Joint statement - EU businesses call for a Union Customs Code that continues to support the global supply chain, economic recovery and innovation

The new Union Customs Code [“UCC”] will become applicable in May 2016. The European Commission’s Taxation and Customs Union DirectorateGeneral (DG TAXUD) is currently reviewing the fifth draft for the new Delegated Acts (DA) and Implementing Acts (IA) for the Union Customs Code (UCC). On 28 July, the European Commission adopted the DA which it said covers simplifications of the customs procedures. In the view of European businesses, however, the adopted DA does not include real simplifications and innovative solutions which would strengthen the competitiveness of European companies. In its current form, it will also have some negative impacts.

We therefore call upon the European Council and the European Parliament to take our concerns below on board in their assessments of the DA during the next two months. We also urge the European Commission to take our concerns on board for the IA, which stands to be adopted soon.

As previously stated, it is highly important for European businesses to continue to have the opportunity to benefit from existing customs valuation principles for the import of products into Europe. Innovative and futureoriented solutions are necessary. This is to ensure competitiveness in the high technology market place. To make it a truly effective and modern instrument, the UCC DA and UCC IA should reflect business needs.