CLECAT CUSTOMS INSTITUTE MEETS
On 18 February, CLECAT’s Customs and Indirect Taxation Institute (CITI) met online to discuss ongoing regulatory developments at EU and national level and reflect on important developments concerning post Brexit EU-UK trade and the future of the EU Customs Union. The CITI re-elected its Chair, Dimitri Sérafimoff, from Forward Belgium, and Vice-Chair, Olivier Thouard, representing TLF Overseas, who will continue to guide the work of the Institute for another term of two years.
The CITI discussed a broad range of topics including experiences with the introduction of full customs controls at the EU-GB border on 1 January 2022 and ongoing preparations for the next phase of the GB-EU Border Operating Model in July 2022. Members highlighted the importance of stepping up preparations for the upcoming safety and security requirements and additional SPS inspections on EU imports into GB. CLECAT members also shared experiences with one year of implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and key priorities for the way forward, including the reinforced customs cooperation, swift implementation of the agreement on mutual recognition of AEO programmes, delivering on the commitments to establish a Single Window environment and increased ambitions in the areas of safety and security and SPS.
The CITI discussed relevant legislative developments regarding the European Commission’s proposals for EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and EU Single Window Environment for Customs, stressing the importance of both initiatives for the industry. Members also exchanged views on relevant proposals for amendments to the EU customs legislation concerning proof of Union status and customs transit, as well as experiences with the implementation of the new VAT e-commerce package.