About Alan Owen
Alan is a veteran with over 50 years of experience in customs administration. He has a distinguished career at the South African Revenue Service, where he held various management positions, including being a founder member of the Unit for Fiscal Analysis and serving as Deputy Director of Customs, Cargo Operations at Johannesburg International Airport.
In 2004, Alan moved to the Netherlands to become the Director of Customs Services for Europe, Middle East, India, and Africa at a prominent global freight forwarder and customs broker.
Alan's expertise spans practical customs operations in multiple countries, and he has been instrumental in developing robust customs compliance programs. He is passionate about all things customs and continues to learn and share his knowledge through speaking engagements and bespoke training.
Key Achievements
1.
Controller of Customs at Lebombo and Beitbridge border posts
2.
Founder member of the Unit for Fiscal Analysis – conducted research into fiscal impact of indirect taxation particularly VAT, customs and excise duties
3.
Parliamentary services – assisted with national budget preparation and ministerial questions
4.
Deputy Director of Customs, Cargo Operations at Johannesburg International Airport – revenue collection and enforcement of regulations regarding the cross border movement of commercial cargo
5.
Director of Customs Services, Europe, Middle East, India, and Africa – development and implementation of customs brokerage programs, assisting with complex cross border VAT and customs compliance challenges and special customs procedures.
