, attached to the corresponding goods file, saved in the right place and with guaranteed integrity thanks to BlockChain technology, explains Sébastien Tanné, Customs Team Leader at Fracht France. We know who's in charge of a file, and where the declaration is at any given time. The process runs smoothly and is easier to supervise. 

ZEN via conex™ is interfaced with the company's ERP. In this way, operators can make a customs clearance or transit request to their declaring colleagues, which is immediately sent to the platform. The activities of the entire customs department are shared via this single interface, facilitating collaborative working and enabling one declarant or another to take charge of a file as it arrives. In addition to the Customs department, 70 employees throughout the company can access the ZEN via conex™ tool to communicate information they may have. 

The platform is simple and intuitive, making it easy for the company's various business lines to learn to use it. The support and initial training provided by Conex, together with the ability to customise the interface for each individual workstation, facilitated the adoption of the tool and our change of habits. 

Another step forward in efficiency for declarants has been the introduction of an intelligently integrated module, the OCR via conex™ workshop. With a view to pre-filling the declaration, all the documents that arrive in the interface are automatically analysed, to extract the relevant data that will populate the data fields previously entered manually. Implemented in the months following the installation of the platform, this new OCR processing module, which is self-learning thanks to AI, now handles the full range of invoice, purchase order and delivery note formats.... which arrive in the system from multiple international sources. 

The customs declarant saves an incredible amount of time, avoids multiple data entry and does a better job of supervision. No more highlighter pens, no more calculators! It's a radical change in the way things are done, with greater simplification, ease, fluidity and added value. The teams were immediately receptive, and change came about naturally, says Sébastien. Tanné. 

No more paper archives! 

The other visible impact is a radical transformation in archive management. Many hours were saved, pure and simple, once the need for paper archives disappeared. The immutable and compulsory ritual of putting documents into folders, boxes and pallets, and sending them off to storage, is no longer necessary! In one fell swoop, on 30th October 2023, the office became “paperless”. There was no longer the need to take care of labelling the customs files with their bundle of attachments, making sure they're in the right place so that they can be found months, or even years later, in the event of verification requests...  

By dematerialising archives, ZEN via conex™ has made it much easier to manage priorities. The savings are tangible: hours of filing, office supplies, cardboard boxes, labels, reams of paper, etc. 

The workspace is suddenly clear. You don't have piles of files waiting to be sorted and archived, and those bulky filing cabinets are no longer needed, says Sébastien Tanné with satisfaction. 

Living archives and a traced process 

However, the bundles attached to declarations, which a customs department must keep in its possession for many years after the entries have been made, are still accessible and irrefutable. It is simply understood that they are stored digitally, and that they are saved automatically as they are processed. In fact, ZEN via conex™ keeps track of the entire workflow for processing Customs information. Entries are time-stamped, and the process that led to the customs declarations can be retraced even long afterwards.  

Fracht France, committed to reducing its carbon footprint, obtained a very high level of Ecovadis certification in February 2024 - Silver Medal (sustainability rating)1. The Group has also won several trophies certifying quality of life at work (Top Work Places). ZEN via conex™ will contribute to further improving this performance. 


About Fracht  
The Fracht Group is a Swiss-based, family-owned company offering comprehensive logistics and supply chain solutions to customers worldwide. With an extensive global network of 150 offices in over 55 countries and a focus on excellence, industry expertise and state-of-the-art technology, the Fracht Group provides reliable and efficient services worldwide. Created on a foundation of altruism, the Fracht Group is proud of its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability.  
For more information, please visit www.Frachtgroup.com. 
 

Agence C3M
Michelle Amiard, michelle@agence-c3M.com

Dagang Net Logo FA

CONEX and Malaysian operator DNeX form partnership for ICS2

CONEX is continuing to expand its presence in Asia, with the introduction of ICS2 at the EU's borders, which imposes new security formalities on incoming goods.  After E&P International Inc. in China, CONEX has formed a new partnership with DNeX, Malaysia's national one-stop shop for exports.

