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Customs reference training
Training Reference Customs: become the guarantor of your company's customs compliance
Our Customs reference training is a 140-hour customs certification course, recognized by the Directorate General for Customs and Indirect Rights (DGDDI) and reference by the DNRFP. This certification trains your employees to become the guarantor of customs compliance within your organisation. With 93% certification rate and a satisfaction rating of 9,5/10, it is the most comprehensive route in the market to meet the requirements of theArticle 39d CDU and secure your international flows.
The Union Customs Code (CDU) requires companies carrying out customs operations to justify a professional competence of qualified OAS in-house. Article 39d requires, inter alia, for the granting or renewal of the status of Approved Economic Operator (OAS-C, OAS-F or OAS Full), that an employee shall have recognized customs powers in accordance with the European Customs Trade Standards.
Without trained and certified customs reference, your company is subject to refusal of OAS certification, tax adjustments of up to several hundred thousand euro, and border blockages of goods. Conversely, having a customs-related certification recognised by the DGDDI secures your customs operations and strengthens your credibility of the customs authorities.
Practical information
Next date
08/10/2026
Type of training
Mixed
Duration of training
140 hours (20 days)
Place of training
27 chemin de Montollier 38500 VIEWON and/or Paris
Formation created on 04/08/2021.
Last update on 18/05/2026.
14000 € HT
Why form a customs reference is indispensable in 2026?
Meeting the requirements of Article 39d CDU
Article 39d of the CDU requires the acquisition of the OAS (OAS-C for customs simplifications, OAS-F for security security, or OAS Full) status on the basis of professional competence of an OAS qualified internally. Failure to form customs referencing means compromising access to customs facilitation, simplified procedures and centralised customs clearance.
Protecting against financial risks
Tariff classification errors, poorly determined origin, incorrect value for duty: a single control can generate adjustments to several hundred thousand euro, penalties and suspension of your approvals. A certified customs reference is your first line of defense against these risks.
Anticipating new regulatory obligations
MACF (Carbon Adjustment Mechanism at the Frontiers), REACH regulation, evolution of free trade agreements, reform of the European Customs Code: the regulatory framework becomes more complex every year. A customs reference form is your best asset to anticipate these changes and adapt your customs clearance practices.
Secure your import-export operations
The customs reference is the preferred contact point for the customs administration and, where appropriate, for your customs representative (RDE). It ensures the reliability of your declarations, coordinates controls and guarantees the conformity of your flows, from tariff classification to final clearance.
Developing strategic internal expertise
Internalizing customs competence reduces your dependence on external and freight forwarders, accelerates your decision-making and strengthens the mastery of your international logistics chain. It is a directly measurable investment in your operational performance and customs compliance.
Objectives of Customs Reference Training
At the end of this 140-hour customs certification course, you will be able to:
- Design and structure the Customs reference function within your company, in accordance with the requirements of Article 39d of the CDU and the European Customs Competency Reference
- Master the tariff classification (HS code, TARIC), the determination of preferential and non-preferential origin, and the calculation of the value for duty to make your customs declarations
- Use tariff preferences, customs procedures and certifications (OAS-C, OAS-F, EA, REX) to optimize your customs invoice
- Apply the specific regulations (REACH, MACF, customs bonds) affecting your import-export operations
- Ensure the role of the main interlocutor with the Customs and your Representative in Customs records in case of AEO inspection, audit or certification application
Who is the customs reference training for?
This customs-related training is intended for professionals involved in international operations and customs compliance, who wish to develop individual skills or structure customs skills within their team.
- Customs officials and customs focal points designated or being designated as part of an OAS approach
- Import-export managers and heads of international operations
- Logistics, Supply Chain and Sales Administration (ADV)
- Directors Compliance and Regulatory Compliance
- Leaders of SMEs and ITEs involved in international trade
- Training and HR managers seeking to structure professional competence in-house OAS via a certification course
Prerequisite: International and regulatory culture. An entry test is mandatory (40 questions, minimum 50% of correct answers) to validate the start level and ensure that your profile is matched with the customs certification route.
Customs Reference Training Programme
This 140-hour certification course covers all the skills required to perform the customs referent function, from the regulatory fundamentals to the final certification. It is structured into 3 progressive blocks in line with the European Standards of Customs Skills, combining theory, practical cases and evaluations.
Regulatory knowledge and customs tools (75.5 hours)
This first block forms the basis of the certifying customs training. It covers the reference customs documentation (CDU, OJ, Customs Tariff, explanatory notes), the determination of the customs nomenclature and tariff classification (HS code, TARIC code, BDU), the control of preferential and non-preferential origin, tariff preferences (EA, REX), the calculation of customs value, customs duties and VAT. It also incorporates REACH regulations, MACF (Carbon Adjustment Mechanism at the Border) and customs bonds. Practical case studies and customs clearance exercises help consolidate the gains. The block concludes with a formative evaluation.
