It was announced that negotiations between the EU Commission, the EU Council and representatives of the European Parliament (EP) have reached an agreement to renew the EU Customs Union framework.
The statement noted that the innovations to be made will make European customs compatible with the rapidly changing structure of international trade, saying: “This regulation, the most comprehensive reform of customs rules since 1968, introduces new measures for e-commerce and implements a modern, data-oriented customs structure that simplifies procedures and increases efficiency.” The expression was used.
In the current situation, it was noted that customs authorities are faced with many challenges, such as the increase in substandard e-commerce imports, unsafe products and increased risk of fraud, changing geopolitical trade dynamics, as well as threats from organized crime and smuggling, and that customs plays a crucial role in ensuring the security of the internal market and citizens.
“At the heart of the reform is the EU Customs Authority, a new EU agency to be established in Lille, France. This institution will coordinate and modernize customs procedures in 27 Member States,” the statement said. Information was included.
The statement said that the EU Customs Authority, scheduled to operate in 2027, will facilitate the exchange of information and that the institution will strengthen the harmonization of customs legislation at the EU level and improve the detection and prevention of customs fraud.
A single digital platform for customs clearance
The statement said that the EU Customs Authority will manage the EU Customs Data Center, that this center will be a single digital platform for all customs transactions across the EU, and that companies will be able to submit their data only once, eliminating the need to deal with different national systems.
Noting that the reform will strengthen the framework for reliable traders, it was noted that companies with a high level of compliance would benefit from simpler transactions and fewer controls, allowing customs to focus on high-risk shipments.
A transaction fee is charged
Noting that the reform introduced various targeted measures in response to the rapid growth of e-commerce, the statement said: “A processing fee will be introduced for imported products to cover the increasing costs of customs administrations. This fee will be based on the costs such as information technology systems, labor, data control and risk analysis necessary for the release of the goods into free circulation and will come into force no later than November 1, 2026.” evaluation was carried out.
The responsibility of the platforms is increasing
The statement noted that the new system will place more responsibility on e-commerce companies: “Online platforms and sellers report the information to the customs data center as soon as the sale takes place. This allows customs to take precautions before the products reach the borders. These companies are responsible for ensuring that the products comply with EU legislation. Penalties are imposed for systematic non-compliance.” Expressions were used.
The new customs law is expected to come into force twelve months after its publication in the EU Official Journal.
In the new system, online platforms that sell to EU countries are considered importers and are responsible for customs duties and product safety. Fines will be imposed on platforms and companies that violate EU regulations.
Product shipments under 150 euros from outside the EU are currently exempt from customs duties.
Previously, as a temporary measure, EU countries decided to impose a tariff of 3 euros on orders under 150 euros made online from abroad from July 1, 2026.
With the final decision, an additional transaction fee will be charged starting November 1st.
While 5.9 billion low-value products were shipped directly to consumers in EU countries in 2025, more than 90 percent of them came from China.
The EU has long been working to impose a new tax on purchases made through China-based online shopping platforms Temu and AliExpress, as well as China-based e-commerce company Shein.
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