The General Direction of Customs and Indirect Duties (GDCID) recently published a note to operators in order to highlight the constant increase in requests for corrections and invalidations related to errors in customs declarations. This situation underlines the need to comply with customs requirements and to ensure the quality of the data provided in the declarations, whether e-commerce or traditional cargo operations.

In accordance with Article 15.2 of the Union Customs Code, any person depositing a customs declaration is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information it provides. Any breach of the quality of the data declared engages the responsibility of the operator.

The General Direction of Customs and Indirect Duties has issued a note to operators, accompanied by an educational sheet, to remind them of the customs requirements for data. This initiative aims to make operators aware of the potentially serious consequences of poor data quality.

Impact on Treasury

Errors in customs declarations may result in the calculation of duties and taxes higher or lower than what should have been paid. Depending on the terms of payment and representation, this can have a significant impact on the cash flow of the operator or its client.

Questioning the Status of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)

In accordance with Article 46 of the Union Customs Code, The General Direction of Customs has the power to exercise any customs control it deems necessary. This may include verifying the accuracy and completeness of the information provided in a customs declaration. As part of its control missions, The Direction of Customs can adapt the control pressure on the flows of any operator, especially if it does not regularly provide quality data in its customs declarations. These checks can cause delays and disturbances in the flows of the operator concerned.

Increased Customs Controls

The Authorized Economic Operator is a trusted player in its customs operations with customs. As such, it enjoys advantages throughout the customs territory of the Union. However, any inaccuracy or omission in customs declarations validated by an AEO constitutes a breach of its obligations, which may call into question its AEO status.

In conclusion, the quality of data in customs declarations is a crucial importance for operators. Errors can have a financial impact, challenge benefits such as AEO status, and lead to more frequent customs checks. It is therefore imperative that operators pay particular attention to the accuracy and completeness of the information provided in their customs declarations to maintain a trusting relationship with customs and ensure the smooth running of their operations.