eCustoms
The two key elements of the European Union’s outlook for the future in the Customs area are:
- stepping up security at the external borders of the EU
- enhancing the European market’s competitive position
In order to achieve these goals, legislation will be adapted. In order to enhance the EU’s competitiveness, Customs will have to simplify its procedures and discourage the use of paper. In the years to come, the flows of goods will be controlled in such a way as to cause the least possible delay to the business sector. This will be done on the basis of risk information, which is to be exchanged electronically between member states. As a result, Customs will be able to determine beforehand whether or not goods will be allowed to cross the border.
The electronic exchange of data between customs offices in the member states of the European Union and the business sector will facilitate the implementation of the new laws. Under the heading of 'Electronic Customs' (eCustoms), member states will develop all the required new computerized systems.
In its Multi-Annual Strategic Plan (MASP), the European Commission specified the dates by which certain computerized systems and procedures will have to be implemented. This timetable is binding on the customs authorities in all 27 member states as well as the business sector. This part of the site contains information on the changes that are to take place in the Netherlands over the next few years within the scope of the eCustoms programme.
Organization of eCustoms
eCustoms has a great impact on Customs; it will affect almost all processes and applications. The programme consists of various projects both in the short and longer term.
