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Convention on a common transit procedure
SUMMARY OF:
Common transit procedure convention
Decision 87/415/EEC - conclusion of a common transit procedure convention
WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE CONVENTION AND DECISION?
The convention provides the legal framework setting out the obligations on traders and customs authorities for goods in customs transit* from one contracting party to another. It covers the EU-28 (1) (as one contracting party) and 6 common transit countries (Iceland, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland and Turkey) as separate contracting parties.
The decision approves the convention on behalf of the European Community (now the European Union).
KEY POINTS
The convention:
An electronic transit system is used to complete customs formalities, except in specific circumstances (e.g. goods carried by rail where paper is permissible).
Transit simplifications can apply to reliable traders
Countries may agree to operate simplified procedures between themselves through bilateral or multilateral agreements.
Countries must cooperate with each other regarding mutual assistance for the recovery of claims.
FROM WHEN DO THE DECISION AND THE CONVENTION APPLY?
The convention entered into force and has applied since 1 January 1988.
BACKGROUND
The common customs transit procedure allows goods to move efficiently across borders of the contracting parties and simplifies customs formalities.
For more information, see:
KEY TERMS
MAIN DOCUMENTS
Council Decision 87/415/EEC of 15 June 1987 concerning the conclusion of a Convention between the European Community, the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Finland, the Republic of Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden and the Swiss Confederation on a common transit procedure (OJ L 226, 13.8.1987, p. 1)
Convention between the European Economic Community, the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Finland, the Republic of Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden and the Swiss Confederation, on a common transit procedure (OJ L 226, 13.8.1987, pp. 2-117)
Successive amendments to the Convention have been incorporated into the original document. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
Council Resolution of 21 June 1999 on the reform of the customs transit systems (OJ C 193, 9.7.1999, pp. 1-2)
Council Resolution of 23 November 1995 on the computerization of customs transit systems (OJ C 327, 7.12.1995, pp. 2-3)
last update 07.11.2017
(1) The United Kingdom withdraws from the European Union and becomes a third country (non-EU country) as of 1 February 2020.