Customs Department Manager, Hendrick European

In the world of international logistics, where regulations shift daily and cross-border operations depend on absolute precision, professionals like Tessa Smit are the steady hands that keep goods moving. As the Customs Department Manager at Hendrick European, Tessa oversees one of the most complex and high-risk areas in global trade: customs compliance.

With four years of deep, hands-on experience in customs, particularly through the turbulence of post-Brexit change, Tessa has built a strong command of import/export procedures, transit operations, and EU–UK regulatory requirements. Her role demands constant coordination with customs authorities, transport teams, and clients, ensuring every movement is compliant, efficient, and well-documented. But the landscape she navigates is far from straightforward. Evolving interpretations of EU and UK rules, tight transit deadlines, digitalisation of customs systems, and the ever-present challenge of incomplete client documentation are all part of her daily world. Tessa approaches this complexity with structure, precision, and a proactive mindset; balancing operational realities with regulatory expectations.

“Every aspect of what we do - from preparing customs declarations to advising clients - is governed by compliance with international trade laws and customs regulations.”

Recently, Tessa completed the Professional Diploma in International Trade Compliance, a programme she undertook to formalise and deepen her technical knowledge.

The result?

A step-change in confidence, capability, and strategic influence. She has strengthened the quality of customs processes within Hendrick European, enhanced client trust, and become a key point of contact for trade compliance across the business. The programme’s practical application, case studies, and deep dive into classification, rules of origin, and transit procedures significantly shaped her day-to-day approach. Today, she brings a more structured, anticipatory, and strategic lens to trade compliance, ensuring the company remains compliant, competitive, and resilient as regulations continue to evolve.

“The diploma has increased my confidence in managing complex customs issues, engaging with authorities, and advising clients more effectively.”

Tessa’s journey is a brilliant example of how expertise, continuous learning, and commitment to excellence can transform not just individual capability, but an entire customs operation. We are proud to recognise her as a Global Trade Ambassador - a leader shaping the future of compliant and efficient European logistics. We wish Tessa all the best and look forward to following her career  she is certainly one to watch.

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