EU legislation
Finnish Government in favour of EU Customs Reform

A reform of the EU Customs Union would simplify customs processes and modernise customs procedures. The Finnish Government welcomes the proposed reform in general terms.

On 17 May, the Commission put forward proposals for a reform of the EU Customs Union. The Customs Union is the foundation of the European Union. It ensures that the single market can function without disruption. Customs authorities control all goods entering and leaving the EU.

The proposed reform is ambitious and it would modernise all key EU legislation on customs. It aims to create a modern, data-driven Customs Union that embraces digital transformation. Some of this would be achieved through pooling of functions.

Reducing the administrative burden

The reform would reduce the costs and administrative burden of businesses and authorities by simplifying customs procedures and by modernising customs formalities. Customs procedures would be simpler for the most trustworthy traders who meet strict criteria of transparency.

In time, a new EU Customs Data Hub would replace the existing customs IT infrastructure in EU Member States. A new EU Customs Authority would be responsible for an EU approach to risk management. The EU Customs Reform would be implemented in stages, for the most part over the next 5–15 years.

Finnish Government sets store by simpler procedures

In general, the Finnish Government welcomes the proposed reform of the EU Customs Union and the modernisation of customs procedures. It stresses the importance to simplify customs procedures and reduce the administrative burden.

The Government welcomes the proposal to establish a new EU Customs Authority and appreciates the need for a new EU Customs Data Hub. The proposal on EU-wide risk management and risk analysis is well justified.

The Government draws attention to the significant additional costs the proposed legislation would cause over the first fifteen years of its entry into force. However, the Government welcomes the fact that no additional financing would be required during the current multiannual financial framework (MFF).

The Government submitted a Union communication to Parliament on the matter on Thursday 3 August. A Union communication is used in EU affairs whenever there is a matter concerning an EU legislative proposal or other proposal that falls within Parliament’s competence.

Inquiries:

Jukka Kekkonen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 2955 30269, jukka.kekkonen(at)gov.fi

Upi Talsi, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 2955 30868, upi.talsi(at)gov.fi (from 31 July to 18 August)