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The Trade Contact Group (TCG) held a working session on 21 January 2026, bringing together the European Commission and trade representatives to continue the structured dialogue on key customs policy developments. The agenda addressed ongoing work on e-commerce, in particular the Commission’s preparations for the expected July implementation of new customs arrangements for low-value consignments. The discussion focused on the overall objectives of simplifying the new EUR 3 customs duty collection, ensuring effective controls, and managing a significantly increased volume of customs data following the abolition of the EUR 150 threshold for small parcels. The Commission outlined the broader policy context and its proposal for transitional solutions ahead of the future EU customs reform.

CLECAT welcomed the Commission’s objective for simplification and its commitment to avoid unnecessary disruption to trade flows in their proposals for the ecommerce changes, while stressing the need to preserve speed and operational efficiency. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of procedural changes on national customs systems, in particular the risk of overloading certain declaration channels, and about the need to avoid undermining existing, well-functioning arrangements for higher-risk consignments.

The meeting also discussed supply chain security and the role of Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs). The Commission highlighted evolving security and compliance risks and presented its work on strengthening cooperation and information exchange between customs authorities and trusted traders. The discussion centered on the objectives of enhancing transparency, improving the detection and reporting of irregularities, and reinforcing mutual trust between public authorities and economic operators. CLECAT expressed support for closer cooperation and information sharing, while emphasising that such partnerships must be reciprocal and deliver tangible benefits for trusted operators.   We also confirmed our willingness to continue contributing constructively, including through written input and further technical discussions, to help ensure that forthcoming measures are workable, proportionate and effective in practice.