Subject files - Establishing the Customs programme for cooperation in the field of customs 2021-2027 - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

The proposal on Establishing the ‘Customs’ programme for cooperation in the field of customs is part of the MFF package and is the successor to Customs 2020 programme, opening a new multiannual period for actions aimed at strengthening the Customs Union. The programme continues to facilitate coordination between Member State authorities as well as capacity building, including training and exchange of best practices, in order to ensure a uniform application of EU customs legislation.

The transfer to an e-customs structure will not be finalised under the current 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 main focus of the European Parliament is ensuring that the Customs programme is assisting IT capacity building, making sure that the programme helps facilitate trade, and that it is not used to finance costs relating to Brexit.

The proposal is still under negotiation.