The European Commission Research Centre (JRC) has published a report on the future of customs. The analysis is the result of a foresight project exploring what the world could look like by 2040 and how policymakers can take action now to ensure that the EU’s customs area continues to benefit citizens, the environment and the economy.
El report estimates that having a joint governance structure to manage the EU Customs Union would be beneficial in all future scenarios by 2040. It also projects that digital skills and harmonised IT systems will be key to the success of customs in the coming years.
To explore how best to build a positive future for customs, the JRC brought together experts and stakeholders from academia, business, customs authorities, European Commission services, international organisations, civil society and non-EU countries.
The parties developed a vision for EU Customs in 2040 to help those running the EU free trade area steer their policies and operations in a clear and desired direction.
The report notes that the customs union is the foundation of the European bloc and an essential element of the single market where customs play a key role in protecting the income and security, health and prosperity of citizens and businesses.
It also points out that in today's rapidly changing world, customs authorities are faced with several challenges, such as the coronavirus pandemic and the UK's imminent exit from the EU; customs authorities must adapt to long-term trends such as increasing digitalisation and e-commerce.
The document highlights that stakeholders involved in the foresight process identified the connection with other policies, such as environmental, social, trade, consumer protection, justice and home affairs, as the most important drivers of change.
The parties therefore analysed possible future scenarios on what EU customs could look like in a dynamic or stagnant regional economy, and in a peaceful or conflict-ridden world.
The report makes several recommendations to achieve an EU customs union that acts as a unit by 2040.
- Harmonise national IT systems or move to an EU IT system in the medium to long term, to enable customs operations to function efficiently.
- Making more effective use of customs data and taking advantage of technological advances.
- Ensuring the right digital skills for the future of customs in all EU Member States.
- Promote reforms at international level through a strong and united European position.
- Create a joint governance structure to manage the Customs Union.
Finally, the document explains that the results of the foresight process were incorporated into the Commission's Customs Action Plan, which presents a vision of ambitious actions to take the Customs Union to the next level. It also underlines that these measures, which will be implemented until 2025, are intended to be a first step towards the 2040 vision.
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