Co-development for ICS2 compliance

Dagang Net Technologies Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dagang NeXchange Berhad (DNeX), and CONEX have announced a partnership on EU trade compliance for Malaysian exporters. The collaboration aims to help exporters meet the requirements of the EU's ICS2 import control system, which requires goods to be notified in advance to customs authorities before being shipped to the EU.


DNeX, through Dagang Net, manages Malaysia's national trade facilitation single window, a one-stop shop that connects traders to government agencies and logistics partners. This platform processes more than 100 million electronic transactions a year, facilitating commercial interactions and improving trade efficiency.


Bertrand GRUSON, PDG de CONEX, a exprimé son enthousiasme pour cette collaboration en déclarant : "Nous sommes heureux d'aider les entreprises malaisiennes à répondre à la demande croissante de conformité dans le commerce international. Conex tisse un réseau de partenariats de plus en plus dense en Asie. Il est le fruit d’années de relations et d’échanges avec les opérateurs locaux qui nous ont identifié comme un interlocuteur européen de référence. Cette nouvelle coopération fait appel à notre expertise sur la réglementation européenne et notre capacité d’intégration des systèmes d’informations multi-opérateurs »DNeX and CONEX are jointly developing a new service, available by March 2025. This service will enable Malaysian exporters to submit ICS2 data electronically, directly to the EU's central risk assessment system, simplifying the process and ensuring their compliance.

CONEX will leverage its expertise and SAFE via conex™ platform to facilitate the seamless integration of the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) submission process.

This partnership will benefit Malaysian exporters by:

- reducing administrative burdens, thanks to the automation of the ICS2 submission process,
- minimising delays and disruptions, so that data is transmitted on time and accurately,

- improve commercial efficiency and streamline commercial operations with the EU.

This partnership underlines DNeX's commitment to helping Malaysian exporters navigate the complexities of international trade and maintain a competitive edge in the global marketplace, as well as increasing their revenue stream.

Faizal Sham Abu Mansor, Group Chief Executive Officer of DNeX

Faizal Sham Abu Mansor,
Group Chief Executive Officer of DNeX

"Through this strategic partnership, we are empowering Malaysian exporters to navigate with ease the complexities of EU trade compliance. By streamlining the ICS2 submission process, we are also ensuring timely and accurate ENS submission, enabling smoother and more efficient trade for Malaysian exporters with the EU. This collaboration underscores our commitment to driving digital transformation in global trade and enhancing the competitiveness of Malaysian businesses on the international stage," said Faizal Sham Abu Mansor Group Chief Executive Officer of DNeX.

Bertrand Gruson, Président Directeur Général CONEX

Bertrand Gruson,
President and CEO CONEX

Bertrand GRUSON, CEO of CONEX, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying: ‘We are pleased to help Malaysian companies meet the growing demand for compliance in international trade. CONEX is building a growing network of partnerships in Asia. It is the result of years of relationships and exchanges with local operators, who have identified us as a European point of reference. This new partnership draws on our expertise in European regulations and our ability to integrate multi-operator information systems.”


About ICS2
The European Union makes the security of its citizens and the single market an absolute priority. Every year, trillions of euros worth of goods are imported into the EU. Today, the 27 members of the EU account for around 15% of world trade in goods. This new system for declaring advance information on goods entering the EU supports the implementation of the EU Union Customs Code and the customs risk management programme to better protect the Single Market and EU citizens.

About Dagang NeXchange Berhad
Dagang NeXchange Berhad (“DNeX”) is a global technology company operating in three business divisions: Technology, Energy, and Information Technology (“IT”). In Technology, the company operates as a semiconductor foundry. In Energy, the company is involved in upstream exploration and production in the North Sea, UK and Malaysia as well as equipment supply and maintenance. In IT, the company provides eServices for Trade Facilitation and has experience in Technology Consulting and Systems Integration. The company is listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia. For more information on the company, log on to www.dnex.com.my.

