《Ian Forrester Q.C.Jacquelyn MacLennanApril 2005》.pptVIP

EU Customs Counterfeiting Developments Ian Forrester Q.C. Jacquelyn MacLennan April 2005 Introduction The eCustoms vision statement and multi-annual strategic plan Modernization of the EU Customs Code Purpose, benefits, form, and timing Security-related amendments to the EU Customs Code Proposal on electronic transit declarations Redrafting of entire EU Customs Code The proposed new EU GSP Regulation Simplification of EU Preferential Origin Rules Trends and controversies in customs classification matters The Harmonized System (HS) revision Try, try, try again…repayment/remission of duties and Case C-499/03 The US WTO action against the EU customs system New EU legislation on counterfeiting I. The eCustoms vision statement and multi- annual strategic plan (MASP) In November 2004, the European Commission (“the Commission”) distributed a eCustoms vision statement and multi-annual strategic plan (MASP). Legal base: EC Council Resolution of 5 December 2003, endorsing the European Commission’s communication on simple and paperless environment for customs and trade. Sets out a list of actions and timetable. The eCustoms vision statement and multi-annual strategic plan (MASP) (2) The eCustoms vision statement suggests that by 2008 all of the following will be adopted: Electronic data exchange between customs offices throughout the EU for any customs procedure. Centralized customs clearance for imports and exports (from the premises of the importer/exporter). Introduction of the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) concept. Information portal for traders (i.e. access to structured information on customs and commercial rules and procedures). The eCustoms vision statement and multi-annual strategic plan (MASP) (3) B. The MASP proposes legal changes and simplification (2003-2008), operational convergence (2003-2005), and computerization of customs process: Legal changes: The new EU Customs Code is expected to be adopted by the EC Council and the EC Parliament sometime