EuroCommerce, which represents the retail and wholesale trade in Europe, has announced its support for the goals of new proposals on the customs reform package, which introduces new features and processes.
In a statement, EuroCommerce said the retail and wholesale sector is inherently dependent on free global trade flows for goods and services.
Frictionless Trade Is Essential
The organisation said frictionless trade is essential for businesses to create wealth in the EU, support competitive business customers, and offer choice to consumers.
However, EuroCommerce emphasised the importance of setting realistic targets when creating new laws, processes, and procedures, especially for new IT projects, together with devising a 'sensible mechanism' to tackle unforeseen problems that impact imposed deadlines.
eCustoms Programme
EuroCommerce referenced the eCustoms programme, which it said should have fully entered into force by 2020 and is now seriously delayed with a multitude of 'confusing derogations' for key systems.
The organisation said delays create uncertainties that heavily impact businesses with no option but to invest in new systems and procedures to comply.
'Very Challenging Debates'
“We welcome the goal of better access to the Trusted Trader facility for SMEs and a move to a more data and process-driven structure," said Christel Delberghe. "But there are going to be some very challenging debates, such as direct access to traders’ systems as well as the proposal to abolish the 150 euros low-value consignment rule."
"We strongly encourage policymakers to work in close partnership with trade. For these proposals to work, it is essential that all new concepts and proposals are fully tested against operational conditions to ensure a proper business case exists for their introduction."
© 2023 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Robert McHugh. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
