The SOFT-DEV project plays a pivotal role in maintaining and evolving the European Union's customs systems, addressing the complexities of cross-border trade and the requirements of the Union Customs Code (UCC). As part of the SOF_ia consortium (led by Netcompany), Vivansa provides highly specialised expertise in key activities such as Business Process Modelling (BPM) for CERTEX, Data Integration and Harmonisation (DIH), and the development of the electronic Proof of Origin Certificate (ePOC).
Context and challenges
The SOFT-DEV project is a cornerstone of DG TAXUD's strategy to modernise EU customs systems, aligning them with the Union Customs Code (UCC) and the Multi-Annual Strategic Plan for Customs (MASP-C). The MASP-C serves as a blueprint for achieving harmonization across customs processes and systems, addressing challenges such as fragmented data, evolving legal requirements, and diverse stakeholder coordination.
CERTEX, within the Single Window Environment for Customs, facilitates the electronic validation and exchange of certificates, enabling economic operators to submit documentation through a unified entry point. Concurrently, DIH ensures consistency in data across Member States' systems, using the EU Customs Data Model (EU CDM) as a framework for harmonisation. The Electronic Customs Coordination Group (ECCG), as the formal governance body for Technical and System Specifications (TES), coordinates the approval and oversight of IT systems development.
Vivansa's mission
As a subcontractor in the SOF_ia consortium, Vivansa contributes targeted expertise across key initiatives. For CERTEX, Vivansa focuses on developing Business Process Models (BPMs) to optimize workflows for certificate validation and integration within the Single Window Environment for Customs, aligned with UCC mandates and MASP-C objectives.
Vivansa also supports DG TAXUD in the preparation and execution of ECCG deliverables, assisting in review cycles and iterative specification development. Through the ePOC initiative, Vivansa facilitates the transition to digital Proof of Origin Certificates, reducing administrative complexity and promoting compliance in international trade — work requiring specialised knowledge in customs legislation, IT integration, and business process optimization.
Outcomes
For CERTEX, Vivansa has refined workflows for certificate validation and exchange, ensuring alignment with the UCC and the objectives of the Single Window Environment for Customs, simplifying documentation submission for economic operators while improving interoperability.
In Data Integration and Harmonisation (DIH), Vivansa has addressed fragmented data structures across Member States. By harmonizing datasets using the EU Customs Data Model (EU CDM), Vivansa has improved interoperability and ensured consistency across key customs systems such as NCTS and AES. Through its contributions to the ePOC initiative, Vivansa has facilitated the digitalisation of Proof of Origin Certificates, enhancing trade compliance and operational efficiency.