On the agenda: E-learning Incoterms 2020 – In autonomy for learners, Module 1: Know the reference customs documentation (CDU, OJ, ...), Module 2: Use the reference technical documentation (customs tariff, explanatory notes, ...), Module 3: Determine the customs nomenclature (Customs code, HS code, Taric code, BDU...), Module 4: Determine the preferential and non-preferential origin, Module 5: Use tariff preferences (EA, REX...), Module 6: Calculate the customs value, customs duties, other taxes and VAT, Module 7: Practical case studies, Module 8: REACH Regulation and Customs, Module 9: Customs cautations + Carbon Adjustment at Frontiers (MACF) + Revisions Block 1, Module 10: Evaluation Block 1.
UNOC 2: KNOWLEDGE AND FACILITATIONS/CUSTOMS CERTIFICATIONS - 42 TIMES
BLOCK 2: KNOWLEDGE AND FACILITATIONS/CUSTOMS CERTIFICATIONS – 42 TIMES. In the programme: Module 1: Know and use customs procedures and special procedures, Module 2: Choose the appropriate customs certifications and approvals and reduce the company's customs invoice: EA and REX, Module 3: Choose the appropriate customs certifications and approvals and reduce the company's customs invoice: OAS, Module 4: Secure its declaration EMEBI/VAT triangular operations, Module 5: Evaluation of Block 2 – 1 day.
BLOCK 3: PROFESSIONAL CYCLE - 21 TIMES
BLOCK 3: PROFESSIONAL CYCLE – 21 TIMES. In the programme: Module 1: Practical workshops and preparation for final evaluation, Module 2: Final evaluation.
Identify the relevant customs procedures according to your operations (42 hours)
This second block deepens customs procedures and special arrangements, certifications and approvals to reduce the customs invoice (EA, REX, OAS-C, OAS-F), as well as securing EMEBI declarations and triangular VAT operations. The aim is to give you the keys to choose the right mechanisms according to your flows and to optimise your customs clearance costs in both import and export. The block ends with an evaluation day.
Customs professionalization and certification (21 hours)
The final block is dedicated to operational preparation and obtaining Customs Reference Certification. It includes practical workshops, structured preparation for final evaluation, and then certification examination: comprehensive case study with written and oral presentation. Minimum required score: 12/20 for certification RS7169, recognized by the DGDDI under the professional competence of OAS (Article 39d CDU).
Customs reference: a strategic function in a changing regulatory environment
The year 2026 marks a turning point for companies involved in international trade. The entry into force of MACF The continuous evolution of the Combined Nomenclature, the strengthening of customs controls and the digitalisation of procedures via DELTA are profoundly changing the daily lives of import-export teams. This growing complexity is reflected in the European framework of customs skills, on which this training is based.
In this context, the function of customs reference is no longer merely an administrative role. It is a strategic function that directly impacts cash flow (optimization of customs duties and tariff classification), customs compliance (avoidance of penalties and adjustments), logistical fluidity (reduction of border blockades and acceleration of customs clearance) and competitiveness (access to the status of Approved Economic Operator and simplified centralized clearance procedures).
Article 39d of the CDU is clear: the applicant companies or holders of AEO-C or AEO-F status must prove that they have a professional competence that is internally qualified AEO. Our customs reference training, recognized by the DGDDI and referenced at the national level (DNRFP), responds directly to this requirement. This customs certification course is designed to train operational professionals, able to secure customs clearance declarations, interact with the customs administration and your registered customs representative, and manage the company's customs compliance over time.
The financing of this certifying customs training is facilitated by professional arrangements. OPCOs may cover all or part of the training costs. Since the course is certifying, it is also eligible for the CPF (Training Personnel Account), allowing employees mobilising their CPF rights to finance their registration according to their available rights.
What distinguishes our training customs referent
Beyond the program, our positioning and pedagogical approach make the difference for professionals looking for a solid and directly applicable customs certification course.
The most complete customs certification route on the market
140 hours spread over 20 days, structured in 3 progressive blocks: this is the most thorough customs reference training available in France. The other training(s) cover the fundamentals in 12 days, we go further with the integration of MACF, REACH regulations, customs bonds and a full professionalization cycle. The programme is aligned with the European framework of competences for customs professions.
Certifying customs training recognised by DGDDI
This course is referenced by the Directorate-General for Customs and Indirect Rights (DGDDI) and the National Directorate for Recruitment and Vocational Training (DNRFP). The RS7169 certification you obtain constitutes a Customs Reference Certification that meets directly the OAS professional competence criterion of Article 39d of the CDU – a prerequisite for obtaining the OAS-C, OAS-F or OAS Full status.
An operational pedagogy, facilitated by field experts
The training is moderated by Laurence Spriet (expert in customs and tax engineering) and Badre Kabbaj (Director of Operations, customs expert). The alternative approach is regulatory theory and practical application: customs case studies, tariff classification exercises, educational games, quizzes, work on real import-export situations. The aim is to make the gains immediately applicable in enterprises.
