BRUSSELS – The European Textile and Clothing industry association (EURATEX) has expressed strong support for the recently proposed reforms to the EU’s customs system, with a particular emphasis on the urgent need to abolish the €150 import duty exemption for small consignments. The trade body claims the de minimis exemption has been exploited by e-commerce companies, creating unfair competition for European manufacturers.
EURATEX advocates for the immediate removal of this loophole, rather than waiting until 2028.
Dirk Vantyghem, EURATEX director general, highlighted the critical role customs play in safeguarding fair competition within the EU Single Market and ensuring products meet environmental and safety standards. He stressed the necessity of a reformed system that is fit for the 21st century, especially given the rise of e-commerce and the increasing complexity of regulations.
EURATEX has identified several priorities for reform. These include harmonisation and streamlining of the customs regime across the EU is essential, with simplified procedures and reduced administrative burdens for businesses, particularly SMEs. They also want the avoidance of duplicated efforts and ensuring seamless interoperability between different customs information systems.
Data security and transparency are also key concerns. EURATEX emphasises the importance of robust data security measures within the proposed EU Data Hub. Clear regulations on data access, ownership, and cybersecurity safeguards are essential, and open collaboration between industry and policymakers is crucial to design the Data Hub for optimal functionality, it argues.
The effective implementation of the Trust & Check Trader (T&CT) status is another area of focus. While the T&CT status offers potential benefits for companies, including self-assessment features, EURATEX raises concerns about practical implementation, particularly for SMEs that struggle to obtain existing Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) statuses. Providing support for SMEs to achieve this status is vital.
Finally, EURATEX views the establishment of the EU Customs Authority (EUCA) as a positive step towards better coordination of customs enforcement across the EU. It recommends a dedicated dialogue between the EUCA and stakeholders, including industry representatives, to enhance overall coordination and effectiveness.