Agence C3M
Michelle Amiard, michelle@agence-c3M.com

 Cédric Pillac rejoint Conex

Executive Vice-President, Commerce

Cédric Pillac joins Conex,
the customs and security software solution provider

He has been appointed Deputy Managing Director in charge of Commercial Relations

Cédric Pillac brings to Conex a wealth of experience in sales positions with French and international software publishers that have experienced rapid growth. He joins Conex at a key moment in the company's history, to support its European expansion strategy

Conex, on a quest to conquer Europe

Solution provider Conex is benefiting from a booming market. The increasing digitalisation of operations, together with regulatory changes governing international trade and customs and security procedures, means that supply chain companies are investing in business solutions.

In response, Conex has always been able to anticipate demand. Recently, the arrival of a new generation of tools enhanced by the latest technologies (artificial intelligence, blockchain) has boosted sales. At the same time, Brexit triggered the acceleration of its European strategy.

The Conex Group's growth, which had previously been organic, is now being enhanced by acquisitions of entities abroad, with the aim of rapidly reaching a significant size in Europe. To achieve this, Conex has teamed up with an investor, 21 Invest.

A fine blade at Conex

A former top-level sportsman in the French fencing team, Cédric knows how to combine challenge and team spirit. Conex offers him the project that is the synthesis of his career.

Cédric joined Conex in June 2024. He has more than 20 years' experience in the software industry, in general management, sales and marketing positions within international IT groups and SMEs.

Alongside his professional career, Cédric was a top-level sportsman and a member of the French fencing team (Epée). He coached athletes at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. He holds a PPL private pilot's licence.

Cédric Pillac, 50, is a graduate of the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (ESCP Business School - 2000) and hails from Bordeaux.

Cédric confirms:Conex is at a strategic turning point.I'm looking forward to the next steps with great enthusiasm.This fine family-run SME has solid leadership, expertise and a strong corporate culture, which means we can look forward with optimism to the change in size we're seeking.This is a growth project to which I can bring all my experience.”

 

Bertrand Gruson, CEO of Conex, explains:Conex is strengthening its management teams and structuring its organisation to change dimension. We are currently present in 4 countries outside France, with more to come through planned acquisitions. Our organisation will evolve to absorb the increase in activity and the arrival of new teams in the Conex group. On both a personal and professional level, Cédric has made an invaluable contribution during this key period. Not only does he bring a wealth of know-how and the results-oriented culture so dear to SMEs, but he also has a great ability to unite teams, inherited from his career as a top-level sportsman!”


About CONEX
As a partner to economic operators in all sectors of activity, CONEX develops and markets a range of collaborative tools for managing customs and security declarations. Its customers, importing/exporting companies, carriers and RDEs (Registered Customs Representatives), use its solutions and services to optimise and secure the data entry, processing and electronic exchange of declarations for all their international trade in goods.
For almost 40 years, CONEX has been involved in the evolution of international trade and the supply chain, supporting companies in their customs development and working with European and international customs administrations.
CONEX, whose historic headquarters are located near Lille (Orchies), has offices in Paris and three subsidiaries in Belgium, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Created in 1985, CONEX has around sixty employees.

Agence C3M
Michelle Amiard, michelle@agence-c3M.com

ICS2, what will your role be? Join us for a strategic view.

Did you like our summer series shared on Linkedin about the key points of ICS2? Want to know more?
If you have any questions or if you want to refresh your memory on the DOs/DON'Ts generated by this new regulatory change, we will explain all the key points to you in 30 minutes.


TUESDAY 8TH OCTOBER - 10.00 to 10.30 AM (UTC+2)

Kaye Cheri will be your guide to keep you from getting lost in the twists and turns of ICS
We will talk about all these subjects:

Which schedule to respect?
Which formalities?
ICS1 vs. ICS2, the 7 main differences!
ICS2, review the collaboration between supply chain parties??
A game changer in the supply chain !

