Customs Sanctions Harmonization in Europe : why the Commission is Taking the Wrong Approach

Download or read book Customs Sanctions Harmonization in Europe : why the Commission is Taking the Wrong Approach written by A.R. Willems and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Uniform customs administration remains difficult in the European Union (EU). Since 1979, the European Commission has been trying to reduce variability and uncertainty. Most recently, the Commission introduced a proposed Directive defining customs infringements and sanctions. Unfortunately, the proposed Directive seeks too much convergence too soon. It would lead to more infringements and sanctions, while imposing unfair or unclear standards and procedures in determining liability, calculating fines, classifying infringements, and sentencing. A recent draft report from the European Parliament addresses only some of these concerns. The Commission would do better to seek gradual "approximation" of customs administration rather than aggressive "harmonization".