Brussels, 28/07/2015 (Agence Europe) - On 28 July, the European Commission adopted an implementing measure of the Customs Code of 2013, aiming to create a simpler, more modern and integrated European Union customs system.
This measure, which takes the form of a delegated act, lays down rules which will apply from 1 May 2016. It covers a broad range of customs activities: - simplification of the 'inward processing' customs procedure, which allows the processing of non-Union goods without payment of import duty and other charges, in order to support the creation of added value in the EU; - clarification of the rules to ensure equal treatment of economic operators in the EU; - wide-ranging provisions which will allow customs decisions and authorisations to be valid across the whole of the EU territory in the future; - establishing common data requirements as the basis for new IT systems linking member states' customs administrations, to ensure a seamless exchange of information; - improved risk management to reinforce the fight against the trade in illicit and prohibited goods, terrorism and other criminal activities.
The measure now comes under the scrutiny of the Council and the European Parliament, which have two months (which can be extended for a further two months) to express any objections they may have. (Elodie Lamer)