Ilay Aykanat
Customs and Trade Expert
Maastricht
Summary
Customs and Trade Expert with 10+ years of experience at the intersection of international trade, compliance, and digital customs systems. Proven expertise in product classification, origin determination, and cross-border e-commerce operations, combined with hands-on experience in EU customs frameworks through DG TAXUD. Strong background in trade data governance, process improvement, and regulatory alignment, with a particular focus on export control and compliance risk management. Internationally trained in U.S. export control of dual-use items and non-proliferation, with an active global network of customs and compliance professionals across 30+ countries.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Customs and Trade Expert
Ministry of Trade, Türkiye
07.2014 - Current
- Led customs process design and regulatory implementation for cross-border e-commerce and simplified declaration systems
- Performed product classification, origin rules and trade compliance assessments aligned with national and international frameworks
- Drove digitalization initiatives and data-driven customs transformation projects
- Represented Türkiye at international platforms including World Trade , World Customs Organization and EU working groups
- Actively engaged in applications related to Wassenaar Arrangement scope and international export control frameworks
- Contributed to Türkiye’s improved World Bank Doing Business rankings on trading-across-borders indicators
- Strengthened relationships with national and international regulatory bodies, companies and other stakeholders through effective communication and collaboration
Foreign Trade Specialist
Halkbank
04.2008 - 05.2012
- Worked in the foreign trade and exchange department focusing on trade finance operations. Handled letters of credit, guarantees, and international trade financing instruments, managing both document and cash flows. Performed sanctions screening and compliance checks against U.S. OFAC and EU SDN lists. Actively involved in sanctions compliance related to high-risk jurisdictions such as Iran, Libya, and Syria. Worked on anti-money laundering (AML) processes and contributed to preventing over 100 suspicious transactions. Developed strong expertise in international payment systems, risk controls, and regulatory compliance.
Education
MSc - Operations & Supply Chain Management
Trinity College Dublin
Dublin, Ireland01.2023
BSc - International Trade and Logistics Management
Anadolu University
Türkiye01.2020
BSc - Economics
Hacettepe University
Türkiye01.2007
Skills
- Trade Data Management & Governance
- Product Classification (HS / TARIC) & Origin Determination
- Export Control & Sanctions Compliance (EU / US)
Certification
Completed intensive training delivered by U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FBI officials, and University of Georgia – School of Public and International Affairs. Focused on export control of dual-use items, Wassenaar Arrangement scope, and WMD non-proliferation frameworks. Selected participant among representatives from 32 developing countries and built an active international professional network.
Timeline
Customs and Trade Expert
Ministry of Trade, Türkiye
07.2014 - Current
Foreign Trade Specialist
Halkbank
04.2008 - 05.2012
MSc - Operations & Supply Chain Management
Trinity College Dublin
BSc - International Trade and Logistics Management
Anadolu University
BSc - Economics
Hacettepe University