CLECAT ATTENDS 69TH TCG PLENARY
CLECAT attended the 69th Plenary Meeting of the Trade Contact Group on 20 March in Brussels, where the Commission and stakeholders exchanged views on ongoing customs and trade policy developments.
The Commission provided updates on key initiatives, including the implementation of the Union Customs Code, notably ICS2 Release 3 and Centralised Clearance for Import. Progress was noted, but challenges remain, particularly regarding national deployment timelines and alignment with other policy areas such as VAT and excise.
The revised Pan-Euro-Med Convention was also discussed, with a focus on transitional provisions allowing the continued use of previous rules of origin alongside the modernised framework. Prohibitions and restrictions, including the EU Deforestation Regulation, drew significant attention. Stakeholders expressed concerns over data requirements, system readiness, and the lack of clarity in existing guidance. The Commission confirmed further updates would be issued, while noting the importance of aligning customs processes with new environmental obligations.
The TCG also received an update on the implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and related simplification measures. CLECAT called for further simplifications regarding indirect customs representatives and the postponement of the authorisation obligation to align with the publication of the regulation that defines the authorisation exemptions. CLECAT continues to monitor the operational implications for logistics service providers. The next TCG plenary meeting is scheduled for 16 July.