Thomas Kukanza

Thomas advises clients on a variety of trade-related topics such as duty optimization programmes, custom transformation initiatives, custom essentials, customs process optimization and customs compliance.

He has gained extensive knowledge and experience in the interplay between customs value and transfer pricing by supporting clients in joining the Reconciliation program offered by the US Customs and successfully reporting their TP adjustments. Thomas is also knowledgeable in the field of trade management systems, compliance and risk technology solutions (e.g., SAP GTS, Oracle GTM).

• Served as project manager on large tax-aligned supply chain optimization projects, including global trade compliance software implementation for pan-European activities.
• Served as project manager on global classification projects for heavy machinery industries (200K parts).
• Assisted companies in the chemical and automotive industry in implementing processes for reporting TP adjustments in the US.
• Served as project lead on the implementation of a global FTA program, including drafting operational processes; served as subject matter expert responsible for training the client’s trade team and suppliers.
• Served as engagement manager in charge of global trade compliance and customs HUB analysis to determine the most favorable countries for implementing Global Distribution Centres (GDCs) and Regional Distribution Centres (RDCs).
• Served as project lead along with the client's global head of trade and supply chain on the expansion of the company’s e-commerce presence in over 80 countries.
• Served as project manager for a Brexit Day readiness project for a large retailer. Thomas led a team of 14 and performed master data review, broker onboarding, customs procedure/process drafting and SAP GTS implementation support (blueprint).
• Assisted global companies in setting up best practice import and export strategies to minimize duty liability while complying with customs legislation.
• Served as project manager on a series of M&A Day 1 readiness projects, responsible for coordinating customs support in many countries.
• Assisted large importers in completing the Customs and Border Protection's Focused Assessment (FA) reviews.

Thomas is a guest lecturer at the University of Antwerp (UAntwerp).

Thomas holds a US Customs Broker License.

Thomas holds the PRINCE2 Project Management Certification.