Format: Online Masterclass
Speaker: Anna Aivazyan
Date: March 21, 2025
Time: 18:00 GMT+4
About the Speaker
Anna Aivazyan has served for eight years as a Senior Customs Inspector in the Department of Customs Services and Supervision at the state land border checkpoints of the Republic of Armenia. During this time, she has gained extensive experience in customs control and administration, as well as in cooperation with various governmental and international organizations.
Her main responsibilities include organizing and coordinating the customs clearance process for goods and vehicles; conducting in-depth documentary and physical inspections of cargo; monitoring compliance with customs regulations by individuals and legal entities; implementing measures to detect and prevent violations, including smuggling and misdeclaration; working with automated customs control systems and databases; preparing reports and analytical materials based on inspection results; training and mentoring junior staff, and coordinating their activities during shifts; and participating in joint operations with other agencies such as the Border Service, National Security Service, Police, and Phytosanitary Control.
Anna’s work requires a high degree of attention, integrity, and the ability to make quick decisions in non-standard situations. Her years of practice have enabled her to effectively identify risks, ensure transparency in procedures, and maintain the balance between control and throughput at border crossing points.
Why You Should Attend
Every delayed shipment or customs hold means lost revenue and disappointed customers. This masterclass gives you the essential know-how to prevent those setbacks, avoid costly mistakes, and build a reputation for fast, reliable international delivery. Whether you’re just starting to ship internationally or already scaling across markets, you’ll walk away with concrete strategies you can implement immediately—saving time, money, and stress.
Key Takeaways
- Step-by-step guidance on customs documentation, labeling, and digital pre-clearance
- Insider knowledge on minimizing risks and clearing shipments faster
- Real-world solutions for working with brokers, couriers, and customs authorities
- Practical tools and checklists to protect your shipments and customer trust
Agenda
1. Welcome and Introduction
Personal story: 8 years as a Senior Customs Inspector—what it means for your business
Objectives of the masterclass: turning customs from a barrier into your competitive advantage
Key takeaways for e-commerce entrepreneurs
2. The Anatomy of Cross-Border Customs Control
How border customs actually work: stages, stakeholders, what happens behind the scenes
The “red flags” and why some shipments are stopped
The role of customs officers: checks, technology, collaboration with other agencies
3. Documentation and Labelling: Your First Line of Defense
Invoice & Packing List: What must be included, and what mistakes trigger red flags
HS Codes: Why a single digit can make or break your import
Country of Origin: Proofs, certificates, and what customs actually look for
Real examples: How errors here cause 80% of e-commerce delays
4. Pre-Arrival Declarations and Digital Tools
Electronic declaration: How and when to file to avoid border queues
Using Single Window systems and pre-clearance to speed up processing
Case study: How major brands automate customs flows (Amazon, iHerb, AliExpress)
5. Smart Logistics Partnerships
Choosing the right customs broker or logistics partner
What international couriers really do at customs (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
How to align your processes for minimum friction
6. Understanding Local Rules and Special Regimes
Common restrictions: certification, licenses, forbidden goods
How to prepare for country-specific rules and compliance audits
Duty-free thresholds and international trade agreements (EAEU, EU, etc.)
Tips for leveraging simplified trade regimes for e-commerce
7. Transparency and Customer Experience
Informing customers about duties and delivery times
Using DDP (Delivery Duty Paid): How it works, and why it improves conversions
Building trust through transparent fulfillment and returns
8. Practical Workshop: Real-World Scenarios
Review and correction of real e-commerce shipping documents (bring your own, or provided samples)
Identifying and avoiding typical errors in documentation and labelling
Simulated customs inspection: What happens, how to respond
Q&A session: Troubleshooting participants’ cases
9. Advanced Section:
Working with high-risk categories (pharma, electronics, jewelry): What customs watch for
Data analytics in customs: How risk profiling works and how to lower your risk score
Collaboration with customs: How to build long-term relationships with authorities
10. Final Recommendations and Networking
Top 10 action steps to streamline your cross-border e-commerce
Where to get updates on changing rules and best practices
Open discussion, exchange of contacts, feedback