On July 1, 2024, the European Union introduced the first phase of the Centralized Clearance for Imports (CCI) system, an important step in the digitization and simplification of customs procedures within the EU.
What is Centralized Clearance for Import (CCI)?
CCI allows authorized economic operators, such as Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs), to submit customs declarations centrally to a single customs office in the EU, regardless of where the goods physically enter the EU. This means that traders only need to communicate with one supervising customs office, which simplifies coordination between different customs offices in member states.
Advantages of the CCI system
For companies operating internationally, the CCI system offers several advantages:
- Accelerated customs clearance – Automation and centralization speed up customs processes, leading to faster market access.
- Reduction of customs procedures – The system eliminates certain procedures, such as the need for transit procedures, allowing goods to move more smoothly through EU borders.
- Administrative efficiency – With a single point of contact, the administrative burden is significantly reduced, saving time and resources.
- Cost efficiency – Centralized processes reduce operational costs, increase transparency and ensure regulatory compliance, creating a more predictable business environment.
How do you use the CCI system?
To benefit from the CCI system, companies must have AEO-C (Authorized Economic Operator for Customs Simplifications) status and apply for CCI authorization from the competent customs authorities in the EU member state where the company is based.
Current status and future developments
Currently, the CCI system is available to companies in Bulgaria, Estonia, Spain, Luxembourg, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania. More member states are expected to join over the next year.
The first phase of the CCI system supports the automated processing of standard customs declarations for goods physically presented at customs offices in other Member States, for procedures such as release for free circulation, customs warehousing, inward processing and end-use.
The second phase, scheduled for June 2, 2025, will further expand the system’s capabilities, including the processing of simplified and supplementary declarations, entry in the declarant’s records, excisable goods and goods within special tax areas.
Conclusion
The Centralized Clearance for Imports system represents a significant advance in the modernization of customs clearance processes within the EU. Through centralization and digitalization, it allows companies to operate more efficiently and effectively in international trade.
