- Adoption of UCC Annual Progress Report: On September 9, 2024, the European Commission adopted the Union Customs Code (UCC) Annual Progress Report 2023, detailing advancements in implementing the UCC and its 17 key digital projects based on input from Member States.
- Digitalisation Efforts: Since the UCC’s implementation in May 2016, the European Commission and EU Member States have focused on digitalising customs processes to enhance efficiency, protect financial interests, and address safety and security threats, ultimately streamlining customs clearance.
- Simplifications for Trade: The UCC provides important trade simplifications, including centralised clearance and an EU harmonised trader portal, which are expected to deliver tangible benefits to traders by harmonising processes and improving exchanges with customs administrations across the EU.
- Progress and Challenges: The report highlights progress in various digital projects, noting successful deployment of the UCC Import Control System 2 (ICS2) while acknowledging delays in the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS) and Automated Export System (AES), prompting revised implementation plans.
- Ongoing Support and Recommendations: The European Commission encourages EU Member States to reassess strategies and governance to mitigate delays, particularly as 60% of Member States remain on track while 10-15% face significant challenges, with intensified support provided by the Commission to address these issues.
Source ec.europa.eu
