About Catherine Truel
Independent authority on customs compliance
Catherine Truel is the author of A Short Guide to Customs Risk (Routledge, 2010), a reference adopted by universities and business schools, and cited by trade professionals across industries. Her book remains one of the few practical guides that connects customs regulations with real-world business needs.
With over two decades of experience, Catherine has advised multinational corporations and SMEs alike on how to anticipate, manage, and reduce customs risks. She brings a unique perspective that bridges three worlds:
- Legal precision grounded in regulatory expertise.
- Business pragmatism strategies that work in practice.
- International trade insight experience with companies trading across borders.
Career & Contributions
- Founder & Director, Alegrant Built and led a consultancy ranked highly for customs compliance expertise.
- Independent Advisor Today, she works directly with senior executives navigating customs challenges at a strategic level.
- Academic Engagement Her book has been used as a textbook in several universities, and she has spoken at international academic and professional conferences.
- Media & Publications Contributed articles to The Scotsman, The Journal of Commerce, and Supply Chain Brain, among others.
Specialist Focus: Rules of Origin
While Catherine’s expertise spans the breadth of customs compliance, she is especially recognised for her work on Rules of Origin, a domain that has become increasingly critical in the wake of new trade agreements and regulatory changes.
Her approach translates complex legal frameworks into business strategies that safeguard supply chains, reduce cost, and prevent operational risk.
Approach
Catherine does not frame customs as an isolated compliance issue. For her, it is a strategic business question. Clients value her ability to:
- Bring clarity to regulatory complexity.
- Anticipate risks that can disrupt operations.
- Develop practical solutions tailored to the organisation.
Her work often begins with a specific challenge and leads to long-term, trusted advisory relationships.
Work With Catherine
Catherine works with senior decision-makers, CFOs, logistics and operations directors, tax and compliance leaders who require clear, actionable expertise at the intersection of trade, regulation, and business.
If you’d like to discuss a project or explore how Catherine might support your organisation:
A Short Guide to Customs Risk 