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CLECAT joined a coalition of 23 European trade and industry associations in signing a joint letter urging the Council and the European Commission to include business representatives in the working group on the European Customs Data Hub. The letter was sent today to the Danish Ambassador to the EU, with copies to senior leaders in DG TAXUD, DG Trade and the European Parliament.

The Customs Data Hub is a central pillar of the EU Customs Reform and is expected to transform how customs data is collected, processed and shared across the Union. In the joint statement, the associations highlight that meaningful engagement with trade is essential to ensure the Data Hub is workable, future-proof and aligned with operational realities. They stress the value that industry can bring through hands-on experience with data flows, risk management and the practical application of customs rules across Member States.

The associations urge for three concrete actions: first, formally include trade representatives in the working group discussions without delay; second, establish a clear and structured consultation mechanism for industry input throughout the design and implementation phases; and third, leverage existing platforms such as the Trade Contact Group to enable effective dialogue.

A copy of the letter was sent to the Director-General and directors of DG TAXUD, the Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Šefčovič, and to Mr Dirk Gotink, Member of the European Parliament and Rapporteur on the UCC Reform.

The letter is available here.