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On 16 April 2026, the European Parliament's Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) Committee formally endorsed the provisional political agreement on the reform of the Union Customs Code (UCC), marking a significant step forward in the most comprehensive overhaul of EU customs rules in a generation. The vote result (38 in favour, 2 against, and 3 abstentions) reflects a broad consensus within the Committee on the need for modernised customs rules fit for today's trade realities.

The process leading to this vote started on 26 March 2026, when the European Parliament and EU Member States reached a provisional agreement on the reform of the Union Customs Code, as well as on the location of the future EU Customs Authority. Since then, work has focused on finalising the technical details of the package before moving to formal approval. The IMCO Committee vote on 16 April was the first important step in that process.

Rapporteur Dirk Gotink stressed this week the importance of what the reform does not yet fully address. He pointed to a structural underinvestment at the EU's borders for goods, calling for a more structured approach within the IMCO Committee to ensure proper follow-up on customs work going forward. He also highlighted the need to accelerate customs cooperation agreements with third countries, an area that will require sustained political attention in the coming legislative term.

The provisional agreement must now be formally approved by the EP Plenary and by the EU Council before it enters into force.