Customs Issues Falling under INTA’s New Remit

Tanulmány 21-12-2015

The relation between European Union (EU) trade and customs policies is complex. The customs authorities have an executive function in the administration of trade policy as well as the control of borders, but they also remain accountable to trade policy makers for their performance. Other European Parliament committees touch upon the subject of customs, too. Greater co-ordination may be achieved by encouraging the development of Customs specific performance indicators that can be used for periodic reporting to the European Parliament and elsewhere. A specialist EU Trade Facilitation Agency or Body may be required to monitor the performance of Customs and other border agencies at home and abroad. Such an Agency or Body could also help propagate best practices. The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement’s Article 13 could provide the foundation for such a European Trade Facilitation Body.