ENROL NOW!

 

21Invest Conex

Conex continues its international development strategy with the acquisition of Lector, Denmark's leading customs software publisher

In the frame of its international expansion strategy, the French leading provider of customs and security management software backed by 21 Invest France’s Fund VI since September 2023, has completed a first acquisition with Lector, Denmark's top customs software publisher. This external growth operation allows Conex to further expand its European footprint and enhance its service offerings.

For almost 40 years, Conex has been helping companies involved in international trade, shippers and Registered Customs Representative (RCR) to optimize their customs and security management procedures through specialized software and related services.

With its long-standing expertise, comprehensive solution range, and tailored offerings, Conex dominates the French market. The group already has an international presence with subsidiaries in Belgium, the UK, in Ireland and a commercial presence in Spain. The partnership with 21 Invest aims to accelerate Conex's European growth, particularly through acquisitions, as now evidenced by the acquisition of Lector, a major player in Denmark.

Conex poursuit sa stratégie de développement international avec l’acquisition de Lector, leader danois de l’édition de logiciels douaniers

Based in Copenhagen, Lector provides software solutions for Nordic and European clients. Its innovative, scalable platform simplifies customs processes, regulatory flows, and document management. Lector has a strong market position and a diverse customer base, contributing to its consistent and solid growth.

This first acquisition broadens Conex's geographical reach and product portfolio while enhancing its value proposition. The group experiences outstanding growth and reaches sales of nearly €20 million i.e. +50% compared to 21’s entry in 2023, with over 80% of revenue being recurring. The group employs 90 people across Western and Northern Europe.

 

Bertrand Gruson, CEO of Conex, says: "We are delighted to welcome Lector to the Conex family. Lector offers innovative and intuitive software solutions at the cutting edge of technology, giving full satisfaction to its customers, and which will benefit from the Group's R&D and be enriched by our technological input around AI and Blockchain. The Conex Group has now opened up a window on the Scandinavian countries and Northern Europe, further extending its capacity to support its customers."

Stéphane Perriquet, Managing Partner, and Hadrien Jourdan, Principal at 21 Invest France, comment: "We are very pleased with our first year collaborating with the Conex team. Alongside double-digit organic growth, the group is now poised to consolidate its leadership in Europe. The acquisition of Lector is the first step in this direction. We are also considering several other acquisitions that will complement our geographic reach and expand our offerings."

Tue Villum Sørensen, CEO of Lector adds: "We are delighted to join Conex and look forward to starting a new international chapter in Lector's history. Conex brings to Lector a wealth of resources, expertise and innovation that will enable us to improve our products and services and open up new markets. We are convinced that this support will have a positive impact on our customers.”


List of participants
21 Invest France (Stéphane Perriquet, Hadrien Jourdan, Patrick Aris), Conex (Bertrand Gruson, Alban Gruson), Lector (Tue V. Sørensen, Thomas Bargholz, Karl Haals Jensen, Jens A. Rasmussen)
Advisors to the buyers
M&A advisor: Clairfield (Bertrand Hermez, Marie Dokchine, Martin Muff, Julie Berggreen Jørgensen) - Financial due diligence: Grant Thornton (Jakob Fogt) - Strategic due diligence: Implement (Mark Stougaard) - Legal advisor: SmithKrag (Martin Ambæk Krag)
Advisors to the sellers
M&A advisor: Carlsquare (Anders Bo) - Legal advisor: Horten (Peter Helbo)
Financing
CIC Private Debt (Nicolas Offroy, Baptiste Robin)
Legal counsel: Nabarro Béraud (Magali Béraud, Yacine Arhmir)

