The European Union is initiating the most extensive customs reform since the establishment of the Customs Union in 1968. A key element of the new approach will be the creation of a unified customs authority in Lille, France, which will coordinate the work of the decentralized EU customs agency and implement modern digital solutions for customs control.
This is reported by Finway
Centralization of Customs Data and New Rules for Business
As part of the reform, a central EU customs data hub is planned to be established. This platform will simplify the interaction between importers and exporters with customs, allowing them to submit customs information only once instead of making separate submissions to national authorities. This will significantly reduce bureaucratic burdens and enhance the efficiency of cargo processing, as data can be used for multiple batches of goods simultaneously.
The initial phase of launching the data hub will cover e-commerce goods starting from July 1, 2028. A full transition to the new system for all goods is expected by March 1, 2034. The new agency in Lille will coordinate the activities of the data hub and support national services in risk management. Member states will have access to up-to-date customs data in real-time, enabling them to respond more effectively to potential threats and risks.
Benefits for Trusted Companies and New Conditions for E-Commerce
The reform includes the introduction of simplified procedures for so-called “most trusted traders.” Companies that provide complete information about their goods and adhere to strict rules will have the opportunity to undergo customs procedures much more easily, including reduced temporary storage and transit times for goods. For such enterprises, goods can be released into circulation without active intervention from customs authorities.
At the same time, the EU plans to introduce a new fee for processing items in small postal shipments arriving in the European Union. The amount of this fee will be determined by the European Commission, and its application will begin no later than November 1, 2026.
According to the updated rules, it will be the e-commerce platforms and sellers who sell goods at a distance that will be considered importers and will bear the responsibility for fulfilling all customs formalities, rather than the end consumers. The legislation also introduces a new system of financial penalties for e-commerce operators who systematically violate customs requirements.
“Today’s agreement marks the largest reform since the establishment of the Customs Union in 1968. The new Union Customs Code will allow us to address numerous challenges posed by new geopolitical realities while ensuring economic security. Once adopted, this modern toolkit will facilitate trade and ensure proper customs collection in a streamlined manner with the necessary legal clarity,” said Makis Keravnos, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Cyprus, the country currently holding the presidency of the EU Council.
After the final agreement on all technical details between the EU Council and the European Parliament, the new customs legislation will come into effect 12 months after its official publication.
It is worth noting that for over 50 years, the EU Customs Union has operated based on cooperation among national customs authorities, covering trade worth over 4.3 trillion euros, which accounts for about 14% of global goods turnover. In 2024, EU customs authorities collected nearly 27 billion euros in customs duties, identified 64,000 cases of health-hazardous goods, and seized 112 million counterfeit products.
Ukraine is also considering the possibility of integrating into the European customs space.