The European Commission (EC) wants to unify the customs system of the European Union and reduce the administration associated with the growing number of cross-border internet purchases. On Wednesday, the EU executive proposed a reform of the EU’s customs rules, which envisages the creation of a joint office and data system that should replace the customs infrastructure in the member states.
The Commission estimates that this could reduce costs for member countries by up to two billion euros (47.3 billion CZK). The proposal also includes the introduction of customs duties for the cheapest goods, which are still exempt from their payment.
For the Commission’s plan to become effective in practice, it must first be approved by member states and the European Parliament.
The customs union has been operating within the European bloc since its inception more than half a century ago, but according to the commission, the time has come for its transformation, even with regard to electronic commerce. Currently, importers have to deal with customs formalities with the authorities of individual countries, which often use different systems.
“This far-reaching reform will reduce red tape and compliance costs for businesses, bring more transparency and certainty to EU citizens when shopping online, and allow customs authorities to introduce simpler and more innovative procedures,” said Paolo Gentiloni, the European Commissioner for the Economy, today.
Part of the proposal is the introduction of customs duties for goods with a value of less than 150 euros, which are still exempt from customs duties. According to the commission, this was often abused by fraudsters, who quoted a lower price for up to 65 percent of shipments in this duty-free category to avoid paying duties.
Brussels plans for the single data center to start operating for shipments from online stores from 2028. Other importers will be able to start using it voluntarily in 2032. Its use should become mandatory in 2038.