About Conex
As a partner to key accounts and SMEs in all sectors of activity, CONEX develops and markets a range of collaborative tools for managing customs and security declarations. Its customers -importing/exporting companies, carriersand RDEs (Registered Customs Representatives) -use its solutions and services to optimise and secure the entry, processing and electronic exchange of declarations for all their international trade in goods. For almost 40 years, CONEX has been taking partin developments in international trade and the supply chain, supporting companies in their customs development and working with European and international customs administrations.
CONEX is headquartered near Lille (Orchies), with offices in Paris and three subsidiaries in Belgium, Irelandand the United Kingdom. An independent SME founded in 1985, CONEX has around sixty employees.
For more information, visit www.conex.net
Contact: Carole Mignonet, carole.mignonet@conex.net - Agence C3M: Michelle Amiard, michelle@agence-c3M.com

About 21 Invest
Founded by Alessandro Benetton, the 21 Invest group has been an active and responsible shareholder alongside management teams for 32 years and has supported over 110 companies based in France, Italy and Poland through local funds. In France, the investment strategy focuses on companies combining growth and recurrence in 4 sectors: healthcare, technology/software, education and business services. 21 Invest supports the transformation of companies by providing its expertise in structuring and accelerating growth, particularly through market consolidation.
For more information, visit www.21invest.com
Contact: Fabrice Voituron, f.voituron@21investfrance.com

About Lector
Lectors has a 25-year track-record with SW development in Denmark. Lector’s solutions focus on automation of customs processes and document/case management being one of the leading vendors in these areas with outstanding levels of customer satisfaction. Lector is active in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Poland servicing large and medium sized business customers. From its offices in Charlottenlund (Copenhagen) Lector currently employs 30 FTE’s with a retention level way above industry standards.
For more information, visit www.lector.dk
Contact: Tue Villum Sorensen, tvs@lector.dk

Conex signe un accord de partenariat avec
E&P International Inc.,
guichet unique du commerce international en Chine
(Shanghai), pour les déclarations sécuritaires Conex signe un accord de partenariat avec
E&P International Inc.,
guichet unique du commerce international en Chine
(Shanghai), pour les déclarations sécuritaires Conex signe un accord de partenariat avec
E&P International Inc.,
guichet unique du commerce international en Chine
(Shanghai), pour les déclarations sécuritaires

Conex signs a partnership agreement with E&P International Inc., China (Shanghai) International Trade Single Window, in the framework of security declarations.

Officialised on the occasion of the PAA (Pan Asian E-commerce Alliance) conference in Paris, this partnership agreement with E&P' makes the Conex pre-customs clearance formality platform the trusted solution for E&P's international carrier and forwarding customers in the context of ICS2.

ICS2, a pre-customs clearance declaration formality, will, by 2025, be extended to include all modes of transport for all goods arriving on European Union soil. It must be made in electronic form, before the departure of the goods and concerns all economic operators who trade with the EU.

The SAFE via conex™ electronic transmission platform meets this security formality and communicates in full regulatory and technological compliance with the central European ICS2 system.

With Conex solutions and EDI exchanges between the two partners, economic operators connected to the E&P’ platform benefit from reliability, security and compliance for the exchange of their messages with the European ICS2 system.

“This partnership, the result of cooperation and collaboration with international players, allows the facilitation of data exchanges with China for all goods destined for the European Union. Sharing our common expertise in terms of customs regulations and technological innovation offers operators facilitating tools,” explains Bertrand Gruson, CEO of CONEX.

“This strategic partnership, leveraging the ICS2 system to align with the new EU safety and security regulations for our clients in China, opens up new possibilities for cross-border data flows and significantly enhances trade facilitation between the EU and China says Lyu Feng, CEO of E&P.


About E&P

E&P International Inc., established in 2001 by the Shanghai municipal government, is a mixed-capital government enterprise specialising in the construction and operation of Shanghai E-port, promoting digital transformation in the field of international shipping and trade. Since its establishment, the company has devoted itself to the integration of information resources and innovation for Shanghai e-port, while striving to construct the “Shanghai International Shipping Center” and “Shanghai International Trade Center”.

