Even if you’re an importer you probably don’t need to be aware of the EU’s new Union Customs Code (UCC) which comes into force in the EU on the 1st May 2016. You’ll probably use a freight forwarder and it’ll be their job to deal with it.
According to David Jinks of Parcelhero who pointed us to the UCC launch, the information “Dry as a bone” but it’s still something we should all be aware of and for courier companies it’s essential knowledge.
Basically each EU country, whilst having roughly similar customs legislation, uses different systems and further harmonisation has been deemed desirable. The new UCC will replace the Community Customs Code which has been around since 1992 and hasn’t kept pace with modern electronic communications.
Whilst the code largely comes into force on the 1st May 2016, naturally no one is ready for it. Countries will need to develop new IT systems or upgrade existing ones in order to fully implement the legal requirements so a transition period will last until the 31st December 2020.
