BUDGET LINE : CUSTOMS 2020 WORK PROGRAMME FOR

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1 EN ANNEX I BUDGET LINE : CUSTOMS 2020 WORK PROGRAMME FOR Introduction Strategic Framework The Customs 2020 programme provides a Union framework to support the functioning and modernisation of the customs union in order to strengthen the internal market by means of cooperation between participating countries, their customs authorities and their officials. The programme, in this sense, is a tool that contributes to the implementation of the broad scale of customs policy issues at the European Union level: The customs union is a foundation of the European Union and an essential element in the functioning of the single market. The single market can only function properly when there is a uniform application of common rules both at its external borders and in the customs territory. This implies that the customs administrations of the Union must act as though they were one, achieving the same results throughout the territory of the customs union. The Union Customs Code (UCC), including its implementing and delegated acts, is intended, inter alia, to ensure the full modernisation of customs procedures and the common implementation of rules in the customs union, without which no level playing field for European trade is possible. As this package includes an extensive change and transition programme, the proper implementation of the UCC remains a key challenge of the Union in the coming years. In this respect, the Customs 2020 programme supports customs policy by enabling cooperation on aspects linked to the correct implementation of the UCC package and by devoting a significant part of the programme financing to the development of an ambitious set of electronic customs systems as envisaged by the UCC and by the plans linked to the establishment of electronic customs by 2020 and even going beyond. At the same time, the operation and maintenance of existing IT systems, which already play a key role in the customs union, must continue. In addition, the Customs 2020 programme is mobilised to raise the level of expertise and performance consistently across all European Union customs administrations by creating a series of comprehensive and in-depth elearning modules on the UCC and by supporting a human competency building framework, a model of competences, skills and behaviours for customs professionals. Furthermore, the use of digital and modern communication tools is encouraged within the customs union. Customs deliver on various core tasks: they must ensure the smooth flow of trade whilst applying the necessary controls to protect security, health and safety of the Union's citizens as well as the security and the financial and economic interest of the Union. The Customs 2020 programme, as identified by its specific objectives, treats both of these aspects as a priority and supports the implementation of simplified and modern customs procedures, integrated electronic systems and control methods established by the Union customs policy and the UCC. The core business of customs becomes more complex due to additional challenges and threats such as terrorist activity and the growing success of e-commerce. To implement the European Union legal customs framework, the day-to-day operations of the customs union are reinforced by programme activities enabling close co-operation between customs administrations themselves and also with the Commission. The programme also supports the cooperation between customs and tax authorities, which is essential in order to fight against tax fraud and ensure the collection of customs duties and related taxes. 1

2 The Union's most important source of growth, legitimate trade, has to be able to operate across borders as quickly and efficiently as possible. The Customs 2020 programme therefore prioritizes activities that increase the effectiveness and efficiency of customs controls, including the cooperation with other enforcement agencies and bodies involved in the process. Along this line, the Programme will facilitate the development of a European Union single window environment for traders, which is planned in a gradual and pragmatic way to take account of the complexity of the Union structures and of initiatives of Member States. The programme supports the development of the Centralised Clearance systems (at import and at export) to allow economic operators to lodge a single declaration for customs and Value Added Tax purposes and to carry out their customs activities with one single administration, independent from where the goods are presented or placed under a customs procedure. The European Union's compliant trader initiative, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, which entitles compliant and trustworthy traders to facilitations regarding security and safety and easier admittance to customs simplifications, is reinforced by programme activities which contribute to the harmonised implementation of the programme, promote and fortify its benefits and facilitate the joint assessment of compliant trader programmes with third countries. As gatekeeper of European Union's borders for the flow of goods, customs play a crucial role in protecting the European Union and its residents as well as international supply chains. The Customs 2020 programme is set out to support customs administrations to reply to the increasing demand in order to ensure that goods harmful for health and the environment do not cross the European Union external borders illegally. The programme is also to support the customs union to live up to its potential in terms of contributing to security and safety in Europe. The programme therefore supports activities aiming at strengthening coordination and uniform implementation by customs of non-customs legislation and facilitating interagency cooperation. Furthermore, in line with the European Agenda on Security, this especially entails the reinforced customs control of goods, including the implementation of the Cash Control Regulation on cash entering or leaving the European Union, reviewing the existing instruments to reinforce legitimate trade in cultural goods and closely monitoring the implementation of the legislation on trade in drug precursors. Customs are also responsible for tackling, through border enforcement, the increasing volume of trade in goods infringing Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) that threatens jobs, growth, innovation and competitiveness. The Customs 2020 programme contributes to carrying out the activities identified by the European Union Customs Action Plan on Intellectual Property Rights. Ensuring the implementation of the European Union Strategy and Action Plan for customs risk management also work towards ensuring a more secure and safer European environment, besides supporting the protection of the EU's financial interest. The Customs 2020 programme plays an important role in the coordinated implementation of the objectives established by the Strategy Action Plan and in implementing the activities laid down in the related roadmap. By its very nature, customs has an inborn international dimension. One country's export is another country's import. The Customs 2020 programme provides support to strengthen collaboration with third countries and international organisations. The importance for the Union of sharing experience and information with third countries and international organisations or bodies to facilitate trade and customs processes is becoming more evident with the globalisation of trade. In the coming period, the Customs 2020 programme is called upon to contribute to the work of the Commission regarding implementation and upgrading of existing bilateral customs agreements (Customs Cooperation and Mutual Administrative 2