About ICS2

The European Union makes the security of its citizens and the single market a top priority. Every year, trillions of euros worth of goods are imported into the EU. Today the 27 members of the EU represent around 15% of global trade in goods. This new system for the declaration of advance information on goods entering the EU supports the implementation of the European Union Customs Code and the customs risk management program aimed at better protecting the single market and citizens of the EU.

About CONEX

Partner of economic operators in all sectors of activity, CONEX develops and markets a range of collaborative tools for the management of customs and security declarations. Its clients, importing/exporting companies, transporters, RDEs (Registered Customs Representatives), use its solutions and services to optimise and secure the entry, processing and electronic exchange of declarations for all their international exchanges of goods. CONEX has been participating in developments in international trade and the supply chain for nearly 40 years, supporting companies in their customs development, and collaborating with European and international customs administrations. CONEX, whose historic headquarters is located near Lille (Orchies), has offices in Paris, and subsidiaries in Belgium, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Created in 1985, CONEX has around sixty employees.

Agence C3M
Michelle Amiard, michelle@agence-c3M.com

Conex welcomes the Pan Asian E-Commerce
Alliance (PAA) delegation to Paris

Conex, an official member of the Pan Asian E-Commerce Alliance (PAA), is hosting the delegation for its 69th conference in Paris from May 13th to 15th, 2024.

The PAA conference enables reflection and collaboration between these key players in trade between the EU and Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania.

On the agenda: the integration of the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) declaration into export formalities to the EU and other collaborative data exchange projects.

Conex, membre officiel de la Pan Asian E-Commerce Alliance (PAA), est l’hôte d’accueil de la délégation. Du 13 au 15 mai 2024 ce sont 3 jours de rencontres et de travail pour ces acteurs incontournables du commerce entre l’UE et l’Asie, le Moyen-Orient, l’Afrique et l’Océanie. A l’ordre du jour, l’intégration de la déclaration Import Control System 2 (ICS2) dans les formalités d’export vers l’UE et d’autres projets collaboratifs autour des échanges de données.

Conex, membre officiel de la Pan Asian E-Commerce Alliance (PAA), est l’hôte d’accueil de la délégation. Du 13 au 15 mai 2024 ce sont 3 jours de rencontres et de travail pour ces acteurs incontournables du commerce entre l’UE et l’Asie, le Moyen-Orient, l’Afrique et l’Océanie. A l’ordre du jour, l’intégration de la déclaration Import Control System 2 (ICS2) dans les formalités d’export vers l’UE et d’autres projets collaboratifs autour des échanges de données.

 

A summit meeting on the digitalisation of customs and security formalities

PAA is a pioneering group in Asia, dedicated to facilitating international trade. Its ambition is to expand its network to other regions of the world. A recognised player in the dematerialisation of customs declarations in France and Europe, CONEX sought to join the group to perfect its recognition in Asia, share its experience, benefit from that of the countries represented, accelerate the interconnections between its own tools and the platforms of international data exchange. CONEX was welcomed to the discussion table in 2021 an associate member of the PAA before becoming a full member last year.

CONEX's membership to the PAA allows it to maintain ongoing relationships with stakeholders who are centre stage of international trade: single windows, technical and regulatory partners, for all players in the supply chain (shippers, multimodal carriers and RDE -Registered Customs Representatives-) from the moment the goods leave for the EU.

“Through this think tank, CONEX is involved in all projects related to the facilitation of international data exchanges. At the heart of analyses, new technologies such as blockchain and AI, hold a prominent place to which CONEX brings its know-how. The realisation of these joint projects and the resulting solutions serve economic players engaged in global trade” explains Bertrand Gruson CEO of Conex.

