Alfiere del Commercio Internazionale Award: Call for Entries for the Third Edition Now Online
The official call for entries for the 2026 Alfiere del Commercio Internazionale Award has been published. Applications are open to those under 35 until September 15. Learn about the themes, requirements, and prizes.
The call for entries for the third edition of the Alfiere del Commercio Internazionale – Young International Trade Specialist (YITS) Award is now officially online. This initiative is promoted by ARcom Formazione as part of the 2026 International Trade Forum, scheduled for October 23 in Milan.
The award was established with the aim of recognizing the talent, research, and interest of the younger generation in the fields of international trade, customs law, geopolitics, and European trade policy.
Who Is the Alfiere Award For?
The Alfiere International Trade Award is open to anyone under 35, regardless of their educational or professional background. Students, graduates, professionals, and anyone interested in exploring the major challenges facing global trade are eligible to participate.
The initiative aims to establish a concrete link between academia, businesses, and industry professionals, offering opportunities to:
- professional visibility
- professional networking
- discussion with experts and leading companies
- promotion of studies and research on global trade issues
The themes of the third edition of the Alfiere Award
Candidates will be asked to write an original paper on one of the following topics:
- Free Trade Agreements and European Trade Policy– The Role of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in the European Union’s Trade Policy: A Complement to or a Replacement for WTO Multilateralism?
- E-commerce and New Customs Rules – Cross-border E-commerce and the Elimination of the 150-Euro Duty-Free Threshold: The Transformation of Marketplaces Within the Customs System.
- The New European Union Customs Authority – The Legal Nature and Powers of the New EU Customs Authority.
A Scientific Committee composed of experts
The evaluation of the entries will be entrusted to the Scientific Committee of the Alfiere del Commercio Internazionale Award, composed of academics, professionals, and experts with recognized experience in the fields of international trade, customs law, economics, and international relations.
The Scientific Committee ensures the rigor of the selection process and the scientific quality of the initiative by evaluating the papers based on criteria such as depth, originality, innovation, and the overall quality of the research.
What Does the First-Place Winner Receive?
The winner of the 2026 Alfiere del Commercio Internazionale Award will receive:
- the official awards ceremony during the International Trade Forum
- Free enrollment in the Master's Program in International Trade and Customs to earn the professional certification as an AEO Corporate Customs Manager, offered by ARcom Formazione
- A six-month paid internship at the Armella & Associati Law Firm
- the full publication of the paper in the specialized journal Il Doganalista
- publication on the International Trade Forum's official channels
The Award is one of the ways in which the Forum aims to invest in the skills of the future and encourage new professionals to enter the world of international trade.
How to Enter the Alfiere Award Contest
Applications must be submitted by September 15, 2026, by sending the documentation specified in the call for applications to the organizing secretariat: segreteria@arcomsrl.it
The entries will be evaluated by the Award’s Scientific Committee based on criteria such as overall quality, depth of research, use of sources, innovation, and originality.
The complete call for applications, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, and evaluation criteria, is available online.
Check out the program and all the latest news from the 2026 International Trade Forum, and keep visiting our website for updates, in-depth coverage, and new initiatives.
Browse our website
The launch of the fourth edition of the International Trade Forum, held on May 27, 2026, at the Confindustria Genova headquarters, received significant coverage in major national and industry media, confirming the growing interest in what is now one of Italy’s leading events dedicated to international trade, European trade policies, customs law, and global geopolitical scenarios.
The program for the fourth edition of the Forum was presented in Genoa
During the press conference, the organizers outlined the program and objectives of the 2026 edition, scheduled for October 23 at the Hotel Excelsior Gallia in Milan.
The meeting brought together representatives from government, the business community, and the private sector, providing an initial opportunity to discuss the topics that will be the focus of the Forum:
- geopolitics and new global economic balances
- International Trade and European Trade Policy
- economic security and business competitiveness
- the evolution of customs law
- the impact of trade tensions on international supply chains
- Exports and the internationalization of Italian companies
2028 World Customs Law Meeting in Genoa
Among the most significant announcements made during the presentation was the confirmation that Genoa will host the 2028 World Customs Law Meeting, the most important international conference dedicated to customs law and international trade, organized by the International Customs Law Academy (ICLA).
