EURATEX Press Release

EURATEX welcomes the EU Customs Reform package
and calls for swift action on the de minimis exemption
Brussels, 15 July 2024 – The European Textile and Clothing industry (EURATEX) welcomes theproposed reforms to the EU's customs system, emphasizing the need for a modernized frameworkthat addresses the challenges of the digital age and fosters a level playing field.
“Customs play a critical role in safeguarding fair competition within the EU Single Market andensuring that products meet our environmental and safety standards,” states Dirk Vantyghem,EURATEX Director General. “We recognize the need for a reformed system adapted to the 21stcentury, particularly considering the growth of e-commerce and the increasing complexity ofregulations.”
EURATEX highlights key priorities for a successful reform:•Phasing Out De Minimis Exemption: EURATEX strongly supports abolishing the €150 importduty exemption for small consignments. This exemption has been exploited by e-commercecompanies, creating unfair competition for European manufacturers. EURATEX urges
immediate action to eliminate this loophole, rather than waiting until 2028.

•Harmonization and Streamlining: The organization calls for a unified customs regime acrossthe EU, with simplified procedures and reduced administrative burdens for businesses,especially SMEs. This includes avoiding duplication of efforts and ensuring seamless
interoperability between different customs information systems.

•Data Security and Transparency: EURATEX emphasizes the importance of robust data
security measures within the proposed EU Data Hub. Clear regulations on data access,ownership, and cybersecurity safeguards are essential. Open collaboration between industry
and policymakers is crucial in designing the Data Hub for optimal functionality.

•Effective Implementation of Trust & Check Trader (T&CT): The T&CT status offers potential
benefits for companies through features like self-assessment. However, EURATEX raises
concerns about practical implementation, particularly for SMEs struggling to obtain existing
Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) statuses. Providing support for SMEs in obtaining thisstatus is crucial.

•Interoperability and Data Sharing: EURATEX emphasizes the importance of the EU Data
Hub's interoperability with various IT systems. Also, a uniform central IT network facilitating
national and other legal requirements would be a significant step forward.

•Structured Dialogue with Stakeholders: The establishment of the EU Customs Authority(EUCA) is seen as a positive development for coordinating customs enforcement across theEU. EURATEX recommends a dedicated dialogue between the EUCA and stakeholders,
including industry representatives, to improve overall coordination and effectiveness.

Contact
To know more about EURATEX position on the press release, please contact Paolo Sandri, Senior
Policy Officer, at paolo.sandri@euratex.eu.
About usAs the voice of the European textile and clothing industry, EURATEX works to achieve a favourable
environment within the European Union for design, development, manufacture and marketing oftextile and clothing products.
The EU textile and clothing industry, with around 200,000 companies employing 1.3 million
workers, is an essential pillar of the local economy across many EU regions. With over €64 billion ofexports, the industry is a global player successfully commercializing high added value products on
growing markets around the world. Working together with EU institutions and other European andinternational stakeholders, EURATEX focuses on clear priorities: an ambitious industrial policy,
innovation and skills development, free and fair trade, and sustainable supply chains.
Learn more at euratex.eu.