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Monday, December 13, 2010

Customs: enhancing the safety and security of international transactions

Since July 2009, operators have been given a transitional period to adapt their systems to new safety and security electronic rules in the area of customs transactions. These new rules will enter fully into force on January 1st, 2011. As of that date, operators must submit a declaration to customs authorities, including electronic data safety and security on the goods before they enter in the EU or leaving its territory. The objective is to enable Customs to strengthen risk analysis on the basis of information received beforehand, and to better target controls.Algirdas Semeta, Commissioner responsible for Taxation and Customs, Audit and Anti-Fraud said customs played a vital role in ensuring the security of citizens and safe trade. Advance security information will assist Customs in the early detection of risky shipments and therefore to increase security without delaying reliable trade.

From 1 January 2011, all traders involved in customs transactions and international logistics will have to provide EU Customs with security data through electronic declarations, before goods are brought into, or out of, the European Union. In addition, a uniform set of EU risk-criteria will be applied by Member States when carrying out Customs controls on goods entering or leaving the EU.

Recent air cargo security incidents have shown that the reinforcement of Customs risk analysis systems is essential for good security. Access to security data at an early stage, i.e. before goods physically arrive at the border will allow cargo movements to be more efficiently screened and enable Customs authorities to carry out better risk analyses. As such, Customs will be better able to focus controls on high risk cargo, while quicker processing and release of goods at entry or exit will help to ensuring smooth trade.

The type of security data requested from the traders varies according to the means of transport and the reliability of traders involved in the operation. It can include, for example, a description of the goods, information on the consignor or exporter, the route of the goods, and any potential hazards. The time limits for submitting advance security data also vary according to the means of transport: from 24 hours in advance of loading for maritime cargo to 1 hour before arrival for road traffic or even less for certain air transport.

Since 1 July 2009, it has been possible for traders to submit their advance declaration on an optional basis. From 1 January 2011, it will be compulsory.

Source  Commission website - Taxation and Customs Union

More information  Press room - European Commission

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