The EU has taken a major step towards transforming how goods move across its external borders, with the Council approving a sweeping customs reform package earlier this month.

The changes pave the way for a single EU Customs Data Hub and a new EU Customs Authority, bringing greater coordination to procedures currently managed through national customs systems.

For businesses trading across multiple EU countries, the planned hub should reduce duplicated data submissions and provide a more consistent way to share shipment information. Customs authorities will gain access to shared information, helping them identify risks and coordinate checks across member states.

The new authority, based in Lille, France, is scheduled to begin operations in 2027. It will support national customs teams by analysing trade data, identifying priority areas for inspections and coordinating responses to customs-related crises.

However, the transition will happen gradually. The Data Hub is scheduled to become mandatory for e-commerce businesses from 1 July 2028, with all traders required to use it from 1 March 2034.

The reform also introduces a “Trust and Check” category, offering simplified procedures to businesses that meet stringent transparency and compliance requirements.

For UK exporters and freight forwarders, the changes will eventually reshape how the EU side of international shipments is managed, while UK customs requirements remain separate.

The EU announcement can be found here.

As these developments progress, accurate shipment information and connected systems will become increasingly important. MultiFreight’s integrated freight management and customs software helps businesses manage operational data efficiently, supporting the visibility and control needed in an evolving trading environment.