Brussels, 24/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 25 June, the European Union and Switzerland sign an agreement on goods transport security (EUROPE 9743). This will authorise economic operators to not have to supply the customs authorities with preliminary electronic declarations with regard to the movement of the goods from either side of the border separating the two trading partners. In exchange, Switzerland will carry out the same controls in customs security as those applicable in the EU to all freight from third countries, whether this is going to the EU or not. Provisions also apply to goods exports from Switzerland to third countries. 23,000 lorries and 4,400 rail carriages cross the Swiss-EU border every day.
Adopted in February 2008, the revision for security reasons of the Community customs code will enter into force on Wednesday 1 July. There will be an 18 month transition period where providing preliminary electronic entry declarations optional (or when leaving) for goods on EU territory (EUROPE 9878). Until the end of 2010, goods not declared in advance will be subject to a risk analysis after arrival or before leaving. (M.B./trans/rh)