This is a highly prestigious award that reinforces the city’s role as an international leader in logistics, port operations, and global trade.
ARGO – Observatory on International Trade is launched
During the event, ARGO – Observatory on International Trade, the new permanent research center sponsored by ARcom Formazione, was also presented.
ARGO was founded with the goal of analyzing and interpreting the changes affecting global trade, offering studies, white papers, and in-depth resources focused on:
- international geopolitical scenarios;
- changes in regulations and customs procedures;
- trade policies;
- sustainability and compliance;
- economic security;
- the impact of new protectionist measures on world trade.
Alfiere International Trade Award: Spotlight on the Next Generation
Among the initiatives presented during the press conference is the third edition of the “Alfiere del Commercio Internazionale – Young International Trade Specialist” Award, sponsored by ARcom Formazione as part of the International Trade Forum.
The award was established with the aim of recognizing the talent, research, and interest of the younger generation in the fields of international trade, customs law, geopolitics, and European trade policy.
The initiative is aimed at young people under 35 and seeks to establish a concrete link between academia, businesses, and industry professionals, offering opportunities to:
- professional visibility
- professional networking
- discussion with experts and leading companies
- promotion of studies and research on global trade issues
The Award is one of the ways in which the Forum aims to invest in the skills of the future and encourage new professionals to enter the world of international trade.
Press review: the major publications that covered the Forum
The Forum's launch received significant media coverage in national and local newspapers, news agencies, television stations, and specialized media outlets.
Highlights include:
- ANSA
- Italpress
- Il Secolo XIX
- La Repubblica
- The Newspaper
- TGR Liguria
- Telenord
- Ship2Shore
- Liguria24
- Genoa Daily
- The Day
- GEA Agency
- Monte Carlo News
The Forum remains Italy's leading event dedicated to global trade
Now in its fourth edition, the International Trade Forum continues to solidify its role as a platform for dialogue among European and national institutions, businesses, professionals, academia, and geopolitical experts.
An event designed to foster dialogue and the development of concrete solutions in an international context marked by profound economic, regulatory, and strategic changes.
See you in Milan on October 23, 2026
The fourth edition of the Forum will feature prominent representatives from European institutions, the business world, and the field of international geopolitical analysis, who will come together to discuss the major issues that are reshaping global trade.
Check out the program and all the latest news from the 2026 International Trade Forum, and keep visiting our website for updates, in-depth coverage, and new initiatives.
Browse our website
We are pleased to present the 4th edition of the International Trade Forum: May 27 at Confindustria Genova
The countdown has officially begun for the 4th edition of the International Trade Forum, the leading event dedicated to the major issues of global trade, customs, and international competitiveness, scheduled for October 23, 2026, at the Hotel Excelsior Gallia in Milan.
The new edition of the Forum will be officially unveiled on Tuesday, May 27, at 11:00 a.m. at Confindustria Genova, during a press conference that will bring together representatives from government, academia, and key industry players.
Conceivedby Sara Armella, Esq., Scientific Director of ARcom Formazione and one of the leading experts in customs law and international trade, the Forum once again stands out this year as an authoritative forum for discussion on the major changes that are reshaping the balance of international trade: new geopolitical tensions, regulatory shifts, sustainability, business competitiveness, and internationalization strategies.
During the press conference, two major initiatives related to the Forum will also be presented: the third edition of the “Alfiere del Commercio Internazionale” Award and ARGO – Observatory on International Trade, a project focused on analysis and scientific research dedicated to the evolution of global economic scenarios.
The press conference marks the first official event in the series leading up to Forum 2026, underscoring the commitment to creating a high-profile forum for dialogue among institutions, businesses, professionals, and experts on the most strategic issues for the future of international trade.
Browse our website to learn more about the 2026 International Trade Forum.
We are proud to announce our first Gold Sponsor: Axpo Italia.
