Centralised Clearance for Import (CCI) goes live

This new trans-European system aims to ensure the digitalisation of the centralised clearance process at European level as defined in the Union Customs Code (UCC). It is available for use by European businesses in Bulgaria, Estonia, Spain, Luxembourg, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania. Other Member States are planning to join gradually in the coming year.

Centralised Clearance is one of the most significant UCC simplifications, allowing economic operators to submit a customs declaration for goods at the supervising customs office in one Member State, which are physically presented to a customs office in another Member State. All contacts take place with the supervising customs office, acting as a one-stop shop. The customs declaration processing and physical release of goods is coordinated among the customs offices involved.

The main objective of the new system is to enable an automated functioning of the centralised clearance process for imports at the European level. It ensures seamless electronic exchange of information between customs offices involved, reducing administrative burden for the Member States’ customs administrations when processing the customs declaration for imports. For example, it reduces the number of actors involved, simplifies the process for bringing goods into the EU, and assures that the EU businesses can use CCI simplification in a digital environment.

How does the CCI Phase 1 system work?

The first phase of the CCI system will enable an automated processing of standard customs declarations for placing goods that are physically presented to customs at a customs office/s in another Member State/s under release for free circulation, customs warehousing, inward processing and end-use.

How will EU companies benefit? 

• Faster customs clearance of the imported goods 
• Reduction of the number of customs procedures, i.e., no transit procedure
• Reduction of administrative workload through a single contact 
• Saving costs with centralised processes, providing transparency and compliance
• Participating in a globalised market, being more competitive, boosting business with customers and partners regardless of their location

How can my company use the CCI system? 

The economic operators interested in using CCI simplification and the CCI system shall be a holder of a CCI authorisation, therefore, they shall first apply for such authorisation. The applicant for a CCI authorisation shall apply to the competent customs authorities in the EU Member State where the applicant is established, which may grant an authorisation in accordance with Article 179 of the UCC- see Business Guidelines for further info. 

When will the next phase of the CCI system be released?

The second phase of CCI system will extend the possibility to process simplified, supplementary declaration, entry into declarant’s records, excise goods and goods in the context of EU trade with special fiscal territories. It is scheduled for 2 June 2025, as set in the UCC Work Programme.

More information

CCI Phase 1 Business Guidance

CCI Phase 1 eLearning module for Traders and for EU Customs Officers