Brussels, 21/12/2012 (Agence Europe) - With growing responsibilities and intensifying global challenges to confront - such as greater trade flows, increasingly complex supply chains, an ever faster pace of business and the globalisation of terrorist risks - customs are subjected to mounting pressure. Meanwhile, the economic crisis has squeezed the public resources on which customs could previously count. The customs union must do increasingly more with increasingly less. It is in this context that the European Commission adopted a communication on 21 December that defines an action programme intended to modernise, strengthen and streamline the customs union in the years ahead.
The top priority is to complete the modernisation of the customs union - which began in 2003. The Commission calls on the European Council and the European Parliament to adopt and implement the Union Customs Code, which will make procedures simpler, more efficient and better fitted for modern trade needs.
The Commission believes it is necessary to remedy the identified gaps as quickly as possible. In January 2013 it will publish a communication on how to improve risk management and security of the supply chain. Other measures planned for 2013 include a proposal on approximation of customs penalties, a review of tariff suspensions and quota rules, implementing a crisis management action plan and developing a package of procedures enabling customs to apply health, safety and environment rules more efficiently.
Lastly, a review of governance of how the customs union functions internally will be initiated. The review, to be undertaken in close collaboration with the member states, should address how to cooperate better, in a more harmonised way, to provide high quality customs services and improve resource efficiency across the EU.
Every year, EU customs process 2 billion tonnes of goods worth €3.3 trillion, and collect €16.6 billion in customs duties. (OL/transl.fl)