3 Assistance Agreements (CCMAAA)) to strengthen trade facilitation and to improve supply chain security. The Customs 2020 programme finances activities to monitor the implementation of the rules of origin in the European Union preferential trade arrangements in line with the 2014 Action Plan and as underlined by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) in its Special Report 2/2014. Compliance with rules of origin, including rules on administrative cooperation is essential for safeguarding the European Union's own resources and for credibility of the Union in the negotiation of Free Trade Agreements. The Customs 2020 programme contributes to the correct and uniform implementation of the Common Customs Tariff (CCT) and updating the Integrated Tariff of the European Union (TARIC) which is critical for the uniform application of the CCT and non-tariff measures by Member States, and which provides economic operators with a comprehensive view of all measures applicable when importing or exporting goods into/from the Union and thus protecting the financial interest of the Union. In light of the complexity of customs policy, the proper functioning of the customs union can only be orchestrated through sound governance. The implementation of the Customs Union Governance Commission Communication is a driving force on the short-, medium and longterm. 1 Initiatives aiming at the proper functioning of the customs union are in the focus of the Customs 2020 programme activities together with the Customs Union Performance (CUP) activity which provides invaluable information and conclusions which are indispensable for strategic decision making and providing the results of customs work to the main stakeholders. Coordination with other EU policies and their supporting programmes and funds is ensured. On the basis of the objectives given in the Regulation 1294/2013 establishing an action programme for customs in the European Union for the period , this work programme contains the actions to be financed and the budget breakdown for year 2018 as follows 2 : for grants (implemented under direct management) (1.2): EUR for procurement (implemented under direct management) (1.3): EUR for other actions (reimbursement of external experts) (1.4): EUR TOTAL actions: EUR Grants Grant for joint actions LEGAL BASIS Article 5(2) and 7(a) (i)-(iv) and (vi)-(ix) of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013 Specific objective: to support customs authorities in protecting the financial and economic interests of the Union and of the Member States, including the fight against fraud and the protection of intellectual property rights, to increase safety and security, to protect citizens and the environment, to improve the administrative capacity of the customs authorities and to strengthen the competitiveness of European businesses. 1 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on developing the EU Customs Union and Its Governance of 21 December 2016 (COM 2016/813). 2 The total amount of appropriations may be higher when using foreseen financial contributions from candidate and potential candidate countries participating in Customs 2020 programme. The maximum estimated amount for 2018 is EUR

4 BUDGET LINE Priorities of the year, objectives pursued and expected results The programme is a tool which supports and implements the overall customs policy at the European Union level. The general objective of the Customs 2020 programme is to support the functioning and modernisation of the customs union in order to strengthen the internal market by means of cooperation between participating countries, their customs authorities and their officials. The programme aims to successfully contribute to the Europe 2020 Strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth by strengthening the functioning of the internal market. The grant focusses on the implementation of the following priorities for 2018: Implement the Union Customs Code (UCC) and develop and deploy the related electronic customs systems,; Facilitate legitimate trade and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of customs controls, including the cooperation with other enforcement agencies and bodies involved in the process; Reply to the increasing demand for customs to ensure that goods harmful for security, health, safety and the environment are duly controlled when crossing the external border of the European Union taking into account new constraints further to the growing success of e-commerce; Implement the European Union Strategy and Action Plan for customs risk management; Collaborate with third countries and international organisations; Implement the Customs Union Performance (CUP); Implement a human competency building framework for customs. Expected result: Implementation of programme joint action events (target number: 380) to implement the policy projects described in the appendix. Description of the activities to be funded by the grant awarded without a call for proposals on the basis of article 190 (1) (f) of Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1268/ This grant will fund activities on: supporting the preparation, coherent application and effective implementation of Union law and policy in the field of customs; improving the European Information Systems for customs; identifying, developing, sharing and applying best working practices and administrative procedures, in particular further to benchmarking activities; reinforcing the skills and competences of customs officials; improving cooperation between customs authorities and international organisations, 3 The beneficiaries of the grant will be the customs administrations of the Member States and other eligible countries fulfilling the conditions for participation listed in Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013, under a grant agreement with multiple beneficiaries. 4

