A European Commission report about product compliance at the EU's external borders highlights the need for improved customs controls and co-operation, in particular to deal with the rapid growth of e-commerce. The report also shows that customs controls on product compliance are increasing every year.
The data covers a three-year period and looks at the number of customs interventions, suspensions and refusals at EU borders. More products have been stopped by customs and ultimately refused entry to the EU market because they do not comply with the Union’s rules regarding safety, security and environmental standards or are deemed dangerous.
“By applying uniform rules on products regardless of their origin,” the Commission argues, “the EU creates a level playing field where all companies must adhere to the same rules, promoting fair competition. These rules allow consumers to enjoy high-quality, safe products across the EU Single Market, ensuring they receive better value for their money through both competitive pricing and high-quality standards.”
The EU Customs Reform, proposed by the European Commission and currently under negotiation between the Council and the European Parliament, will introduce a new EU Customs Authority and Data Hub, enabling more effective risk management and co-operation between customs and other authorities, such as market surveillance authorities.
Further details of the Commission’s proposals can be found here. It suggests that, over time, the Data Hub will replace the existing customs IT infrastructure in the EU Member States, saving them up to €2 billion a year in operating costs.
