Profile

👤 Eric E. van der Starre

Managing Consultant | Founder – VDS Customs & Trade Consultancy

Eric started his career as a Dutch Customs officer, trained at the Customs Management Academy in The Hague. Since then, he has grown into a highly respected international trade compliance consultant, with decades of hands-on experience in global risk management, export controls, supply chain security (AEO, C-TPAT), and customs strategy.

With nearly 20 years in government service—ranging from frontline customs enforcement to lecturing at the Dutch Inland Revenue Institute—Eric brings unmatched regulatory insight. He later transitioned into senior global compliance leadership roles at companies such as Philips, NXP, Amgen, Huntsman, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, where he shaped and led global trade compliance programs.

He’s a natural educator, a sought-after speaker at international conferences, and a trusted advisor to both government and industry. His blend of deep technical knowledge and pragmatic execution makes him uniquely effective in bridging strategy with operations.

🔑 Key Strengths:

• Project Leadership – Results-driven, focused on delivering real compliance impact
• People Skills – Inspires diverse teams across cultures and functions
• Strategic Vision – Turns complex rules into actionable business solutions