Trade Groups Urge EU to Ensure Customs Changes Don’t Harm Trade
As the EU looks to revamp its customs system, it should take steps to ensure the changes don't impede international trade, a coalition of trade groups said in a joint statement released Dec. 12.
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Although the EU’s current customs code legislation is supposed to be "executed" by Dec. 31, 2025, several member states have indicated their information technology systems won't be ready by the deadline, the statement says. The coalition called on the EU to address this shortfall with “realistic planning" to ensure the IT systems are "fully deployed" and that customs rules are "uniformly applied in a digital environment."
While endorsing plans to create a single customs data hub that will allow traders to submit all customs information on imports (see 2403150023), the coalition wants the EU to avoid the “current trend of continually increasing data requirements," and it requested an external assessment of the hub’s feasibility, effectiveness, data protection and impact on businesses. The coalition also suggested that new customs legislation allow for swift updates of IT systems, and that the data hub prepare adequately for cyberattacks and other contingencies.
For the EU’s planned new customs authority, the coalition recommended that it harmonize the application of customs regulations across member states, reduce administrative burdens and implement user-friendly procedures. It suggested that the customs authority give trade groups the ability to request clarifications, express positions and participate in advisory bodies.
To ensure the success of the new "trust and check trader" status, the coalition proposes that small and medium-sized enterprises receive training and other resources from customs authorities to enable them to participate in the initiative.
The coalition's other recommendations address information submissions to the data hub, customs infringements and noncriminal sanctions, temporary storage and harmonizing customs with other related legislation.