Electronic Databases The European Commission develops and operates several databases (VIES, BTI, TARIC, Quota, ECICS etc.) in conjunction with Member States' Customs and Taxation Services. The databases are part of the information systems of Taxation and Customs Union. Although VIES has been developed and is operated at a national level, it can also be accessed via this site.
eLearning courses in Customs and Taxation The blending of electronic learning with other forms of learning is becoming well established within Customs and Taxation training across the European Union. The European Commission develops eLearning courses on topics of common interest in collaboration with customs and taxation administrations and representatives of trade.
Such courses support the implementation of EU legislation and ensure the dissemination of good customs and taxation practices throughout the European Union. The courses are used in numerous administrations and businesses. This approach to training allows consistent coverage of topics of common interest, provides value for taxpayers' money and is an example of trade facilitation in operation.
Community Customs Code Implementing the Community Lisbon programme Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the Community Customs Code (Modernized Customs Code) (presented by the Commission) {SEC(2005)1543}
Brussels, 30.11.2005 COM(2005) 608 final 2005/0246 (COD)
Customs related security initiatives of the EU At the end of July 2003, the Commission presented to the Parliament and Council a series of measures to address security issues. These measures can be found in two communications and a proposal for amending the Community Customs Code.
This package brings together the basic concepts underlying the new security-management model for the EU's external borders, such as a harmonised risk assessment system.
The security amendments to the Community Customs Code (Regulation (EC) No 648/2005 of 13 April 2005) have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 4 May 2005.
With these amendments the European Union introduces a number of measures to tighten security around goods crossing international borders. The measures will mean faster and better-targeted checks. The results are positive for customs authorities, the public and industry.
The measures cover three major changes to the customs code:
require traders to provide customs authorities with information on goods prior to import to or export from the European Union (see Pre Arrival / Pre Departure Declarations);
provide reliable traders with trade facilitation measures (see Authorized Economic Operator (AEO);
introduce a mechanism for setting uniform Community risk-selection criteria for controls, supported by computerised systems.
Market Access Database The Market Access Database is the most important operational tool of the European Union's Market Access Strategy, supporting a continuous three-way exchange of information between: the EU institutions, Member States and European business.
The Market Access Strategy is a key pillar of the EU's Trade Policy which aims to reduce the obstacles faced by European exporters of goods and services.
The Market Access Database is a free, interactive, easy to use service providing:
Information about Market Access conditions in non-EU countries.
Systematic way for the European Commission to follow up complaints from businesses about barriers to trade in non-EU countries.
Means of ensuring that our trading partners are abiding by their international commitments.
Input for defining the EU's trade policy objectives on further trade liberalisation in the framework of the World Trade Organisation (e.g. Doha Development Agenda) and new free trade agreements between the EU and preferential partners (e.g. EU - MERCOSUR).
Expanding Exports Helpdesk The on-line Expanding Exports Helpdesk launched by the European Commission in February 2004 has been designed as a service for developing countries' exporters to more easily access the EU market.
New features are now available on-line to make the helpdesk more useful for exporters from developing countries. These include a multilingual version (English, French, Spanish and Portuguese) of several features; trade statistics for EU25; new "Market Place' and "Contact" sections; as well as more developed information covering all types of import measures, including tariff quotas, quantitative restrictions, import surveillance measures, entry/reference prices, anti-dumping measures and special GSP schemes.
Database users can now obtain a much more comprehensive picture of the measures applicable, including direct access to the relevant legislation in the EU Official Journal.
The range of information which the Helpdesk can provide will be further enlarged during the first half of the year and will include:
EU and Member States' specific technical and sanitary requirements such as marking, labelling and health requirements.
information on internal taxes such as VAT and excise duties applicable in the individual Member States.
Classification decisions WCO
Classification rulings and Amendments to the Compendium of March 2010 (45th session) of the World Customs Organization (WCO).
DG Trade's system The Directorate General for Trade's integrated system for the management of licences for imports of textiles, clothing, footwear and steel to the EU.
The EC Court of Justice Since the establishment of the Court of Justice of the European Union in 1952, its mission has been to ensure that "the law is observed in the interpretation and application" of the Treaties.
As part of that mission, the Court of Justice of the European Union:
reviews the legality of the acts of the institutions of the European Union,
ensures that the Member States comply with obligations under the Treaties, and
interprets European Union law at the request of the national courts and tribunals.
EUR-Lex EUR-Lex provides direct free access to European Union law. The system makes it possible to consult the Official Journal of the European Union and it includes inter alia the treaties, legislation, case-law and legislative proposals. It offers extensive search facilities