Profile

👤 Eric E. van der Starre - Managing Consultant | Founder 

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

👤 Caroline A. Neyens - Vice President Customs Compliance & Process Automation

With over 20 years of experience in Customs Compliance, Global Trade and Customs technology, Caroline developed a strong track record in leading complex customs transformation and software implementation projects. During her career at Philips Netherlands B.V., she  gained extensive experience in designing and implementing customs compliance frameworks, optimizing processes and bridging the gap between business requirements, regulatory obligations and technology solutions.

As Vice President Customs Compliance & Process Automation at VDS Customs and Trade Consultancy, her focus is on helping organizations accelerate their customs transformation journey by combining deep customs expertise with digital innovation. Her passion lies at the intersection of Customs, Compliance and Information Technology, where she is able to leverage process automation, data-driven solutions and Artificial Intelligence to create more efficient, transparent and future-proof customs processes.

Throughout her career, she successfully managed Customs SASP projects and digitalization initiatives, covering all aspects from strategy development, compliance requirements and stakeholder management to project planning, implementation and change management. Experienced in translating complex customs legislation into practical business solutions while ensuring compliance, efficiency and sustainable value creation.

She brings strong leadership, organizational and customer management skills, with a pragmatic and collaborative approach. Always enjoys working closely with business teams, customs authorities and technology specialists to understand strategic objectives, identify opportunities for improvement and deliver solutions that meet both business and regulatory requirements.

We both strongly believe that the future of Customs Compliance is digital, intelligent and automated.

Our ambition is to support organizations worldwide in transforming customs operations through innovation, technology and operational excellence.