At the end of June this year, the Council of the European Union adopted a negotiating mandate for a key element of the reform of the EU Customs Union. The new regulations aim to provide importers, freight forwarders and logistics service providers with greater transparency and predictability in customs clearance. This is significant news for the entire transport, shipping and logistics (TSL) sector.
Goal: simplify and digitise procedures
The new European Customs Code, which the EU has been developing intensively, is designed to introduce more transparent and simplified customs procedures while accelerating digitalisation. The initiative is a response to the rapid increase in customs declarations driven by the growth of e-commerce. In 2024, 4.6 billion parcels were imported into the EU—a scale that demanded urgent reform.
European Customs Authority and Data Centre
A central element of the reform will be the creation of the European Customs Authority (EUCA) and the launch of the EU Customs Data Centre. This new platform is expected to transform how customs data is collected and shared, simplifying formalities for businesses and enabling customs services to manage risks more effectively. The Data Centre will replace national IT systems, potentially saving Member States up to €2 billion annually.
Businesses will be able to submit product and supply chain data in one centralised online system, regardless of how many countries are involved in customs clearance.
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End of reduced tariffs for e-commerce
One of the key aims of the new agreement is to level the playing field for all types of imports. Mass imports of e-commerce shipments will still be allowed, but a handling fee will be introduced. The European Commission has stated that this fee will be non-discriminatory and is intended to strengthen customs oversight and tackle unfair competition.
Importantly, it’s not just about costs—the new rules will make sellers and e-commerce platforms directly responsible for customs compliance.
SMEs will not be left behind
Small and medium-sized enterprises will continue to benefit from simplified customs procedures through customs representatives. This is essential to maintaining the competitiveness of smaller businesses in globalised trade.
AEO-C status and the new Trust & Check category
Companies with AEO-C status will continue to enjoy various benefits. In addition, they will be eligible to apply for the new Trust & Check Trader status, which will enable authorised logistics operators to release goods independently. This will require integration with the EU Data Centre and real-time data sharing.
Temporary storage period remains unchanged
The EU has decided to retain the current 90-day temporary storage period for goods. This represents a departure from the European Commission’s earlier proposal to shorten the period to just three days—a suggestion that faced strong opposition from the industry.
Clearer distinction between export and re-export
The new code will also introduce a clear separation between export and re-export procedures. This aims to simplify processes and improve efficiency, which should have a positive impact on exporters’ day-to-day operations.
Benefits for companies and consumers
The revised customs framework is intended to benefit all participants in the market. Businesses will face less bureaucracy, enjoy faster customs clearance, and operate under clearer rules. Consumers will gain better protection from unsafe products and unfair practices. Member States, meanwhile, will see increased revenues from customs duties and taxes, as well as more effective tools to combat fraud.
Next steps: trilogue negotiations
The agreement among Member States is a major step forward, but the final version of the Customs Code has yet to be agreed. In the coming months, the European Commission, European Parliament and the Council of the EU will begin trilogue negotiations on the final text. The new regulations are expected to enter into force following formal approval by both institutions, with the aim of completing the process by the end of 2025.
