Pressd Release: Customs: the European Commission proposes a waiver for customs security checks between the EU and Switzerland

The European Commission adopted a proposal for a Council Decision to extend the scope of application of the 1990 customs agreement between the EU and Switzerland in order to bring it in line with the new EC security measures on goods transport. The proposed agreement will waive the obligation for traders to provide customs with advance electronic information for security purposes in the bilateral trade between Switzerland and the EU. Meanwhile, in trade with third countries, Switzerland will implement customs security measures equivalent to those in the EU. This will ensure both smooth trade flows between Switzerland and the EU and a high level of security in the supply chain. The proposal needs to be approved by the Council of Ministers and by the Swiss Federal Council before signature, which is expected by 1 July 2009.