Nicosia: The European Parliament has approved a significant reform of the EU Customs Code to introduce stricter regulations for e-commerce and establish a new EU customs authority. The new measures aim to address the challenges posed by the increasing number of parcels entering the EU from non-EU countries and to enhance the enforcement of EU rules.

According to Cyprus News Agency, the reform includes a new handling fee for goods ordered directly from non-EU countries, which will take effect by 1 November 2026. This fee aims to cover the costs associated with managing the influx of individual parcels. The European Commission will determine the fee amount, revising it every two years to ensure it remains proportional to actual costs. E-commerce platforms sending parcels from outside the EU directly to consumers within the EU will be treated as responsible importers, required to provide customs authorities with necessary data and ensure compliance with EU laws.

The reform encourages non-EU sellers and platforms to establish warehouses within the EU to promote bulk shipments, which are easier for customs authorities to inspect. This could result in lower handling fees for such shipments. Companies failing to comply with EU rules may face fines ranging from 1% to 6% of the total value of goods imported in the previous year and could have their trusted trader or AEO status revoked.

The reform also introduces a new EU-wide IT system, the EU Data Hub, to replace over 111 existing systems. This hub will streamline communication and risk analysis for customs authorities, becoming mandatory by 2034. The newly established EU customs authority (EUCA) in Lille, France, will manage the data hub and coordinate customs cooperation and risk management across Europe.

The comprehensive reform, initiated by the European Commission in May 2023, addresses the growing challenge of non-compliant imports overwhelming EU customs authorities. With the Council's final formal agreement already secured, the reform is set to be signed into law and published in the EU's Official Journal, becoming effective a day later. Member states will have 12 months to fully implement the new rules.

Rapporteur Dirk Gotink highlighted the significance of the reform, noting its role in ending the importation of non-compliant and dangerous goods, particularly from China, and supporting fairer competition based on EU standards.