BusinessEurope’s priorities for EU customs policy

Key messages

The European Commission should have greater regard for how business processes work in its design of customs processes. Customs policy has an important impact on business competitiveness. Effective, business-friendly customs processes can facilitate operations and ensure smooth transactions. Many changes in customs policy have already taken place with the introduction of the Union Customs Code (UCC), with more yet to occur with the continued implementation of the UCC.
The European Commission should restore the balance between customs obligations and simplifications for business. In its implementation of the UCC, the Commission has thus far focused mainly on the obligations and requirements related to risk control. The simplifications outlined in the UCC should have equal priority in order to ensure that the balance between requirements and benefits for businesses remains in place.
The EU customs policy should further support and facilitate international trade. Through good rules of origin, modern HS codes, combating counterfeit goods, and helping trading partners modernise their customs policy and processes, the EU customs policy can be an important tool for facilitating trade.

Further simplifications for authorised economic operators (AEO)
Implementation of self-assessment
Implementation of centralised customs clearance
The creation of a ‘Single Window’ system as a one-stop-shop for businesses
Eliminating the mandatory 6-digit HS code for the entry summary declaration and transit procedure
Updating customs valuation rules
Negotiating retrospective claims of origin and data confidentiality in origin verification
Ensuring that customs policy supports the closest possible EU-UK relationship
Modernising certain harmonised systems (HS) codes
Modernising the EU-Turkey Customs Union
Stepping up efforts against counterfeit goods
Supporting the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA)