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On 20 October 2025, the European Commission opened a call for Member States to submit applications to host the new Authority. Member States have six weeks to apply, after which all applications will be made public. The Commission will then assess the proposals, with the final decision on the seat to be taken jointly by the European Parliament and the Council before the end of the legislative process.

The forthcoming EU Customs Authority (EUCA) represents a major step in modernising the EU’s customs framework. While national customs administrations will continue handling imports, exports and transit operations, EUCA will serve as a central body supporting them in data management, risk assessment and cross-border coordination. Its mission is to simplify customs procedures, improve revenue collection and strengthen protection of the Single Market against unsafe or illicit goods.

EUCA will also oversee the development of the EU Customs Data Hub – a single digital platform designed to replace national customs IT systems and create a harmonised, data-driven environment for customs supervision. This reform stems from the Union Customs Code Reform package presented in 2023, aiming to simplify procedures, enhance enforcement and strengthen EU competitiveness.

For businesses, the EUCA and the Data Hub promise greater predictability and more consistent customs processes across the EU. However, these changes will also require adaptation to new data and compliance structures. CLECAT has been one of the leading voices on the trade side throughout the customs reform discussions, advocating for a phased and pragmatic implementation of the EU Customs Data Hub, ensuring that the system remains workable for operators in practice. CLECAT also continues to call for structured and mandatory consultation of the trade community in the future governance of the EU Customs Authority.