Union Customs Code comes into effect

On May 1st, Romania, too, will introduce the Union Customs Code

Valentin Țigău, 19.04.2016, 13:41

As of May 1st, all EU members will have the same customs rules, regardless of the state where the goods are declared, following the introduction of the Union Customs Code. This will allow goods to travel freely or be marketed across the Union once they met the customs requirements. The code sets the foundations for the electronic customs project, which is to be implemented by 2020 and which entails that all customs procedures will become electronic. The Union Customs Code is a modernised version of the Community Customs Code, which entered into force in 1992.

Economic operators involved in foreign trade are directly affected by the new legislation. Understanding the changes it brings and implementing them properly and on time is essential for Romania, which is an entry point for goods travelling to Central and Eastern Europe. The European Commission is working on a set of transitional measures to regulate existing customs licences and customs procedures initiated before May 1st, so as to allow economic operators to carry on their activities and to ensure compliance with the new provisions.

Under the new Union Customs Code, economic operators will be able to provide clarifications and additional information before a decision by the national customs authorities. “The new customs code will facilitate trade and protect the internal market. A direct and faster cooperation with trade partners will secure supply chains and simplify the relationship between business and customs authorities. The new code also establishes the premises of simpler and faster customs checks by 2020, said Eugen Dragos Doros, the president of the Romanias main tax agency.