The European Shippers’ Council (ESC) took part in the European Commission’s Implementation Dialogue on the EU Customs Reform, chaired by Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič. The discussion brought together stakeholders to examine the practical implementation of the proposed customs reform, with particular attention to the EU Customs Data Hub and the future Trust and Check Trader scheme.
Participants broadly supported the objective of creating a simpler, more digitalised and resilient Customs Union. At the same time, they highlighted the need for greater clarity, practical guidance and close cooperation between public authorities and businesses to ensure a successful implementation.
During the dialogue, ESC underlined the importance of further clarifying the definition of the importer, which is one of the cornerstones of the proposed legislation. ESC also stressed that the simplifications envisaged under the Trust and Check Trader concept should deliver tangible benefits for businesses. In particular, the possibility of self-release of goods would represent a significant improvement for many companies and should become a practical reality.
ESC further emphasised that the success of the EU Customs Data Hub will depend not only on its efficient implementation but also on ensuring the protection of commercially sensitive data held within traders’ systems.
The dialogue formed part of the Commission’s ongoing engagement with stakeholders to ensure that the future EU Customs framework is both effective and practical for businesses operating across the Single Market.