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On 8 April, CLECAT held its latest meeting of the Customs and Indirect Taxation Institute (CITI), gathering members in Brussels and online. The meeting provided an opportunity for national representatives to exchange views on the ongoing challenges and developments in the EU customs landscape. The meeting began with updates from members on regulatory and operational matters in their respective countries, highlighting national implementation issues with systems such as NCTS5, ICS2, AES, and the complexities around the EU’s customs reform.

Several participants shared concerns related to the deployment of IT systems and the varied approaches by national customs authorities, particularly with exit procedures and data alignment across Member States. CLECAT provided an overview of its recent advocacy efforts, notably in the context of the customs reform package and direct representation. Members discussed the state of play in Council negotiations and shared insights into national activities. The group also considered further CLECAT initiatives in light of these developments.

In addition, the meeting included updates on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and CBAM, with members reporting on national readiness and raising concerns about the practical implications of compliance.

The meeting concluded with confirmation of the next CITI session, which will take place on 17 June in Gdańsk, Poland, upon the kind invitation of CLECAT’s Polish member association, coinciding with Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU.