European customs regulations are facing major changes. Due to the enormous increase in e-commerce, with over 3 million packages daily, customs capacity is becoming overloaded. The revision of the Union Customs Code (UCC) aims to address this. Although the agreement isn’t official yet, the initial outlines already provide a clear picture of the new direction.
What we know now:
One responsible party per shipment
There will be a single liable person. This party will be ultimately responsible for the entire shipment. This should ensure more clarity and control within the logistics chain.
AEO-C continues alongside Trust & Check
Obtaining Trust & Check status will not be mandatory. The AEO-C status remains a valid alternative. This gives companies freedom of choice in how they organize their customs position.
Central role for the data hub
Information exchange will take place through a central data hub. The exact technical details are not yet known. However, it is clear that digitalization and IT will play a much more important role in the customs process.
New EU agency takes over tasks
A new agency will be established to take over certain tasks from the European Commission. Member states retain their powers, but the agency will have an advisory and executive role.
More cautious approach to indirect representation
Customs brokers will become more critical when accepting clients who use indirect representation. The risks are increasing, leading to a greater focus on reliability and compliance.
Bulk goods import becomes more attractive
The new UCC encourages the import of bulk goods, partly through lower costs. At the same time, e-commerce goods are being made less attractive. This aims to influence the structure of goods flows.
Storage period remains at 90 days for now
It was previously communicated that temporary storage would be reduced from 90 to 3 days. That plan has been shelved for now. The period remains at 90 days, providing more flexibility for processing parties.
No agreement on the 150 euro threshold
No decision has been made yet on the 150 euro exemption threshold. The discussion is ongoing and will continue in the coming months.
Certex connection becomes mandatory part of the process
The customs systems will be linked to other government services through the Certex connection. This includes systems such as EUDR. The customs declaration can only begin once these services give their approval. This emphasizes the importance of integrated controls.
No implementation date yet
It is currently impossible to predict when the revised UCC will actually take effect. Implementation is expected to take place in phases.
At Van der Helm, we closely monitor these developments. Our experts are ready to advise and support you with all customs matters. Together, we ensure a smooth and future-proof logistics chain.
Want to learn more about how we handle customs regulations? Check out our page on customs handling.