Protective customs duties
In contrast to these customs duties, protective customs duties
are becoming increasingly important. Trade policy instruments
in the form of import permits, quantitative restrictions, and
anti-dumping duties are used to direct the fow of goods and to
protect local economies. Customs duties are used as a control
measure particularly in the agricultural sector.
In addition to the above-mentioned provisions, an important se-
curity-related update of the Community Customs Code has been
introduced. This affects anyone involved in international trade
with the EU. With effect from January 2008, the Authorized
Economic Operator (AEO) concept has been introduced, under
which approved importers/exporters who meet certain criteria
will be encouraged to apply for registration as AEO as a part of
the EU’s continuing anti-terrorism program. Registered AEOs
may qualify for a wide range of simplifed customs procedures
and fewer physical and document-based controls.
Mutual recognition of AEO status is a key element to strengthen
and assist the end-to-end security of the supply chain and to
multiply benefts to traders.
At present, mutual recognition agreements are in force with the
following countries:
Switzerland
Norway
Japan
USA
China
The following section deals with goods cleared for free circula-
tion on which customs duties and import value added tax arise.
This applies only to tangible items; intangible items, such as the
utilization of foreign patents, production processes, and other
intellectual services are not subject to customs clearance.
EU Forecast
euf:ba18f:82/nws-01