EU Customs Reform marks a new era for customs in Europe

The EU Customs Reform has entered into force, marking the start of a better, smarter and simpler customs system across the EU. Following formal adoption by the Council of the European Union and European Parliament, the reform was published in the Official Journal last Saturday and will be gradually implemented as from today.

The Reform will modernise the EU customs system, by making it more digital, data-driven and responsive to the growing challenges of international trade. This will support EU customs to address, evolving geopolitical risks, the rapid expansion of e-commerce, and the increasing demand for consumer protection. At the core of the reform lies a modernised Union Customs Code (UCC) and the establishment of the EU Customs Authority (EUCA).

The new UCC regulation, published on 19 September, provides the legal basis for the EU Customs Reform. It recasts the legal architecture governing customs operations across the EU, creating a more integrated system, and helping the Customs Union to operate as one. The new Code will modernise customs procedures, harmonise processes, reduce administrative burden and strengthen risk management. This means that ultimately, there will be a single customs entry point for all customs operations across the EU instead of multiple national systems.

Customs today is a strategic pillar for the EU's competitiveness and economic security. It helps protect the Single Market, enforce European standards, and facilitate legitimate trade. The reform will strengthen customs authorities' role in collecting customs duties, as well as upholding non-fiscal EU rules like product safety, environmental rules and intellectual property rights. Customs procedures and requirements will become simpler and more predictable for legitimate businesses. There will also be clearer responsibilities for importers and streamlined reporting through a single EU data interface. Trusted traders will benefit from significantly simplified procedures.