The Working Party on Customs Union discusses issues of customs policy and legislation that are not related to customs duties and other aspects of the EU's external trade policy, namely draft legislation in the area of the EU Customs Union, Council conclusions related to matters discussed by the group, issues of customs cooperation and mutual assistance between the EU and the third countries. In addition, this Working Party coordinates the EU position on matters related to customs activities that are discussed in international bodies such as the World Customs Organisation, the UN Economic Commission for Europe, the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, ASEM meetings and other international events, also the administrative committees of the international conventions.
During the meeting in Vilnius delegates will discuss issues of international policy in customs in 2013-2015, cooperation with Eastern neighbouring countries, preparation for the 10th ASEM Customs Directors-General / Commissioners meeting to be held in Vienna, Austria, on the 17th-18th of October. The European Commission will present its plans on a proposal for a legislative act laying down a Union legal framework on customs infringements and sanctions.
The meeting will be attended by customs attaches and other delegates of Member States in the Working Party, the representatives of the European Commission's Taxation and Customs Union Directorate General (DG TAXUD) and the Secretariat General of the EU Council.
