EU: Customs Reform - Member States Sign Off Text!
- Arne Mielken
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
The EU Council of Member States approved the negotiating mandate to modernize EU Customs with new tools, stronger controls, and digital innovation. Download the text now.
The EU Customs Union is undergoing a major reform to address the challenges customs professionals face every day—from surging e-commerce volumes to complex geopolitical risks.
In this important document, you can find details of the legislative proposal, amendments of the EU Member States and what they wish to have deleted and added.
It is a very significant document that will prepare the EU reform and is a strong indication of what to expect next.
The European Parliament will still need to approve it, so discussions amongst these two legislative bodies start asap.
Find out more details in this blog.
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Key Questions Covered in This Blog
What are the core objectives of the new EU Customs reform?
How will the European Customs Authority change customs operations?
What is the EU Customs Data Hub and why does it matter for traders?
How will e-commerce imports be better regulated under the new rules?
What benefits does the reform bring to customs professionals and businesses?
What are the next steps before the reform enters into force?
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Abbreviations Used in This Blog
UCC — Union Customs Code
EUCA — European Customs Authority
SME — Small and Medium Enterprises
AEO — Authorised Economic Operator
“This reform equips customs authorities with a unified, future-proof toolbox to protect the Single Market and facilitate legitimate trade—essential for all customs professionals to master.” — Arne Mielken, Managing Director, Customs Manager
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What are the core objectives of the new EU Customs reform?
The reform aims to modernize customs processes to handle record trade volumes and complex compliance demands. It empowers customs authorities with better risk management and data tools to prevent unsafe goods from entering the EU, while reducing unnecessary burdens on traders and authorities.
The Council’s mandate sets the stage for a decentralized European Customs Authority (EUCA) to coordinate risk management and crisis responses across Member States. This aligns customs authorities, making them more efficient and capable of acting as one.
How will the European Customs Authority change customs operations?
The EUCA will develop and manage the EU Customs Data Hub, a single IT platform consolidating customs data across all Member States. This replaces fragmented national systems and creates a panoramic, real-time overview of imports and exports.
Customs officials will use this tool to detect risks faster and apply smarter controls, while businesses will benefit from submitting information just once for all relevant Member States — cutting administrative costs and speeding clearance.
What is the EU Customs Data Hub and why does it matter for traders?
This hub is a single online environment where traders submit data on their goods and supply chains. Instead of multiple declarations to different authorities, the hub offers a one-stop portal that enables data sharing, traceability, and integrity across borders.
For traders, this means less paperwork and a consistent, transparent process. It’s a major simplification for SMEs and large operators alike, supporting compliance and reducing delays.
How will e-commerce imports be better regulated under the new rules?
With 4.6 billion parcels expected in 2024, customs need stronger tools for e-commerce. The reform holds online vendors and platforms accountable for compliance, protecting consumers from unsafe or non-compliant products.
Additionally, a handling fee on distance-selling imports is proposed to fund enforcement efforts — ensuring customs authorities have resources to manage this growing segment.
What benefits does the reform bring to customs professionals and businesses?
For customs professionals, the reform offers a cutting-edge, harmonized risk management system and greater coordination at EU level. This reduces duplication and improves effectiveness.
For businesses, it reduces administrative burdens, especially for trusted traders, who gain from simplified procedures and fewer customs interventions. Consumers gain through safer products and better fraud detection.
The reform also strengthens enforcement of environmental, health, labor, and product compliance laws, underpinning the EU’s wider policy goals.
What are the next steps before the reform enters into force?
The Council’s mandate authorizes negotiations with the European Parliament to finalize the UCC reform text. Some aspects like the EUCA’s seat, tariff simplifications, and handling fee design will be settled later.
Once agreed and adopted by both institutions, the reform will be implemented across all EU Member States, marking a new era of customs efficiency and compliance.
Arne’s Takeaway
This reform is not just a technical update — it’s a transformation that will affect every customs professional, trader, and compliance officer involved in EU trade. Understanding and preparing for these changes is critical.
Take action now: download the full mandate text, engage with training, and align your customs processes to benefit from the new system.
Expert Recommendations
Subscribe to our Premium Plan for in-depth resources and real-time updates on EU customs reforms.
Begin reviewing your internal customs data submission processes to prepare for the Data Hub integration.
Engage trusted trader schemes early to leverage simplifications.
Monitor developments on the handling fee and e-commerce regulations to advise your teams accordingly.
Sources & Further Information
www.customsmanager.info — subscribe for personalized customs compliance updates
Disclaimer: This blog provides educational content only and should not replace legal advice. Consult legal or customs experts for specific cases.
