ARTICLE · 29 MAY 2023

Commission Proposes Significant Reforms To The EU Customs Union

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The European Commission (the "Commission") has proposed significant reforms of the EU Customs Union which will impact a wide range of stakeholders, including EU traders, consumers and national customs authorities.

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Matthew Broadstock

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The European Commission (the "Commission") has proposed significant reforms of the EU Customs Union which will impact a wide range of stakeholders, including EU traders, consumers and national customs authorities. On 17 May 2023, the Commission published its proposals, describing them as 'the most ambitious and comprehensive reform of the EU Customs Union' since its inception. The Commission has also published the proposed timeline for these reforms to take effect, with the earliest changes scheduled for 2028.

The Commission's press release notes the increasing pressure on the EU's custom union as a result of a surge in e-commerce together with the growth in the number of prohibitions and restrictions relating to certain goods. The proposed measures aim to improve efficiency of the customs processes and cooperation between Member States, in order to enhance security of the customs union. The reforms are contained in draft Regulations and a draft Directive which

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