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On 20th November, CLECAT joined the informal meeting of the Trade Contact Group (TCG), hosted by the World Shipping Council (WSC) in Brussels. The meeting provided a platform for European Trade Associations and stakeholders to discuss critical customs developments, including the EU Customs Reform, the Unified Customs Code (UCC) Work Programme, and other Customs-related implementation challenges.

Discussions focused on the EU Customs Reform, with participants emphasising the importance of harmonisation, transparency, and realistic timelines for the proposed EU Customs Authority (EUCA) and the EU Data Hub. Members reiterated that commitment to ensuring that trade priorities such as simplified procedures, and the protection of trade competitiveness remain central to the reform process.

The meeting also addressed significant challenges in implementing the UCC Work Programme. CLECAT, alongside other participants, expressed concerns about the timelines for critical IT systems, including ICS2 Release 3, AES, and NCTS, emphasising their importance for ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.

The European Express Association (EEA) provided updates on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), while Ms Magdalena Rzeczkowska, Director of the Polish Federation of Entrepreneurs’ (FPP) Brussels Office, delivered a guest presentation on the work and proposals of the federation’s Customs Committee.

Looking ahead, the FPP and EEA, in collaboration with the TCG, are organising an event on the Customs Reform on 11th December. Hosted by Dirk Gotink MEP, the new European Parliament Rapporteur for the Customs Reform Proposal, the event will bring together representatives from the Commission, Council, and Parliament as well as Trade Associations from the TCG.