CLECAT WEEK IN BRUSSELS
CLECAT members gathered in Brussels last week for the Logistics for Europe Forum 2023. Several internal meetings were organised around the Forum, including the CLECAT General Assembly meeting.
On 15 November, members of the Road Logistics Institute gathered to exchange on the latest developments affecting road transport and logistics at national and EU level. Members received an update on the legislative process of several relevant files, including the revision of the Weights & Dimensions Directive, the revision of the CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles and the revision of the Driving Licence Directive and discuss the related CLECAT initiatives. Mr Alessandro Barbiero (FEDESPEDI) has been elected as the Vice-Chair of the Road Institute, replacing Mr Vito Castelli.
The same day, members of the Maritime Logistics Institute convened to exchange on the Commission’s decision not to renew the CBER in April 2024, and the potential consequences for freight forwarders and more generally on maritime transport market at EU and global level. Members also discussed the impact of the inclusion of maritime emission into the EU ETS, which may create further cargo diversion from EU ports to non-EU ports leading to potential delays and increased costs for forwarders. Finally, members were briefed about the latest developments on the preparation for ICS2 Release 3 in maritime transport, which will be launched in June 2024.
The Customs and Indirect Taxation Institute (CITI) was held on 17th November in Brussels and attended by over 20 members with additional participants online. Key topics addressed included the European Commission's proposal for Customs Reform, the ongoing implementation of the CBAM regulation and updates on the Union Customs Code (UCC) working program. The meeting also covered recent developments in the deployment of ICS2, the latest on Russian Sanctions and an overview of post-BREXIT customs changes in the UK.
Members received reports on engagement with Council and European Parliament members on the CLECAT position on the Customs reform. CITI members exchanged views on the IMCO Rapporteur draft report on the reform and discussed CLECAT’s amendment proposals. The insights and contributions from this discussion are expected to be instrumental in shaping the institute's ongoing advocacy efforts. CLECAT will continue to provide its members with regular updates and support on all discussed topics, underscoring its commitment to effective representation and advocacy in the customs field.