Union Customs Code

Customs legislation has been updated with the adoption of the Union Customs Code (UCC), established by Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 October 2013, which entered into force on 1 May 2016, along with its related implementing and transitional provisions.

The spirit underpinning the new Union Customs Code is to further facilitate legitimate trade and reduce barriers to commerce between the Union and the rest of the world through the adoption of simple, rapid, and uniform customs regimes and procedures. In this context, the use of information and communication technologies to create a paperless environment for customs and trade is an essential element in achieving these objectives.

In light of the entry into force of the new Customs Code, the Customs Agency has issued procedural and operational instructions via circular no. 8/D and note no. 45898, both dated 19 April 2016, which provide an initial examination of the main changes introduced by the Union customs legislation, with particular attention to certain aspects of immediate impact for customs offices and operators.