A Major Leap in Customs Simplification

Starting July 1, 2024, the Centralise Clearance for Import (CCI) system marks a significant advancement in customs simplification. It allows economic operators to submit a single customs declaration to one designated customs office in the EU, regardless of where the goods physically enter the EU. This approach streamlines the process by centralizing interactions with a supervising customs office, which then coordinates with other relevant customs offices across different member states. This one-stop-shop model drastically reduces the complexity of customs procedures.

Key Advantages of the CCI System for EU Businesses

For companies involved in international trade, the CCI system brings several important benefits:

• Accelerated Customs Clearance: By automating and centralizing the customs declaration process, the CCI system speeds up clearance times, enabling faster access to markets and reducing logistical delays.

• Simplified Customs Procedures: The CCI system eliminates certain customs requirements, such as the transit procedure, making it easier for goods to move across EU borders without unnecessary hurdles.

• Improved Administrative Efficiency: With only one point of contact, the administrative burden is greatly reduced, making the process more straightforward and less time-intensive for businesses.

• Cost Savings: Centralization of customs procedures leads to lower operational costs, greater transparency, and better compliance, contributing to a more stable and predictable business environment.
  
  

How to Implement the CCI System

To benefit from the CCI system, businesses must be authorized as an economic operator for customs simplifications (AEO-C). This involves applying for CCI authorization through the relevant customs authorities in the EU member state where the business is headquartered.

Current and Future Developments

Currently, businesses in Bulgaria, Estonia, Spain, Luxembourg, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Romania can use the CCI system. Additional member states are expected to join over the coming year. The initial phase of CCI allows automated processing of standard customs declarations for goods presented at customs offices in other member states, including procedures such as release for free circulation, customs warehousing, inward processing, and end-use.

The system is still in its early stages, with further developments planned. By June 2, 2025, the second phase will expand CCI’s capabilities to include the processing of simplified and supplementary declarations, entry into declarants' records, excise goods, and goods within special fiscal territories.

Contact us

Whether you have a request, a query, or want to work with us, use the form below to get in touch with our team.