Brussels, 13/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - From 1 January 2011, traders will have to make an electronic declaration to customs with security data on goods before they leave or enter the European Union. The aim of this measure is to increase security in international trade.
In concrete terms, this means that, with effect from 1 January 2011, all traders involved in customs transactions and international logistics will have to provide EU customs with security data through electronic declarations, before goods are brought into, or out of, the European Union. In addition, a uniform set of EU risk-criteria will be applied by member states when carrying out customs controls on goods entering or leaving the EU.
The Commission says, in a press release that recent air cargo security incidents have shown that good security needs customs risk analysis systems to be toughened. Access to security data at an early stage, i.e. before goods physically arrive at the border, will allow cargo movements to be more efficiently screened and enable customs authorities to carry out better risk analyses. Customs will, thus, be better able to focus controls on high risk cargo, while quicker processing and release of goods at entry or exit will help to ensuring smooth trade.
The type of security data requested from the traders will vary according to the means of transport and the reliability of the traders involved in the operation. It could include, for example, a description of the goods, information on the consignor or exporter, the route of the goods, and any potential hazards. The time limits for submitting advance security data also vary according to the means of transport: from 24 hours in advance of loading for maritime cargo to one hour before arrival for road traffic or even less for certain air transport. Since 1 July 2009, an optional facility has been in place allowing traders to submit their advance declaration. From 1 January 2011, it will become compulsory. (O.L./transl.rt)