AVID CUSTOMS

18/07/2024

Centralised Clearance for Import (CCI) System Overview

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Starting from 1 July 2024, the Centralised Clearance for Import (CCI) system has entered its first phase of implementation. This innovative trans-European system aims to digitalise and streamline the centralised clearance process for imports as defined in the Union Customs Code (UCC).

Key Features of the CCI System

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Centralised Clearance Process:

• Economic operators can submit a customs declaration for goods at the supervising customs office in one Member State, even if the goods are physically presented at a customs office in another Member State.

• All interactions occur with the supervising customs office, which acts as a one-stop shop. The customs declaration processing and physical release of goods are coordinated among the involved customs offices.

Objective:

• The CCI system seeks to enable automated centralised clearance processes at the European level, ensuring seamless electronic exchange of information between customs offices. This reduces the administrative burden on Member States’ customs administrations and simplifies the process for businesses importing goods into the EU.

How the CCI Phase 1 System Works

Automated Processing:

• The first phase of the CCI system facilitates automated processing of standard customs declarations for goods physically presented at customs offices in another Member State. This covers procedures such as:

  • Release for free circulation

  • Customs warehousing

  • Inward processing

  • End-use

Benefits for EU Companies

1. Faster Customs Clearance:

   • Streamlined processes lead to quicker clearance of imported goods.

2. Reduction in Procedures:

   • No need for transit procedures, simplifying the import process.

3. Administrative Efficiency:

   • A single point of contact reduces the administrative workload.

4. Cost Savings:

   • Centralised processes lower operational costs, provide greater transparency, and ensure compliance.

5. Competitive Advantage:

   • Enhanced participation in the global market, boosting business with international customers and partners regardless of their location.

Using the CCI System

Authorisation Requirement:

• Economic operators must hold a CCI authorisation to use the system.

• To obtain authorisation, companies must apply to the competent customs authorities in the EU Member State where they are established.

• The application process follows Article 179 of the UCC, with detailed guidelines provided in the Business Guidelines.

Future Phases of the CCI System

Second Phase (Scheduled for 2 June 2025):

• The next phase will expand the system's capabilities to include:

  • Simplified and supplementary declarations

  • Entry into declarant’s records

  • Excise goods

  • Goods involved in EU trade with special fiscal territories

• This phase is part of the UCC Work Programme, further enhancing the CCI system's functionality and scope.

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The CCI system represents a significant step forward in the EU's efforts to modernise and simplify customs operations. By centralising and digitalising the import clearance process, it offers substantial benefits to businesses, promotes efficiency, and supports smoother cross-border trade within the EU.