Ports welcome Brussels u-turn on storage time

New EU rules on the Union Customs Code currently being discussed had proposed reducing the period to three days, a move which the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) warns would leave an unacceptable amount of goods without an adequate customs procedure forcing terminals and shipping lines to be responsible to put goods under a customs bonded procedure.

“We very much appreciate the support of the rapporteur and other members of the European Parliament for the 90 days temporary storage period,” said ESPO Secretary General, Isabelle Ryckbost.

“Shortening this period would both hamper the fluidity of cargo flows through ports and would again put certain European ports in an unlevel playing field with their neighbouring non-EU ports.

“We hope that the Parliament continues to support this point and, at the later stage also the Council.”

The 90 days temporary storage plays a crucial role in ensuring the fluidity of cargo flows through ports, in particular, when other parties in the logistics chain do not provide in a timely manner the data required to place goods under a customs procedure, says ESPO.

Temporary storage is also crucial in the context of transhipment, providing a useful ‘administrative wating room’.

Besides restoring the 90 days temporary storage period, ESPO also supports amendments ensuring collaboration between a new Customs Data Hub and the EU Maritime Single Window, as well as moves to clarify minimum customs data requirements.