For over 25 years, Axpo has been supporting small, medium, and large Italian businesses by providing energy for their operations.
Founded in Switzerland, the company now operates in over 30 countries across Europe, the United States, and Asia, and is a leader in energy trading and the sustainable energy market.
It invests in the Planet, People, Principles, and Progress to drive change and works alongside businesses to build a sustainable future through innovative energy solutions.
To learn more, visit their official website.
Don’t miss the chance to meet them at the International Trade Forum.
We are proud to announce one of the Platinum Sponsors: BRIT Customs LTD.
Established in 2021 and based in Chelmsford-the town of Marconi and the first radio-Brit Customs is the only Italian customs operator in the United Kingdom.
Specializing in customs solutions, the company is recognized for its technical expertise, consultative approach and commitment to operational excellence.
With a multilingual team of certified experts and a network of strategic partnerships, Brit Customs offers:
- 24/7 customs services, including automated customs clearance and document management
- AI-driven technologies to ensure compliance and speedy processes
- Dedicated support for Italian companies to overcome post-Brexit barriers
- Quality certifications (ISO 9001, AEO, BIFA) to ensure reliability and transparency
Brit Customs' mission is to turn customs challenges into opportunities for growth by promoting stability, resilience and international collaboration.
To learn more, visit their official website.
Don’t miss the chance to meet them at the International Trade Forum.
We are proud to announce our first Platinum Sponsor, DHL Express Italy
As a leader in the international express shipping industry, DHL connects over 220 countries through its air service. In Italy, it operates an extensive network that includes the Malpensa hub and numerous logistics centers and gateways at major airports. With 10,000 employees, 50 million shipments per year, 84 daily flights, and a fleet of 3,000 vehicles, DHL is a strategic partner in international logistics.
To learn more, visit their official website.
Don’t miss the chance to meet them at the International Trade Forum.
We are proud to announce that Armella & Associati Law Firm has joined our Elite Sponsors.
The firm, founded by Attorney Sara Armella, is a leading national and international provider of legal and tax advisory services, with recognized expertise in customs law, international taxation, and compliance.
Working alongside her, partners Massimo Monosi, Esq., and Stefano Comisi, Esq., together with Senior Associate Tatiana Salvi, Esq., lead a team of professionals who assist major Italian and multinational groups, adopting a strategic, tailored approach focused on enhancing companies’ competitiveness in global markets.
With offices in Milan and Genoa, the firm provides direct support to companies operating in international markets.
Their work has also been recognized by industry publications such as Forbes and TopLegal, which have named Armella & Associati among Italy’s leading firms in the field of tax and customs consulting.
To learn more, visit their official website.
Don’t miss the chance to meet them at the International Trade Forum.
We are proud to announce our first Elite Sponsor, Hermes Validating & Consulting!
For over thirty years, Hermes has been a trusted partner for companies operating in global markets, assisting them with customs procedures and helping them navigate the complexities of international trade.
Their mission is clear: to turn procedures into opportunities by streamlining bureaucratic processes and offering strategic solutions that enable companies to expand beyond national borders.
Under the leadership of Dr. Massimiliano Mercurio, Hermes does more than just provide consulting services; it actively contributes to the dissemination of expertise through specialized training programs and by participating in European working groups on trade and compliance.
Their motto? Get ready to compete.
To learn more, visit their official website.
Don’t miss the chance to meet them at the International Trade Forum.
Registration opens today for the International Trade Forum, Italy’s leading event dedicated to international trade, which brings together businesses, institutions, opinion leaders, and the media. It offers an opportunity to engage with leading global experts to discuss current issues in international trade, geopolitical scenarios, the trade war, export trends, and sector reforms.
Don’t miss this opportunity to take part in this important event and help shape the future of international trade with us!
The International Trade Forum broadens its horizons and looks abroad. This year we will have the exceptional participation of experts from around the world who will come together for an exclusive discussion on issues of global interest.
Stay tuned: the full-day program will be available soon.
In the meantime, check out our constantly updated speaker page to learn more about our speakers.
