Brussels, 05/06/2001 (Agence Europe) - "Simple and smoothly functioning customs operations benefit both companies and international trade", stated on Thursday Mr Leif Pagrotsky, Swedish Minister for Trade and acting President of the Internal Market/Consumer Council, after it adopted a resolution enshrining the EU's new customs strategy presented by the Commission last February (see EUROPE of 17 February, p.9).
The new strategy is part of the context of changes in the EU's international environment: in fact globalisation of trade and the next enlargement of the Union impose new constraints on customs authorities, which do not exclude the need to simplify and rationalise regulations and procedures. The strategy adopted on Thursday answers these requirements, by underlining the need to develop new methods of customs clearance and customs checks based upon "vital tools" that are the information technologies, the analysis of risks and cooperation with economic actors. Moreover, the Council resolution recognises the need for close cooperation with the customs authorities of third countries, in particular with the border countries of the Union, to facilitate the crossing of borders and make the fight against infringements more effective. Finally, the strategy favours efforts in terms of training aimed at customs officials and the economic operators, notably in the following areas: understanding of Community legislation, information technologies and modern working methods.