The EU Approves a Historic Reform of Its Customs System: Key Changes
The Council of the European Union has given the green light to one of the most significant reforms of the European customs system in recent decades. The goal is to modernize the Customs Union, adapt it to the strong growth of e-commerce, and strengthen both security and efficiency in the management of imports and exports.
The reform introduces significant changes that will gradually affect companies, logistics operators, and e-commerce platforms that handle goods destined for the European market.
Greater control over e-commerce
One of the main changes affects e-commerce platforms based outside the EU. Under the new regulations, these platforms will be held responsible for the goods they sell within the EU, and will be required to comply with the relevant customs obligations and pay duties.
In addition, the penalty system for operators who fail to meet their obligations is being strengthened. In the most serious cases, fines may amount to up to 6% of the company’s annual import value.
There are also plans to introduce a new handling fee for small packages entering the EU, separate from the elimination of the current customs duty exemption for shipments valued at less than 150 euros.
A New European Customs Authority
The reform calls for the creation of an EU Customs Authority, headquartered in Lille, France, which will begin operations in 2027.
This agency will play a key role in coordinating European customs operations and conducting risk analysis. To this end, a new EU Customs Data Center will be developed to gradually centralize information related to import and export operations.
The goal is to have more consistent and up-to-date information, making it easier to identify high-risk goods and allowing inspections to be focused on those transactions that truly require them.
More benefits for trusted operators
The reform also aims to benefit companies with high levels of transparency and regulatory compliance through the use of trusted operators.
Companies that meet the established requirements will have access to more simplified and streamlined customs procedures, reducing the time and costs associated with clearing goods.
When will the changes take effect?
Following the final approval and publication of the regulations, their implementation will be phased in. The new Customs Data Center will be mandatory for e-commerce starting July 1, 2028, and subsequently for all other operators starting March 1, 2034.
This reform represents an important step toward a more digitized, centralized, and data-driven European customs system, and it will require companies engaged in international trade to gradually prepare for an increasingly digital and demanding customs environment.