Centralised Clearance for Import (CCI) went live

On July 1, 2024, the European Union implemented the first phase of the Centralised Clearance for Import (CCI) system. This initiative, under the UCC, allows businesses to submit customs declarations at a single customs office in one EU Member State, even if the goods are physically presented in another Member State. This system simplifies the customs process by centralizing and digitizing interactions with customs authorities, thus reducing administrative burdens and costs for businesses operating across multiple EU countries.

It is available for use by European businesses in Bulgaria, Estonia, Spain, Luxembourg, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania. Other Member States are planning to join gradually in the coming year.

Implementation Phases:

Phase 1 (July 2024): Covers standard customs declarations for release for free circulation, customs warehousing, inward processing, and end-use. All types of goods, except excise goods and those subject to specific EU agricultural policies, are included in this phase.
Phase 2 (June 2025): Will expand to include simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, excise goods, and goods in trade with special fiscal territories.

Requirements for Businesses:

Authorization: Businesses must obtain a Centralized Clearance for Import (CCI) authorization from their national customs authority.
AEO Certification: Companies need to be certified as an Authorized Economic Operator
(AEO) to participate in the CCI system.
Digitalization: Utilization of digital systems for customs processes is essential for participation in CCI

Take away:

By adopting the CCI system, companies can enhance their supply chain efficiency and compliance, benefiting from the streamlined and centralized customs clearance process across the EU.
Additional clarifications regarding customs systems to be used and payment of VAT is pending publications, so it is recommended to wait before starting implementing CCI.

Link:
https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/centralised-clearance-import_en
https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/news/centralised-clearance-import-cci-goes-live-2024-07-01_en

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