Brussels, 12/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - EU Customs Union Commissioner Algirdas Semeta has welcomed the adoption by MEPs in plenary on Wednesday 11 September of the inter-institutional agreement updating the European Union's Customs Code (see EUROPE 10834).
The Commissioner said that the Customs Code that had been approved by the EP would enable customs departments to continue their essential work in a more efficient and profitable manner, adjusting it to meet the demands of the modern economy.
The changes made in the Customs Code include the option for companies and civil services to use solely electronic means for the exchange of customs information by 2020, along with faster customs formalities for registered economic operators. By the end of this year, the Commission will unveil a separate proposal outlining a harmonised approach to the processing of customs information.
Constance Le Grip (EPP, France), EP rapporteur on this issue, said that the new Customs Code would give the single market the tools it needs to make European companies more competitive, while ensuring high protection of the EU market and EU consumers. Following publication of the agreement endorsed by the EP in the EU Official Journal, countries will have 30 months to prepare for application of the new measures. (FG/transl.fl)