Commissioner Šefčovič Unveils Next Phase of EU Customs Reform
In a Strasbourg plenary, the European Commission detailed plans to modernise the Union Customs Code and expand the European Customs Authority's role.
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Key Takeaways
- Commissioner Šefčovič presented a new customs reform package to the European Parliament on 14 September 2026
- The plan seeks to modernise the Union Customs Code, expand the European Customs Authority’s powers and boost digitalisation
- Implementation is targeted for 2027, with a Council meeting scheduled for early 2028 to finalise the legislation
The European Commission announced on 14 September 2026, via Commissioner Peter Šefčovič’s speech to the European Parliament plenary in Strasbourg, that a new customs reform package will upgrade the Union Customs Code and strengthen the European Customs Authority. Šefčovič stressed that the initiative is a ‘collective effort towards a shared objective’ of modernising the Customs Union, improving digital processing and enhancing coordination among Member States to ensure security and smooth trade flows. \nThe reform aligns with the EU’s broader agenda to deepen the single market and reinforce the EU’s external border management. By harmonising customs procedures and granting the European Customs Authority expanded supervisory powers, the package aims to reduce administrative burdens for businesses operating across borders while bolstering the Union’s ability to combat fraud, counterfeit goods and illicit trade. It also dovetails with the EU’s digital strategy, supporting the e‑customs platform that links national customs administrations. \nIf adopted, the changes are expected to become operational from 2027, affecting importers, exporters and logistics providers throughout Europe. Stakeholders anticipate faster clearance times and greater regulatory certainty, while policymakers will monitor implementation through a series of oversight reports due by the end of 2027. The Commission has slated a Council meeting in early 2028 to finalise legal texts and seek Member State ratification.
Source: European Commission. Read the original report ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new customs rules start to apply?
The Commission aims for the revised Union Customs Code and the strengthened Customs Authority to be operational from 2027, subject to final approval by the Council in early 2028.
How will the reform affect businesses trading across EU borders?
Businesses should benefit from faster, more standardised customs procedures, reduced administrative burdens and enhanced certainty, although they will need to adapt to new digital reporting requirements.
Source ledger
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This brief is based on reporting by European Commission.