Member States are working on a common position on the European Commission’s action plan on the Customs Union, which was presented at the end of September (see EUROPE 12569/4). A version of the draft EU Council conclusions dated 4 November, a copy of which was obtained by EUROPE, focuses on the need for close cooperation between Member States in terms of electronic commerce in view of the challenges posed by its development.
The draft text encourages the Commission to examine closely the use of VAT data collected for customs purposes, addressing at the same time trade facilitation, risk-based controls, data protection and data security issues, and the potential burdens and costs for the economy and administrations.
The proposal also looks favourably on the Commission’s proposal to put in place an EU-Single Window (see EUROPE 12591/13), while pointing out that a sufficient harmonisation of reporting requirements in areas other than customs policy is a precondition for the success of this initiative, as is allowing sufficient time for its implementation.
With regard to the Commission’s intention to explore the possibility of setting up an EU customs agency, on the other hand, the Member States seem more reserved and are asking the Commission to take into account the Member States’ expertise when launching its impact assessment, to include all possible alternative solutions, and to provide for a schedule that allows for extensive reflection.
Lastly, the draft text encourages the Commission to draw lessons from the Covid-19 crisis and to examine the feasibility of a crisis management plan in the field of customs, which could include legal changes to be applied temporarily or could offer payment and procedural facilities, as well as specific exemptions from customs duties in a uniform and general manner.
The conclusions are expected to be adopted before the end of the German EU Council Presidency. (Original version in French by Marion Fontana)