5 third countries, other governmental authorities, including Union and national market surveillance authorities, as well as economic operators and organisations representing economic operators. These activities will take the form of: (i) seminars and workshops; (ii) project groups; (iii) working visits; (iv) monitoring activities; (v) customs administration capacity building and supporting actions; (vi) studies; (vii) jointly developed communication actions; (viii) any other activity in support of the general, specific and operational objectives. Essential eligibility, selection and award criteria This grant is awarded on the basis of the following criteria: Eligibility criteria The beneficiaries of the grant will be the Member States and other eligible countries fulfilling the conditions for participation listed in Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013 under a grant agreement with multiple beneficiaries. The proposed activities must correspond to the types of eligible actions listed in Article 7(a) (i) to (ix) except (v) of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013. Selection criteria In accordance with Article 131(3) of Regulation (EU, EURATOM) No 966/2012, the financial and operational capacities of the beneficiaries will not be verified, since the beneficiaries are public administrations Award criteria The grant will be awarded based on its relevance and cost-efficiency for achieving the objectives and expected results of the policy projects listed in the appendix. Implementation BY DG TAXUD Indicative timetable and indicative amount of the grant awarded without a call for proposals Reference Date Amount Grant for Joint actions Q EUR Maximum possible rate of co-financing of the eligible costs The grant will take the form of a combination of: 5

6 Reimbursement of the eligible costs actually incurred by the beneficiaries for the following items: (a) travel costs of their delegates up to 100%; (b) (c) costs linked to the organization of events in the framework of a given joint action up to 100% direct -personnel costs, up to 50%, for officials participating as expert in eligible action under Article 7(a)(vi) " customs administration capacity building and supporting actions" of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013. Reimbursement on the basis of unit costs for daily allowances and accommodation costs for national delegates.the amounts to be used are those listed in the Commission Decision for the general implementing provisions adopting the guide to missions for officials and other servants of the European Commission 4 in force at the moment of the signature of the grant agreement. tthe list of rates shall be annexed to the grant agreement Grant for expert team for pooling expertise to resolve complex cases of divergent tariff classification (BTI II) LEGAL BASIS Article 5(2) and 7(a)(v) of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013 Specific objective: to support customs authorities in protecting the financial and economic interests of the Union and of the Member States, including the fight against fraud and the protection of intellectual property rights, to increase safety and security, to protect citizens and the environment, to improve the administrative capacity of the customs authorities and to strengthen the competitiveness of European businesses. BUDGET LINE Priorities of the expert team, objectives pursued and expected results The initiative aims at addressing specific problems in the functioning of the European Union s customs union, namely the uniform tariff classification of products being imported into or exported from the Union. Under the Union customs law, the customs authorities of the European Union Member States issue Binding Tariff Information (BTI), at the request of economic operators. A BTI provides the economic operator who requested it with legal certainty about the tariff classification of the goods he intends to import or export. It also contributes to the uniform tariff classification of products throughout the European Union, thus creating a level playing field for traders. However, in cases where the national customs authorities in one or several Member States have divergent views on the classification of some products due to their technical complexity, it is acknowledged that divergent BTI may occasionally occur within the European Union. The fact that when issuing BTI, Member States have currently no legal obligation to consult BTI that have been issued for similar goods by other Member States, may also cause divergent BTI. In recent years, various initiatives have assessed the current situation from different 4 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1611 of 7 July 2016 on reviewing the scale for missions by officials and other servants of the European Union in the Member States. 6

