European Commission Taxation and Customs Union Background of the initiatives on electronic data exchange in WB Region Karel De Greve DGTAXIUD SEED and other initiatives (IIS challenges, IR, etc.) Objectives of SEED project EU policy on exchange of information

2 European Commission Taxation and Customs Union Why exchange of information is important Customs need to handle rapidly increasing trade volumes combined with rising security, safety and IPR risks, while ensuring revenue collection. Exchanges of information increase the efficiency of risk analysis systems and allow for more targeted controls, thus Facilitating legitimate trade and minimising the risks. The principles and objectives of the WCO Globally Networked Customs Initiative Background of the initiatives on electronic data exchange in WB Region

3 European Commission Taxation and Customs Union What do you need : Clearly defined objectives and how exchanges of advance data will contribute to them Legal base for a general exchange of information (MOU, personal data protection, etc IT infrastructure + platform Background of the initiatives on electronic data exchange in WB Region

4 European Commission Taxation and Customs Union How/what: Pré-arrival information Receiving IPR-related information including results of controls, data about illegal manufacturers and seizures Exchange of information on the trade partnership programmes Background of the initiatives on electronic data exchange in WB Region

5 European Commission Taxation and Customs Union Exchanges of customs information fall under the exclusive EU competence The customs cooperation relations between EU and these countries are highly structured (Customs Union with Turkey + Accession Partnerships and SAA's). This framework is considered satisfactory and responding to the current needs by both sides. The role of customs today and the introduction of security / MCC might determine a change of current EU practices. A systematic exchange of info might be necessary. In this respect the Commission has organised a Seminar with the MS on exchange of information in 2010 (Vilnius, November 2010); this issue will also be addressed in a seminar on customs cooperation with the Eastern neighbouring countries (Budapest, April 2011). Exchange of Information with EU and EU policy EU policy on exchange of information

6 European Commission Taxation and Customs Union Exchange of Information with EU and EU policy The Commission has set up an IT portal called SPEED (Single Portal for Entry and Exit of Data) with the purpose of automating data exchanges between EU and third countries. Third countries should ensure or to develop the necessary IT applications to interface with SPEED. EU interest lies in trade facilitation, security and IPR EU needs to have guarantees that information given is used properly in accordance to EU data protection rules EU policy on exchange of information

7 European Commission Taxation and Customs Union Exchange of Information with EU and EU policy Exchanges of information should lead to better risk management, thereby, to added value in terms of security and safety, IPR enforcement, combating fraud and facilitating trade, without creating bureaucratic barriers Exchanges of information should contribute to facilitation of cross- border movement of goods and customs clearance through more efficient and targeted control. Any exchanges of information should take into account the Import Control System and Export Control System developed for pre-arrival and pre-departure information as well as the planned extension of the common transit system EU policy on exchange of information

8 European Commission Taxation and Customs Union Expectations from the SEED Project Increase safety and security Improvement of fight against customs offences/fraud Fight against counterfeit and piracy Facilitation of the legitimate trade Objectives of SEED project

9 European Commission Taxation and Customs Union Expectations from the SEED Project Use of risk management Improvement of regional cooperation Progress towards meeting European standards, increased efficiency of controls/ Promote to economic development of the region Objectives of SEED project

10 European Commission Taxation and Customs Union Achieved results will prove the effectiveness of the system enhanced risk analysis, reduced percentage of documentary/physical controls, and increase of seizures. Proper use of the system by the Beneficiary Administrations is expected (required) The Beneficiaries should take over the ownership of the system and be responsible for future maintenance, possible upgrading and the actual exchange of data Objectives of SEED project

11 European Commission Taxation and Customs Union Are all legal bases to exchange information established? Is IT infrastructure in Beneficiary Administration (BA) SEED operational? Would operational SEED help to each of BA to standardise and open Customs service for communication on National level for any customs stakeholder (traders, banks, Inspectorates etc)? Do you see SEED as an added value for your CDPS? Once SEED is fully functional each of BA will it be able to “talk/communicate” to EU (SPEED, CCN)? SEED and other initiatives (IIS challenges, IPR, etc.) Questions ???????

12 European Commission Taxation and Customs Union What kind of information should be exchanged (for which procedures, valuation, IPR)? Will you use Risk analysis on pre-arrival and how will this function (who provides input)? Do you see SEED as a “connector” between national CDPS and CCN network? SEED and other initiatives (IIS challenges, IPR, etc.) Questions ???????

13 European Commission Taxation and Customs Union Thank you for your attention