Reform of the customs framework is intended to address increase in trade volumes and ensure that all merchandise entering the EU meets the Bloc’s standards. It envisages creation of the EU customs authority and EU customs data hub.

European Council on Monday, 30 June agreed on a partial negotiating mandate on a fundamental reform of the EU customs framework. The overhaul will give customs authorities across the EU a more modern toolbox to deal with current trends. These include huge increases in trade volumes, especially in e-commerce, and a fast-growing number of EU standards that must be checked at the border.

The original proposal submitted by the Commisiion has been significantly amended by the Council. As an example, the text clarifies in more detail certain customs processes, making them easier to implement by EU customs authorities and officials on the ground.

The agreement now allows for interinstitutional negotiations with the European Parliament to begin on the core aspects of the reform. These will be started by the EU presidency.

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Dangerous and unsafe goods in focus

The reform is expected to give the EU the adequate means to stop non-compliant, dangerous or unsafe goods from entering the EU. Customs duties will become more efficient, and controls should be carried out without putting excessive burden on authorities and traders.

In the face of growing challenges and global trends, EU customs urgently need modern tools to protect our Single Market – Andrzej Domański, Polish minister for finance

New EU customs authority will be established in order to support and help coordinate the risk management work of national customs authorities. The new body will coordinate governance of the EU customs union in a number of areas. In particular, the EU customs authority will allow for EU-level risk management supporting the work of national customs authorities.

Also, new EU customs data hub will create a single EU-wide online environment. For the most trusted and transparent traders, enhanced customs simplifications will be introduced. Under this scheme, businesses that provide maximum information on their activities and that fulfil other strict criteria will benefit from simplified customs obligations. In some cases, these traders will be able to release their goods into circulation in the EU without any active customs intervention at all.