ICS2, one of the key topics of the 2024 edition of the PAA conference

ICS2 is a European IT system created to collect data on all goods entering the EU prior to their arrival. Economic operators (EO) must declare data relating to safety and security to the ICS2 system, by way of the entry summary declaration (ENS).

In 2024, ICS2 extends its scope to maritime transport and from 2025 its coverage will be total with the inclusion of road and rail transport. All modes of transport entering the EU will thus be concerned by ICS2.

Invited as keynote speakers on the subject, FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarder Associations), GSF (Global Shippers Forum) and TLF (Union of French Transport and Logistics Companies speaking on behalf of CLECAT, European Association for Forwarding, Transport, Logistics and Customs Services) were able to share their thoughts and valuable analysis, particularly in terms of the recent joint FIATA-GSF publication of the ICS2 Guidance Note for freight forwarders and shippers.

“Organising the delegation’s conference in Paris in 2024, in this Olympic year, is a wonderful opportunity. It is a great honour for CONEX, 3 years after our membership began, to be the reference host on European soil for all our Alliance partners,” explains Bertrand Gruson.


About PAA

The PAA - Pan Asian E-commerce Alliance - consists of twenty members representing international trade platforms involved in import/export formalities and their digitalisation, in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Senegal, the Middle East and Europe. Created in 2000, the alliance continues to expand.
It brings together the key players in international trade from each country; in Asia, they serve 350,000 organisations, almost all of the commercial companies active in the area. Together, they process several hundred million customs declarations annually. Their discussions and work aim to promote and provide secure, reliable and value-added IT infrastructure and equipment for efficient global trade and logistics.

For more information: https://paa.net/

About ICS2

The European Union makes the security of its citizens and the single market a top priority. Every year, trillions of euros worth of goods are imported into the EU. Today the 27 members of the EU represent around 15% of global trade in goods. This new system for the declaration of advance information on goods entering the EU supports the implementation of the European Union Customs Code and the customs risk management program aimed at better protecting the single market and citizens of the EU.

About CONEX

Partner of economic operators in all sectors of activity, CONEX develops and markets a range of collaborative tools for the management of customs and security declarations. Its clients, importing/exporting companies, transporters, RDEs (Registered Customs Representatives), use its solutions and services to optimise and secure the entry, processing and electronic exchange of declarations for all their international exchanges of goods. CONEX has been participating in developments in international trade and the supply chain for nearly 40 years, supporting companies in their customs development, and collaborating with European and international customs administrations.
CONEX, whose historic headquarters is located near Lille (Orchies), has offices in Paris, and subsidiaries in Belgium, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Created in 1985, CONEX has around sixty employees.

Agence C3M
Michelle Amiard, michelle@agence-c3M.com

CONEX DOUANE SITL FREE BADGE

We are pleased to invite you to our stand during the SITL exhibitionwhich will be held

from 19th to 21st March 2024 at the Parc des Expositions in Villepinte, Paris. Hall 7

This year, we are delighted to present our latest software innovations for processing your DELTA I/E customs declarations, and with particular attention paid to new technologies such as artificial intelligence and Blockchain.

Here is what you can discover at our stand:

The presentation of the new CUSTOMS via conex™ and
ZEN via conex™ software applications, their functionalities and the relevance of workflow management in your digitalised customs processes.

Regulatory developments concerning
DELTA I/E, ICS2, PNTS.

 

 

 

AI, at the heart of our solutions: discover how our integration of artificial intelligence into our solutions reduces processing times, minimises errors, optimises the efficiency of your customs operations.

La Blockchain.
How we integrate this technology to reinforce your data and message exchange security?

 

Your presence is valuable to us and enables us to discuss our solutions with you, respond to your questions, consider your specific needs, and explore the solutions we can suggest. We look forward to welcoming you to our stand. Our entire team will be there for you! To prepare your visit, don’t hesitate to complete our questionnaire if you have any questions or specific requests, or if you wish to arrange an appointment during these 3 days.


See you soon on our stand,
The CONEX team