European Commission aims to modernise Customs rules

Gavin Lipsith

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Two proposals to bring the European Customs code up to date have been welcomed by trade lobbyists

The European Commission has adopted two proposals aimed at simplifying intra-European Union Customs regulations, a move that Brussels analysts claim will have important benefits for travel retailers in the region. The Commission is to begin negotiating with member states to move towards an electronic Customs system while simplifying Customs rules and making them easier for businesses to understand and comply with.

Key aspects of the attempts to modernise Customs rules include the simplification of import and export procedures, measures to make imports and exports easier to track, rationalisation of the Customs guarantee system and allowing a single Customs authorisation to be valid throughout the EU. Allowing electronic communications will pave the way for the new electronic excise system that is being discussed by the EU.

Gbat Beckenham director Graham Austin welcomed the announcement. He said: "It's not a done deal yet and there are going to be hard negotiations with certain member states, but it is a serious step in the right direction. It should have some very good effects for travel retailers, especially allowing the use of electronic communications. The change of philosophy from the current burdensome paper-based system towards electronic exchanges is a crucial part of these reforms."