Brussels, 08/05/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 8 May, the Ecofin Council reached a political agreement on the proposal for a directive on a paper-free environment for customs and trade, the “e-Customs programme”. Member states recommend setting measures in place step by step to make national systems compatible with each other and to create a single electronic portal. Also foreseen are: an automated import system and automated export system together with the existing new computerised transit system; a single electronic access point and single window, with this one-stop-shop system allowing goods to be controlled at the same time and at the same place; and an authorised single economic operators registration and identification system.
“I am very pleased we could reach an agreement in the Council, thanks to the Finnish and German presidencies' efforts undertaken in the discussions”, said European Commissioner for Customs Union Laszlo Kovacs. “The commitment made by the Commission and the member states paves the way to a paper free environment for customs which will facilitate communications between traders and customs and allow for faster and better exchange of information between European customs authorities. A pan-European electronic customs will increase the competitiveness of companies doing business in Europe, reduce compliance costs and improve security at the EU borders”, said Mr Kovacs.
The European Parliament, which had not adopted any amendments to the Commission's initial proposal in December 2006 (see EUROPE 9327), is expected to give its position during second reading in the next few months. (mb)