Joint Industry and trade statement on the EU Customs Reform
09 December 2024
On 9 December, the European
Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) and 21 other EU trade and business associations
issued a joint statement supporting the EU customs reform and highlighting key
areas for improvement. The reform aims to improve the competitiveness,
security and efficiency of the EU at its external borders by modernising
customs operations and adapting them to the realities of global trade. Among
the key recommendations outlined in the statement are the completion of the
implementation of the current UCC legislation, the creation of a centralised EU
Customs Data Hub, the prioritisation of data security and interoperability,
simplified procedures for trusted traders, clarity on liability and data
ownership, a higher level of harmonised practices through the establishment of
the EU Customs Authority, the active involvement of trade and business
organisations in the reform process. Last but not least, ESPO, together with
the other signatories, emphasises the importance of maintaining the 90-day time
limit for temporary storage in order to avoid operational inefficiencies and
administrative burdens in the supply chain. This joint statement underlines the
importance of striking the right balance between trade facilitation and
security and ensuring that reforms enhance the competitiveness of the EU,
including its ports.