On October 1 2022, Ukraine joined the Common Transit Convention - the international framework for the customs transit of goods that ensures simplified procedures between the EU and partner countries.

On 14 March, the EU and its partners will host a side event in the margins of the 66th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, entitled ‘Progress in addressing the evolution of illicit drug manufacture’.

On 1 March 2023, the European Union launched the second release of its Import Control System 2 (ICS2), the new advance cargo information and risk management platform, to further improve protection against security and safety threats from goods entering the EU.

On 10 February 2023, the European Commission published the fourth report on the progress achieved in the development of the electronic systems provided for under Article 278a of the Union Customs Code (UCC). This report was submitted to the Council and the European Parliament.

It is nearly one year since the start of Russia’s ruthless war in Ukraine. DG TAXUD was heavily involved in this crisis response, identifying and implementing quick actions, and cooperating with colleagues in Ukraine every step of the way.

On 14 February 2023, EU Member States agreed on the latest update the EU list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions.

On 13 February 2023, Member States will start applying new excise duty rules following an update of the Directive on general arrangements for excise duty.

The Commission signed two agreements between the EU and Moldova which cements Moldova’s participation in the EU’s Customs and Fiscalis programmes.

The Committee on Customs of the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Singapore has adopted on 20 December 2022 Decision No 1/2022 amending the Origin Protocol of that FTA.