European Parliament : Report - Establishing the 'Customs' programme for cooperation in the field of customs - A8-0464/2018 - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

The Customs Programme establishes the framework for cooperation in the field of customs for the period 2021-2027 and is the successor of the Customs 2020 programme. The programme continues to facilitate coordination between Member States authorities as well as capacity building, including training and exchange of best practices, in order to ensure a uniform application of EU customs legislation. Unfortunately, the transfer to an e-customs structure was not completed under the Customs 2020 programme due to delays in some parts of the relevant IT architecture. Therefore, one major focus of the customs programme will be the further development, operation and maintenance of the customs IT-infrastructure.

The rapporteur believes that this programme should be coherent and exploit all synergies with other EU programmes and funds, its implementation respecting the principles of transparency, proportionality, equal treatment and non-discrimination.

Account should also be taken of the fact that the budget allocated to this programme does not address the forthcoming withdrawal of the UK from the EU, including the customs union. This will obviously lead to additional costs for the countries affected by this major change, but these expenses should not be covered by the customs programme.

Regarding customs administration and control, the Rapporteur considers that this is a dynamic field whose requirements change with the political and other evolution of society. Thus, the programme should support customs management, especially in terms of the IT field, allow innovation and the creation of innovative solutions in the field of customs policy. The rapporteur's amendments intend to complete the proposal in these areas.

The Customs Union is one of the main pillars of the Single Market. The modernisation of customs processes may foster economic activity and growth through enhancement of the competitiveness of the European Industry and through facilitation of trade, as well as ensure the protection of Europe's consumers. Therefore, the Rapporteur considers the customs programme to be essential to achieve these goals.