eCustoms

Electronic processing
In the future, all administrative customs processing will take place electronically. Harmonising working methods and IT systems of 27 member  countries will be a big challenge,  and it will require the integration of many different perspectives and special interests.   Once the project is complete, the EU member countries will have a secure and automated system for customs processing which will be effective for both companies and customs officials.  

Three time perspectives

The development project has three time perspectives.

By 2009: Security
The EU has decided that goods crossing the EU border must be declared in advance beginning July 1, 2009. Protection against crime and terrorism at the EU border will be strengthened through advanced customs routines. The security aspect has three main components: Advance declaration, Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) and common risk management.

By 2013: Uniformity   
The EU member countries have agreed to change the customs code. One such change will be the implementation of centralised customs clearance, allowing companies to have just one point of contact for their customs administration, regardless of which EU country is the import or export destination.   Initiatives have been taken to introduce more efficient solutions for coordination within and among member countries.

Starting in 2013 and beyond: Customs in the future
The European Commission is leading a project involving the discussion of customs in the future. The discussion involves the next step in development after the introduction of eCustoms. The focus is on efficiency and simplicity via systematised monitoring, with the help of IT systems and other tools. Where Sweden is concerned, Swedish Customs has suggested the possibility of using companies´ own systems, thus eliminating the need to submit extra information for customs processing — monitoring can take place via the systems already in place within the companies (self assessment)

Sweden´s role in the project
Sweden is represented by Swedish Customs as an active part in the development of eCustoms. One of Swedish Customs´ contributions is the Customs Trade System, CTS, which coordinates the development of processes, laws, and IT systems. CTS is a comprehensive development project of Swedish Customs. The project will satisfy the requirements of eCustoms, but will also meet the needs of Swedish Customs on a national level.

Within the framework of CTS, there are a series of projects and commissions, including:

Export Control System, ECS
Automated Export System, AES
Automated Import System, AIS
Authorised Economic Operator, AEO
Excise Movement Control System, EMCS
Risk
Entry and Exit Summary Declarations
Economic Operator Registration and Identification, EORI