WRITTEN QUESTION E-3492/02

by Renzo Imbeni (PSE) to the Council

(9 December 2002)

Subject: Adapting the occupation of customs agent in response to EU enlargement

EU enlargement will lead to the abolition of customs formalities relating to trade with the new countries, which will then be part of the Union. Will the Council say whether or not such abolition will be gradual and whether or not customs documents will continue to be issued in respect of trade with those countries, such as the T2 form for goods under the internal Community transit scheme which are transported across one of the countries concerned?

If there is to be wholesale abolition of customs facilities, would the Council be in favour of a regulation laying down Community flanking measures for the benefit of customs agents, including special initiatives additional to the Structural Fund measures?

Reply

(5 and 6 May 2003)

The Council confirms that the new Member States will have to implement the acquis on customs issues from the day of EU Membership.

All acceding States have committed themselves to take the necessary steps in order to transpose and implement the acquis in this sector well in advance of accession and to adapt their administrative capabilities accordingly. Special emphasis will be paid to effective border management, the introduction of new technologies, customs ethics and cooperation between all relevant services of the administration.

It is up to each acceding State to take the necessary steps in this regard, including redeployment and re-training and to approach to the Commission concerning the funding of relevant initiatives.

It is suggested to the Honourable Member to address questions related to practical details to the Commission.