22 February 2024
The Internal Market Committee (IMCO) on the 22nd of February adopted its position on the reform of the EU Customs Code to alleviate pressure on customs authorities due to the increase in e-commerce and new product standards.
The reform aims to simplify procedures, improve data processing, create a platform for informants and facilitate trade, especially for SMEs. MEPs called for an early launch of the EU DataHub as a pilot project and a separate platform for whistleblowers. The rapporteur also emphasised the need for efficient customs procedures in a context of growing trade volumes. The draft report received strong support in the committee and will move to plenary for further consideration.
FEPORT stresses the need for effective customs warehousing rules to reduce the administrative burden for EU terminals and maintain the resilience of supply and welcomes IMCO decision to restore the time limit for temporary storage to 90 days but stresses the need for effective rules for customs warehousing. These rules should enable EU terminals to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens while remaining resilient and adaptable in the face of potential future supply chain disruptions.