On the 13th November 2024, the Chamber’s Trade Policy Committee hosted an engaging discussion with MEP Dirk Gotink on the ongoing Union Customs Code (UCC) Reform, highlighting the complexities of adapting customs regulations to modern trade realities.
The Committee presented its Union Customs Code Reform Position Paper, outlining its recommendations on:
- Streamlining trade procedures
- Enhancing customs compliance
- Enabling trade facilitation measures
- Promoting security and safety
- Adapting to evolving trade dynamics
A detailed copy of the position paper is available online.
MEP Gotink provided an insightful perspective on the challenges and opportunities posed by evolving global trade dynamics. Highlighting intra-EU trade's increasing role in shaping international relations, the speaker noted the EU's unique position as a trade bloc with exclusive powers but limited enforcement capacity due to resource reliance on Member States.
Discussed were challenges such as the rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce, enforcement of customs regulations and compliance standards. As the European Parliament moves towards an official stance on e-commerce regulation by summer 2025, debates during the dicussion continued over whether existing AI technologies can address the challenges or if new frameworks are necessary.
Looking ahead, the UCC Reform represents a pivotal opportunity to modernise EU customs practices. However, balancing trade facilitation, market integrity, and regulatory enforcement will require coordinated efforts among the European Commission, Member States, and private stakeholders.
The Chamber would like to thank MEP Gotink again for his attendance and contribution, and thanks all participants for their participation. The Trade Policy Committee remains committed to fostering dialogue on the future of EU customs and trade.