EY: The EU customs system is undergoing fundamental changes: the reform will affect many companies

By: Trademagazin Date: 2026. 04. 07. 12:15

🎧 Hallgasd a cikket: Nyelv: Sebesség: 1.05×

The European Union’s customs system is facing a major change that has not been seen in the past 50 years, after the Council and the European Parliament agreed on a comprehensive reform of the EU customs framework. The changes will have a significant impact on the operations of every importing or exporting company, as they will fundamentally transform the process of importing and exporting goods across the EU – EY Hungary draws attention.

The reform simultaneously responds to the explosive growth of e-commerce, geopolitical challenges and the increasingly complex EU regulatory environment.

Single Digital Customs Platform

One of the most important elements of the transformation is the creation of a single EU customs data center. The central digital platform aims to enable importers and exporters to handle certain customs matters on a single interface, simplifying the customs IT systems that are currently designed and operated differently in each Member State.

“The new solution will increase transparency, speed up controls and significantly reduce administrative burdens. According to the plans, the data center will start operating on July 1, 2028 for goods traded in e-commerce, and will gradually cover all goods movements by March 1, 2034”

– emphasized Dr. Áron Nagy, EY tax partner.

Even more benefits for the most reliable companies

As part of the package, the trusted verified economic operator status could also be created, which recognizes the most transparent and reliable companies operating in the EU. Companies that obtain this can use simplified customs procedures, expect fewer physical checks, and can even release their goods into free circulation without customs intervention.

“This qualification will provide companies with a significant competitive advantage in terms of both speed and cost-effectiveness. At the same time, the existing simplifications related to Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) will remain available to other companies as well,” emphasized Attila Fülöp, EY Tax Partner.

New fee introduced in e-commerce

A new EU handling fee will be introduced for low-value packages in connection with e-commerce transactions, which serves to cover customs control burdens. The amount of the fee will be determined by the European Commission, and member states must apply it no later than 1 November 2026. The reform also clarifies that online platforms and distance sellers are considered importers, meaning that in the future they will be responsible for meeting customs-related requirements and making related payments. The legislative package also introduces a new system of sanctions against e-commerce players that violate the rules.

New EU customs authority helps with enforcement

The reform also creates the European Union Central Customs Authority, EUCA. According to the plans, the organization to be established in Lille, France, will be responsible for – among other things – operating the new customs data center and supporting national customs authorities in risk analysis and defining common control areas.

“The Council and the European Parliament will continue to work on the technical details of the package in the coming period, after which the final adoption of the legislation may take place. The planned reform will significantly affect all importing or exporting businesses. That is why it is worth monitoring the process now – our expert team is ready to assist companies in monitoring and interpreting the changes” – added Attila Fülöp.