How can SMEs get ready for the new UCC?

This roundtable helps small and medium-sized importers, exporters and logistics companies prepare for the EU customs reform (the new Union Customs Code, UCC), covering the current status of the negotiations, the main changes to expect, and practical steps SMEs can take now.

Topics covered:

• Latest EU customs-reform news: the EU Customs Data Hub design process, the search for a host for the future EU Customs Authority (EUCA), digital product passports under the EU Ecodesign Regulation, and the lack of an EU-level knowledge certification for customs professionals
• The status of the UCC trilogue (European Parliament, Commission, Council) under the Danish presidency, and the expected implementation timeline through to 2038
• Why non-fiscal compliance monitoring (e.g. product safety) is difficult under the current system, illustrated with a real Dutch case
• AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) status and its planned transition period, and the new Trust and Check trader status, including their conditions and implications for customs representation
• Open reform questions: the possible abolition of the e-commerce de-minimis threshold and introduction of a handling fee, and the harmonisation of customs penalties
• Where the EU Customs Data Hub and EU Customs Authority may be built and hosted
• A practical SME perspective on preparing for data-driven customs: managing import/export documentation, building internal databases, cross-functional cooperation, and HS code classification challenges

For a broader overview of the topic, please watch the full recording. The slides are available in the Resources section.

Please note that this summary was generated using AI, based on the recording and available slides.