EC WARNS ABOUT RISK OF CUSTOMS REFORM COMPROMISE

EC WARNS ABOUT RISK OF CUSTOMS REFORM COMPROMISE

   The European Commission warned that a compromise text on a reform of the Community customs code to be discussed by the EU Council of Ministers would facilitate fraud.
   The EC said that Frits Bolkestein, the commissioner responsible for the EU’s customs union, would withdraw the reform proposal unless the text includes sufficient safeguards against fraud.
   The EC said that the compromise text would not include sufficient safeguards against goods being imported with false country of origin certificates. This would makeg it easier for importers to fraudulently claim goods to qualify for lower import tariffs such as those granted to developing countries.