The European Union announced March 25 what it called “the most ambitious reform of EU customs rules since 1968,” including new measures for e-commerce and “a modern, data-driven customs architecture that simplifies procedures and enhances efficiency.”
A European Commission press release states that the reform will include the establishment of the new EU Customs Authority, which will see some activities beginning in 2027. The EUCA will (1) coordinate and modernize customs operations across all 27 EU member states, (2) facilitate information sharing and provide risk management at the EU level, and (3) manage the EU Customs Data Hub, a single digital interface for all customs operations in the EU that will allow businesses to submit data only once instead of navigating through multiple national systems. This hub will be launched for e-commerce in 2028, open for all other businesses in 2031, and expand to all traders and become the single mandatory EU customs entry point in 2034.
Other aspects of the reform include the following.
- strengthening the framework for trusted traders so that businesses with strong compliance records will be rewarded with benefits like simplified procedures and fewer controls and customs authorities can focus their resources on high-risk consignments
- temporarily imposing a €3 duty on parcels valued below €150 starting July 1 and applying normal customs duties to such parcels once the EU Customs Data Hub is fully operational
- introducing no later than Nov. 1 a handling fee (specific amount to be determined) on imported goods to compensate for increasing costs for customs authorities
- requiring e-commerce operators in the future to (1) inform authorities through the EU Customs Data Hub about their sales immediately after they happen and (2) ensure compliance with EU legislation applicable to their products, including fiscal and non-fiscal rules, with specific penalties possible for systematic non-compliance
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