The new Union Customs Code (UCC) is to come into effect on 1st May, 2016. It supersedes the currently applicable customs code and is complemented by a delegating and implementing act, thus repealing the previous Customs Code Implementing Provisions (CCIP). The new regulations in the UCC will serve to bring customs laws in Europe in line with modern-day needs and make them competitive on a global scale. The next step is to introduce all the measures necessary, because this reform will lead to radical amendments in the customs procedures used in businesses. Enterprises will be required to adapt their internal customs procedures and are obliged to have converted them by the end of 2020. The legal revisions to the UCC make an impact on all aspects, ranging from temporary storage to specific measures, particularly those applying to inward and outward processing. The stock status at which customs debt is incurred and extinguished has been completely revised. Furthermore, licensed authorised economic operators (AEOs) have been significantly revaluated. In addition, certain forms of preferential treatment can from now on only be applied for by these AEOs. It is therefore important for businesses to make internal adjustments to the UCC at an early stage and to familiarise their employees with the new regulations; in this way they can avoid mistakes made during conversion to the UCC and adopt the correct measures.

"We suggest you consult your advisor about the amendments and their consequences when seeking approval for customs procedures, and about the streamlining of regulations and the maintenance of your status as an authorised economic operator (AEO)."

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