EU customs overhaul will replace national systems with single freight data hub

The new Union Customs Code was formally adopted by the European Parliament and Council on 16 September and subsequently published in the EU’s Official Journal. The European Commission said the reform, which entered into force this week, represents the most extensive overhaul of the Customs Union since its creation in 1968.

For hauliers, freight forwarders, customs representatives and other businesses involved in international supply chains, one of the most significant changes will be the creation of the EU Customs Data Hub, intended eventually to replace much of today’s fragmented national customs IT infrastructure. However, the transition will take years. The platform will not become mandatory for all traders until 1 March 2034.

One customs data platform for the EU

Under the new system, businesses will ultimately submit import, export and product information through a single online customs platform rather than navigating separate national systems. The Commission says companies should also be able to provide information once and reuse it for multiple consignments, reducing duplicate submissions and administrative work.

The Data Hub will simultaneously give customs authorities across the EU access to shared, real-time information about goods and supply chains. According to the Council, businesses currently potentially have to interact with as many as 27 national systems.

The Commission expects the new platform gradually to replace member states’ customs IT infrastructure and estimates that national administrations could save more than €2 billion a year in IT development and maintenance costs. It estimates that businesses could eventually cut customs compliance costs by €2.7 billion annually.

The shift is also intended to move EU customs away from a predominantly declaration-based approach towards one in which authorities continuously analyse supply-chain data.

New authority to identify freight for inspection

A newly created EU Customs Authority (EUCA) will manage the Data Hub and coordinate parts of customs risk management across the bloc. The authority, which will be headquartered in Lille, France, is due to begin activities in 2027.

It will analyse constantly updated import and export data and help national customs administrations identify cargo considered most likely to require inspection. National authorities will continue carrying out customs controls, but the reform is designed to produce more consistent EU-wide risk analysis and allow enforcement resources to be concentrated on higher-risk consignments.

Fewer interventions for the most trusted businesses

The reform also introduces a new category known as “Trust & Check Traders”. Companies seeking the status will have to provide extensive transparency over their supply chains and demonstrate high levels of compliance. In return, they will gain access to significantly simplified customs procedures.

For the most reliable operators, this could eventually include the ability to release goods into circulation without active intervention from customs authorities. Existing Authorised Economic Operator arrangements will remain available for other businesses.

The changes do not mean routine customs controls are disappearing. Instead, the Commission says increased access to supply-chain data should allow authorities to spend less time intervening in transparent, compliant movements and devote more resources to consignments presenting greater risks.

First major deadline comes in November

Although the wider customs transformation will happen gradually, one part of the reform will arrive much sooner. Member states must introduce a new EU-wide handling fee for small parcels imported through e-commerce by 1 November 2026. The Commission will determine the amount through a separate delegated act.

The charge is intended to cover some of the cost of processing the rapidly increasing volume of small consignments, including data checks, risk analysis and documentary or physical inspections.

It is separate from the temporary €3 customs duty introduced on 1 July 2026 for low-value e-commerce imports, following the removal of the previous duty exemption for consignments worth less than €150.

Online platforms and non-EU sellers will also take greater responsibility for customs formalities and duty payments rather than leaving these obligations with the final consumer.

Full change still years away

For conventional freight movements, however, operators should not expect an immediate replacement of existing customs procedures. The EU Customs Authority begins operating in 2027, while the Data Hub opens first for e-commerce consignments in 2028. Other businesses will be able to start using it voluntarily from 2031.

Only from 1 March 2034 is the Data Hub scheduled to become the mandatory customs entry point for all traders moving goods into and out of the EU. Until then, the current customs infrastructure will remain in use while the new system is introduced in stages.