The current Customs Code and its Implementing Provisions have been around since the early 1990s. They are now being replaced with more up to date legislation taking 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 24 June 2013. Its aims are said to be the creation of a new electronic Customs environment, facilitation of trade whilst also guaranteeing a high level of border security and the streamlining of Customs procedures. Discussions are currently underway on the MCCIPs that will give the Code force – through giving detail to the provisions - and on the necessary supporting IT projects.
To support business understanding of the changes introduced by the MCCIPs, SITPRO has produced a number of briefs on specific Titles and the issues and questions that they raise. These have been circulated to stakeholders for detailed comment. SITPRO has prepared a paper summarising the issues raised by the MCCIPs.
In addition SITPRO (on behalf of EUROPRO) has attended a number of consultation meetings in Brussels set up by the European Commission under the Trade Contact Group (TCG) framework to discuss the emerging issues. The Commissions presentations from these meetings are on the SITPRO website as are SITPRO’s initial responses to the key issues.
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. It would be very helpful to us if these could be made using the "TEMPO" form (MS Word 80KB). These should not be sent direct to the Commission by UK firms as they will be ignored.
Responses and any questions should be sent to John Nightingale via email: mcc@sitpro.org.uk.
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