The new Centralized Import Customs System (CIC) is expanding in Europe

It allows an undertaking to file a customs declaration in the country in which it is established, even if the goods are physically presented in another Member State.

This system is part of the EU Customs Code.

Phase 1 was launched in July 2024 with eight countries: Bulgaria, Estonia, Spain, Luxembourg, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania. On 30 September 2024, Croatia joined Phase 1 and Italy entered service on 8 November 2024.

On 15 October 2025, Belgium and Sweden officially joined the system. Belgium enters into operation with Phase 1 (standard declaration + pre-deposit). Sweden enters with Phase 1 (standard declaration + pre-filed) and certain features of Phase 2, such as excise products and trade with special tax territories.

To date, the system is available for economic operators in 12 Member States: Bulgaria, Estonia, Luxembourg, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Croatia, Italy, Belgium, Spain and Sweden.

Other Member States plan to gradually join the system in the coming months.

The CCI system offers several benefits for European companies:

• Faster clearance of imported goods.
• Fewer customs procedures: notably the abolition of the transit procedure in some cases.
• A single contact person (Customs Service) « supervisor » of the State of establishment of the undertaking) for all steps related to the declaration.
• Reducing the administrative burden and simplifying formalities.
• Cost savings through centralized and digital processes.
• Improved international competitiveness through more fluid and predictable procedures.

To use this system, the undertaking must have a CCI authorisation issued by the competent customs authority of the Member State in which it is established.