Customs speed plans
Page 8
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A DRAFT directive aimed at speeding up the time-consuming formalities at frontier crossing points within the EEC has been drawn .up by the European Commission for approval by the Council of Ministers, writes our Brussels correspondent.
Although the EEC is supposed to create one market, the redtape and paperwork at borders is still formidable. In some countries, the number of customs officers has actually increased since the creation of the Common Market 25 years ago.
The Commission estimates that the cost of delays to road transport at frontiers can add up to seven per cent to some consumer prices. For road haulage firms in the EEC the additional costs of keeping lorries waiting at checkpoints are estimated at a staggering £600 million per year.
The new directive will not eliminate border checks — that must wait until further integration in the EEC is achieved — but it does seek to improve the organisation at frontiers and streamline the procedure.
As far as possible, the Commission says, all checks should be made at the same time and place. The best solution would be to conduct them near the place of dispatch and/or destination of the goods carried.
Systematic checking of goods should be abandoned in favour of random checks.
Major frontier posts should be open night and day and other posts on major roads should be open at least from 8am to 6pm. It should also be possible for inspection to be completed outside these hours on payment for the time worked. At peak traffic times there should be more staff on duty.
It wants better lay-out of frontier posts and separation of lorries carrying goods under a customs transit procedure from empty vehicles and those carrying goods which require checking.
There should also be better signposting so the drivers can easily find customs offices located within cities.