The European Customs Code, which has been around since the early 1990s, is being replaced with more up to date legislation. This will take into account harmonisation of processes across the European Customs Union and developments in IT. The Modernised Customs Code (MCC) and its Implementing Provisions (MCCIPs) will set the EU Customs scene for the next 20 years or so.
The MCC came into force in 2008 and has to be implemented by Member States by 24 June 2013. Before then there is a large amount of work to accomplish if it is to meet its stated aims of creating of a new electronic Customs environment, facilitating trade whilst also guaranteeing a high level of border security and streamlining Customs procedures. Discussions are currently underway on the MCCIPs that will give the Code force by giving detail to the provisions, and on the necessary supporting IT projects.
The MCCIPs will introduce many changes that will impact on traders across Europe, including UK businesses. In order to help traders understand the current discussions, SITPRO has prepared a summary paper together with a number of detailed briefs on the issues and questions raised. This information, together with useful background information from the European Commission, can be found on the SITPRO website at www.sitpro.org.uk/mcc.
SITPRO has consulted with traders in the UK in order to ensure that their views are represented in the European Commission’s recent brief consultation. Although the consultation period is now over, the work to develop the MCCIPs continues. SITPRO will continue to contribute to these discussions in order to ensure that the needs of business are given due consideration. If you have any comments on the proposals, you can email them to mcc@sitpro.org.uk.
Return to SITPRO News: Issue 71, Winter 2009/2010
