71ST PLENARY OF THE TRADE CONTACT GROUP
On 15 July, CLECAT took part in the 71st (online) plenary meeting of the Trade Contact Group (TCG). The session bringing together the trade community and DG TAXUD representatives, focused on the state of play of the EU Customs Reform and upcoming milestones in the legislative process.
The Commission provided an overview of the reform timeline, reflecting recent developments in the Council, including the adoption of a partial negotiating mandate under the Polish Presidency and the start of trilogue discussions. The Danish Presidency will take over certain unresolved elements, which remain crucial for the conclusion of the negotiations by the end of 2025.
The session also served as a platform for the Commission to outline the implications of recent amendments and to explain their stance on key aspects of the reform, including the governance of the future EU Customs Authority, the role of the EU Data Hub, and trade consultation mechanisms. A number of structural and procedural questions were raised by trade representatives, particularly regarding implementation and secondary legislation. The Commission reiterated its commitment to involving trade stakeholders in the development of technical specifications and procedural details.
While no formal conclusions were drawn, the meeting provided insights on the Commission’s reflections on the Council’s position and next steps and reaffirmed the importance of continuous dialogue as the reform process advances. The TCG will remain engaged through dedicated working groups and written consultations. CLECAT will continue to monitor developments and represent the interests of European customs agents and logistics service providers.