EU Parliament Moves Customs Reforms Forward
The European Parliament last week gave its initial approval for a new set of rules that could “overhaul” the bloc’s customs system, including by creating a single Customs Data Hub that will allow traders to submit all customs information on imports (see 2305170031). Parliament -- which adopted the “first reading position” for the rules 486-19, with 97 abstentions -- will continue discussing the changes after the upcoming parliamentary elections in June.
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The proposal, first introduced by the European Commission last year, also would create an EU Customs Authority, eliminate the de minimis threshold for certain imports and allow certain “trustworthy” importers to “benefit from fewer customs checks later,” parliament said in a news release. Companies that agree to undergo “rigorous preliminary checks and controls would gain” a trusted trader status, it said, and businesses with that status would benefit from “minimal checks and paperwork.” This will allow customs agents to focus on “riskier businesses and shipments instead.”
Deirdre Clune, a parliament member from Ireland and the rapporteur for the customs package, said there is a “critical need for a revised” customs system. “The proposed Customs Data Hub is a vital step forward, but its swift implementation, alongside other key reforms, is essential to meet growing challenges,” she said.