EU Overhauls Customs Code

In a landmark decision on Thursday, the European Parliament and Council finalized an agreement on a comprehensive reform of the EU Customs Code to enhance the management and security of e-commerce and imported goods. This reform introduces several significant changes aimed at streamlining processes and increasing the safety of goods entering the EU.

Under the new agreement, e-commerce platforms that send parcels directly to EU consumers will now be treated as importers, making them responsible for providing all necessary customs data and ensuring compliance with EU laws. Additionally, a new handling fee will be implemented for goods ordered directly from non-EU countries to cover the increased costs associated with handling a growing number of individual parcels.

A notable development in the reform is the establishment of a new EU Customs Authority based in Lille, France. This body will be responsible for coordinating future customs cooperation, managing risk, and overseeing a new customs data hub. The hub aims to integrate and streamline customs processes by replacing at least 111 different software systems by 2034, enhancing efficiency across member states.

The provisional agreement must now be officially approved by the EU Parliament and Council before it becomes law. If sanctioned, these changes promise to make the EU market safer and fairer for consumers and businesses alike, by enforcing stricter regulations and penalties on e-commerce platforms that fail to comply.