Implementation Dialogue on Customs with Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič

Objectives

This first Implementation Dialogue on Customs serves as a high-level discussion between Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and key EU industry leaders from various sectors. In a changing geopolitical environment and in the context of the progressing EU Customs Reform, the event offers an opportunity for the Commission to ensure that stakeholder concerns and needs have been heard. A first comprehensive evaluation of the EU Rules of Origin is currently on-going. The input from stakeholder will be therefore timely and crucial to ensure that the rules are fit for the measures they accompany. 

Agenda

9:30-10:00 

Welcome coffee 

10:00-10:10

Introduction by Commissioner Maros Šefčovič

10:10-11:05

Session 1: Current challenges with regards to the use of Rules of Origin

The session will begin with a short introduction of the scope, context and timeline of the current evaluation on the EU Rules of Origin. Set within the current EU and international context, the participants will discuss concrete elements of concerns for the businesses.

11:05-11:50 

Session 2: Concrete ways forward to improve Rules of Origin

This session will examine possible ways forward. Participants can signal potential solutions to the problems identified in session one. The session will highlight both the most urgent solutions, as well as long-term visions for change.   

11:50-12:00 Concluding remarks

Participants

A variety of EU business and international trade and business associations have been invited to ensure a broad and balanced perspective. 

• Batteries
• Chemicals
• Fertilisers
• Textiles
• Pharmaceutical
• Recycling
• Automotive
• Metals
• Food/Beverages

The following participants have accepted the invitation to join the meeting and to represent views:

• Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev)
• ArcelorMittal
• Bayer
• BusinessEurope
• European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA)
• European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic)
• European Liaison Committee for Agricultural and Agri-Food Trade (CELCAA)
• European Association for Forwarding, Transport, Logistics and Customs Services (CLECAT)
• European Brands Association (EBCA)
• European Association of Non-Integrated Metal Importers & Distributors (Euranimi)
• European Apparel and Textile Confederation (Euratex)
• European Recycling Industries’ Confederation (EURIC)
• Association of European Automotive and Industrial Battery Manufacturers (Eurobat)
• Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Eurochambres)
• The European Commerce Confederation (Eurocommerce)
• European Steel Association (Eurofer)
• Eurometal
• European Solar Manufacturing Council
• Ferrero
• Industria de DiseñoTextil (Inditex)
• InoBat Auto
• LPP SA
• ThyssenKrupp
• Trade Promotion Europe
• Třinecké železárny
• SME United
• Solar Power Europe 

Background

Rules of Origin (RoO) are an essential instrument in customs legislation. Defining the origin (i.e. “nationality”) of goods is, together with tariff classification and customs valuation, key to determine customs tariff treatment upon import and tariff preferences (if applicable).​ 

Rules of Origin can be preferential (defined in preferential trade arrangements to grant tariffs preferences) or non-preferential. Determination of origin is also necessary for the application of trade defence measures, quantitative restrictions, tariff quotas and sanctions. Moreover, recent times have seen a growing role of Rules of Origin for other environmental and economic policies (i.e. CBAM, Net Zero Industry Act).​

Please note that this event is by invitation only and not open for registration. The summary conclusions from the Implementation Dialogue will be published on this page shortly after the event as well as on the central website dedicated to implementation dialogues.

Summary conclusions

The Implementation Dialogue on the application of EU Rules of Origin was held in Brussels on 11 July 2025. The dialogue featured a lively and open exchange of views from a broad range of stakeholders, including representatives from several sectors and entities who are implementing these rules. More than 25 representatives came together in Brussels to meet with Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and share their experience and feedback.

Complexity of the rules: The Dialogue offered the opportunity to discuss the main challenges in the implementation of the current rules of origin, which create complexity due to their fragmentation (different rules apply across different arrangements), represent administrative burden and substantial compliance costs.  

Harmonisation and simplification: There was a broad consensus among stakeholders on the need for harmonisation and simplification of rules of origin, the strengthening of sector-specific approach on origin, and the increase of the support provided to SMEs in this area.

Digitalisation and standardisation: Stakeholders also emphasised the need for digitalisation and standardisation for origin certification and a wider approach when addressing rules of origin with trading partners. Several stakeholders suggested using existing instruments to improve supply chain traceability and enhance data sharing. 

Coordination: The stakeholders also called on the Commission to coordinate the different policies linked to Rules of Origin closely among the involved Directorates-General to efficiently address the challenges and to support and increase the competitiveness of EU industries, including through the implementation of trade defense instruments and other policy measures. 

Commissioner Šefčovič acknowledged these challenges and emphasised the importance of ensuring that EU Rules of Origin remain effective and adaptable to new trade realities. The outcome of this Dialogue will be used in the ongoing evaluation of rules of origin and the broader Commission reflection.

Related links

Implementation Dialogue: Commission gathers business to discuss non-preferential EU Rules of Origin