• Perspective

EU sanctions system and the new Customs Code

Prof Fabrizio Vismara Partner, Litigation and Tax Strategy & Benefits Practice
October 27, 2024
EU sanctions system and the new Customs Code

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The topic of sanctions is of particular importance in EU Customs Law, as sanctions are relevant tools for ensuring the proper enforcement of the latter in EU Member States. In this regard, the Proposal of 17 May 2023 for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Union Customs Code and the European Union Customs Authority, and repealing Regulation (EU) No 952/2013, highlights the negative effects of the lack of harmonization in terms of customs sanctions. It is emphasized therein that customs penalties vary greatly across Member States and are subject to evolution over time; in addition, the significant divergences between Member States in the application of sanctions against breaches of customs legislation can lead to a distortion of competition, loopholes and “customs shopping”.

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