93% certification rate, 9.5/10 satisfaction
Of 8 promotions, 93% of learners have obtained their customs reference certification with a final examination rate of 100%. The satisfaction rating was 9.5/10 out of 39 opinions. These results demonstrate the quality of the certification process and its educational effectiveness in preparing for customs compliance in the company.
They took our customs reference training
« Training tailored to your needs! »
« Two speakers who completely master the subject and who complement each other perfectly. They are interested in our activity to show us how it will be impacted by regulation. »
« We have taken several courses with ACTE International and have always been very satisfied with them. This is why we call on them as a priority for our training needs. »
« Trainee within the reach of novices and very accessible. »
« Communication and Interactivity, good progress in the subjects addressed from general to more specific themes. »
Ready to secure your customs operations?
Having a certified customs reference is no longer an option: it is a regulatory requirement of CDU Article 39d and a performance lever for your international operations. Train your employees to secure your flows, obtain or maintain your status as a licensed Economic Operator and access customs facilitations.
Answers to your questions!
Why train a customs reference in my company?
Article 39d of the Union Customs Code obliges applicant companies or holders of OAS status (OAS-C, OAS-F or OAS Full) to justify a professional customs competence that is qualified in-house, in accordance with the European Trade Standards for Customs. Beyond this regulatory obligation, a customs referent certifies your customs clearance declarations, avoids adjustments, optimizes your customs duties, and streamlines your international trade. It is an investment that directly impacts the performance and customs compliance of your operations.
Is this training recognised by the French customs authorities?
Yes. The CERTIFICATE CERTIFICATE Customs Reference International is referred to by the Directorate-General for Customs and Indirect Rights (DGDDI) and the DNRFP. The RS7169 certification issued at the end of the training constitutes a customs referent certification that directly meets the OAS professional competence criterion of Article 39d of the CDU – indispensable for obtaining or maintaining the status of approved Economic Operator.
What is the difference with the other customs referents of the market?
Our customs certification course is the most complete available: 140 hours a 20 days, compared to an average of 12 days at our colleagues. It incorporates topics that most trainings do not cover, such as MACF (Carbon Adjustment Mechanism at the Border), REACH regulations and customs bonds. The programme covers the 3 levels of the European Customs Competency Reference. The 93% certification rate and the 9.5/10 satisfaction rating demonstrate the effectiveness of this certifying customs training.
Is it a theoretical or practical training?
Both. Each block alternates regulatory inputs and practical implementation: customs case studies, tariff classification exercises, educational games, quizzes, work on real import-export situations. Block 3 is entirely dedicated to practical workshops and preparation of the final evaluation. The objective is to make each acquis directly applicable upon return to business.
What are the prerequisites for registering?
The training is aimed at professionals with an international and regulatory culture. A mandatory entry test of 40 questions is planned: a minimum of 50% of good answers is required to validate the registration. This test ensures that your departure level is sufficient to take full advantage of this customs certification journey.
Is the customs reference training financially viable?
Yes. This certifying customs training is eligible for funding through OPCOs and, because it is certified, through the CPF (Training Personnel Account). The teams of ACTE International support you in the identification of the device adapted to your situation and in the assembly of the financing file. This makes it possible to invest in the increase in professional competence of your teams OAS while controlling your training budget.
How is the Customs Reference Certification going?
The certification is based on three progressive evaluations: formative evaluations at the end of blocks 1 and 2 (QCM and customs clearance case studies), followed by a final evaluation consisting of a comprehensive case study with written and oral presentation. The minimum score for certification RS7169 is 12/20. The final presentation rate is 100%, and the success rate of 93% out of 8 promotions – confirming the quality of preparation provided throughout the course.
Location
27 chemin de Montollier 38500 VIEWON
Capacity
Between 3 and 8 learners
Accessibility
ACTE International is sensitive to the inclusion of persons with disabilities. Our training room in Voiron is accessible to people with reduced mobility. If you have a disability, please contact Wendy NICOLAS, a disability reference, in order to prepare your participation as best as possible: w.nicolas@acte-international.com
Certifying Customs Reference Training: Secure Your Company's Customs Compliance
ACTE International Customs Reference Training is a 140-hour customs certification course designed to train professionals in the requirements of the Union Customs Code and the status of Approved Economic Operator (OAS-C, OAS-F). Recognized by the DGDDI and the DNRFP, this certifying customs training issues the RS7169 certification meeting the OAS professional competence criterion of Article 39d of the CDU, in accordance with the European Standards of Skills for Customs Professions. It is intended for customs officials, import-export officials, logistics officers, compliance directors and managers, and covers tariff classification, origin determination, value for duty, customs procedures, OAS, EA and REX certifications, as well as MACF and REACH regulations. Both import and export clearance operations are handled through practical cases. Organized in Voiron (Isère), but also in Paris, the next promotion starts in October 2026. Eligible training for OPCO funding and the CPF (certifying period). With 93% of customs certification rates and 9.5/10 of satisfaction, this is the most complete certification route on the French market.