Press Release: Customs: European Commission proposes a new customs environment to face globalisation challenges

The European Commission has adopted two proposals to modernise the EU Customs Code and to introduce an electronic, paper-free customs environment in the EU. The first proposal aims to simplify and streamline customs processes and procedures. The second proposal is designed to make Member States' electronic customs systems compatible with each other; introduce EU-wide electronic risk analysis and improve information exchange between frontier control authorities; make electronic declarations the rule; and introduce a centralised customs clearance arrangement. The result should be to increase the competitiveness of companies doing business in Europe, reduce compliance costs and improve EU security.

European Commission: Memo: MEMO/05/453 http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/05/453&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=fr

European Commission: DG Taxation and Customs Union: Electronic customs initiative http://ec.europa.eu/comm/taxation_customs/customs/policy_issues/electronic_customs_initiative/index_en.htm

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