Brussels, 21/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 19 February, the European Parliament adopted the report by Janelly Fourtou (ADLE, France) on the draft regulation modernising the Community customs code (EUROPE 9451). Following the recommendation of its internal market committee, the European Parliament approves, without amending, the Council's common position on this dossier (EUROPE 9588). The Council is now expected to formally confirm the political agreement. The revised Community customs code will enter into force mid-2008 and will be applied from 2010. Application measures are currently being drawn up and are expected to be adopted in 2008 or 2009.
On the eve of the plenary debate Ms Fourtou was delighted that that they were at this stage, “at the end of three months of work”. She affirmed that revision of European legislation aimed to, “guarantee trade flows while carrying out necessary inspections and ensuring the protection of citizens' health and security”. Reform will also help to modernise customs methods by adapting them to new Communication technologies. Alluding to the difficult elements in the dossier, such as the status of certified economic operator, the right of representation at customs, centralised customs clearance and committee procedures, Fourtou described the Council's common position as a “good compromise”. She pointed out that even customs representatives, “who have, however, lost their monopoly in some member states”, welcome the agreement.
Laszlo Kovacs, the Commissioner responsible for customs union, hoped that the regulatory framework would be in place by 2008, “a year that marks the fortieth anniversary of customs union”. According to the Commissioner, modernisation of the Community customs code would clarify, “the rights and responsibilities of economic operators” and simplify customs procedures. The Commission is hoping to make savings of €2.5 million a year. Customs declarations will take place in the member state where a company is based, whatever the entry or exit point of the goods concerned. With electronic procedures, customs authorities will also be able to carry out analyses of risk in real time, explained the Commissioner. In June the Commission will be organising celebrations to mark the fortieth year of customs union. (M.B.)