Union Customs Code: rapporteur welcomes the imminent start of trilogues
Key Message
Parliament’s lead negotiator Dirk Gotink welcomed the Council’s adoption of its position and said the reform will give customs authorities tools to safeguard the internal market and to better protect citizens and businesses from dangerous, substandard goods. He added it would help businesses suffering from unfair competition and address massive avoidance of taxes and customs duties.
Context
The Commission proposed the Union Customs Code reform in May 2023 and Parliament adopted its negotiating position in March 2024. The Council agreed its position today and the proposal foresees a new overarching European Customs Authority to improve coordination, while the Commission presented a February 2025 communication on e-commerce and Parliament is preparing an own-initiative report on e-commerce challenges.
Implications
Gotink said trilogue talks are ready to start before the summer break with the aim of finishing negotiations during the Danish Presidency, signalling an accelerated timetable for reaching agreement.
Sources
Official Documents
- Union Customs Code: rapporteur welcomes the imminent start of trilogues The EP rapporteur welcomes the Council's mandate on the Union Customs Code reform and signals imminent trilogue negotiations to establish the European Customs Authority.
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