Taking the Customs Union to the Next Level: a Plan for Action

Summary:

Communication adopted by the European Commission on 28 September 2020, setting out a new Customs Union Action Plan.

Further information:

The EU Customs Union forms a single territory for customs purposes, where a common set of rules are applied. Within the Customs Union, the EU Member States' customs authorities are responsible for performing a wide and increasing range of controls. This action plan comprises a series of measures aimed at making customs in the European Union smarter, more innovative and more efficient. It includes initiatives in areas such as risk management, managing e-commerce, the promotion of compliance and customs authorities acting as one.

The need for the Customs Union to be taken to the next level was first highlighted by the President of the European Commission in the political guidelines for her mandate. The action plan was published by the European Commission on 28 September 2020.

Official

European Commission: DG Taxation and Customs Union: The Customs Action Plan - supporting EU customs to protect revenues, prosperity and security https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/general-information-customs/customs-action-plan_en

European Commission: Press Release, 28/09/2020: Customs Union: New Action Plan to further support EU customs in their vital role of protecting EU revenues, prosperity and security https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_20_1703

European Commission: Customs Action Plan: Frequently asked questions (28 September 2020) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_20_1710

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Commentary and Analysis

White&Case: Alert, 06/10/2020: Taking the EU Customs Union to the next level – an ambitious Action Plan https://www.whitecase.com/publications/alert/taking-eu-customs-union-next-level-ambitious-action-plan

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