On 13 March 2024, the European Parliament took a decisive step by adopting by a large majority the draft reform of the Customs Union.
What are the key objectives of this reform?
The reform of the European Customs Union aims to adapt the system to modern challenges such as the explosion in e-commerce and the proliferation of non-customs regulations.
This reform proposal aims to strengthen the role of customs in protecting the EU’s revenue, as well as the security, health and prosperity of European citizens and businesses.
What are the main innovations expected?
The creation of a European Customs Authority
The establishment of a European data space to centralise reporting data
Improving e-commerce management
Good to know:
The new European legislation is divided into three key legal acts to optimise the EU customs system:
- A main regulation reforming the Customs Code and establishing the European Customs Authority.
- A regulation facilitating distance selling by removing the threshold for exemption from customs duties,
- A directive adjusting import VAT for distance sales of imported goods.
Discussions in the European Council are currently continuing at a brisk pace, in order to fine-tune and finalise the last details of this reform.
For more information, please contact our experts.
Source: French Customs (in French)