7 perspectivesand tariff classification was part of the core processes and certain problems with regard to uniform tariff classification were identified. The objective of the expert team is to analyse in a structured manner complex cases of divergent tariff classification that occurred at European Union level, and to propose an expert opinion for these cases, by pooling a core team of experts in their specific domains. The expert opinion proposed may subsequently be assessed by the Customs Code Committee (CCC). A structured collaboration and exchange of specific knowledge between experts of the domain building on the results of the BTI expert team should allow proposing to the CCC viable solutions to complex classification cases. This should allow the resolution of such cases to be adopted within a reasonable timeframe. Description of the activities to be funded by the grant(s) awarded without a call for proposals on the basis of article 190 of Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1268/ This grant will fund activities on: enhanced cooperation between Member States themselves and between Member States and the Commission to tackle, in particular, BTI applications that prove to be particularly difficult or controversial. analysis of difficult classification cases by Expert Teams (ET) either in a referee or expertise mode. (1) Act as referee for cases submitted by Member States directly to the ET, e.g. in the framework of bilateral contacts between Member States or for any other questions related to classification (preventive action); (2) Act as a source of expertise for analysing cases submitted by the Commission and proposing concrete solutions (corrective actions) in cases of divergent classification between Member States. The results delivered would be to propose fast track solutions for complex cases, in a form of a streamlined document to be submitted to the Customs Code Committee in a reduced period of time, in the case where specific expertise is needed from Member States for the analysis of the case, and where expertise is not available in the Commission. Essential eligibility, selection and award criteria This grant is awarded on the basis of the following criteria: Eligibility criteria Under Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013, the beneficiaries of the grants will be the customs administrations of Member States and of other eligible countries fulfilling the conditions for participation listed in Article 3(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013. The proposed activities must be part of the eligible actions listed in Article 7(a)(v) of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013. Selection criteria In accordance with Article 131(3) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012, the financial 5 The beneficiaries of the grant will be the customs administrations of the Member States and other eligible countries fulfilling the conditions for participation listed in Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013, under a grant agreement with multiple beneficiaries. 7

8 and operational capacities of the beneficiaries will not be verified, since the beneficiaries are public administrations. Award criteria The grant will be awarded based on its relevance, conformity and Union added value, its methodological and organisational qualities, its management and the dedicated resources, the expected results and value-for-money. Implementation BY DG TAXUD Indicative timetable and indicative amount of the grant awarded without a call for proposals Reference Date Amount Grant for Expert Team for pooling expertise to resolve complex cases of divergent tariff classification Q EUR Maximum possible rate of co-financing of the eligible costs Description of the grant The grant will take the form of a combination of: Reimbursement of the following eligible costs actually incurred by the beneficiaries for the following items: (a) costs for travels, up to 100% (b) costs for hosting experts of the project, up to 100%; (c) direct personnel costs, up to 50% (d) (e) (f) Depreciation costs for equipment needed for the project (only depreciation costs prorata the duration of the expert team), up to 75% costs for Subcontracting, (external services for hiring special expertise, limited in volume and to non-essential parts of the project), up to 75% other direct costs (e.g. organisational costs for of events, printing promotion material, the purchase of consumables and supplies needed for the project), up to 100% Reimbursement on the basis of unit costs for daily allowances and accommodation costs for national delegates. The amounts to be used are those listed in the Commission Decision for the general implementing provisions adopting the guide to missions for officials and other servants of the European Commission 6 in force at the moment of the signature of the grant agreement. The list of unit costs shall be annexed to the grant agreement. Reimbursement on the basis of a flat rate for Indirect costs (overheads), corresponding to 7% of all direct eligible costs. 6 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1611 of 7 July 2016 on reviewing the scale for missions by officials and other servants of the European Union in the Member States. 8

9 Grant for expert team for pooling and sharing specific analytical expertise of Customs Laboratories at European Union level (CLET II) LEGAL BASIS Article 5(2) and 7(a) (v) of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013 Specific objective: to support customs authorities in protecting the financial and economic interests of the Union and of the Member States, including the fight against fraud and the protection of intellectual property rights, to increase safety and security, to protect citizens and the environment, to improve the administrative capacity of the customs authorities and to strengthen the competitiveness of European businesses. BUDGET LINE Priorities of the expert team, objectives pursued and expected results In a period of crisis needing a rapid and/or wide response (methanol crisis in Czech Republic, melamine in Chinese milk, smuggling of tobacco products, fraud in mineral oils, new psychoactive substances ), the number of samples to be analysed rapidly by the Customs laboratories can be much larger than the capacity of a laboratory, the equipment cannot be available in this country, the crisis can be Union wide or have an impact on all the European Union. Outside crisis, sophisticated equipment (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Liquid - Scintillation Counting (LSC) ) or rare expertise can be lacking (wood analysis); some unusual analysis not justifying to maintain a dedicated equipment in all laboratories. In a period when a lack of resources exists in the Member States, some laboratories are forced to perform less analysis or can decide to drop the control of some specific samples. Therefore, there is a concrete risk of fraud not spotted for the reasons mentioned before. The business drivers for the establishment of this expert team are the lack of analytical capacities or of expertise evenly spread throughout the Union and the economies of scales/optimization of resources generated by the combination of expertise and machinery for the benefit of all. The aim is the use and the pooling of existing expertise and equipment in the Customs laboratories at Union level building on the results of the CLET I expert team to perform analysis of a large number of potentially dangerous substances or products representing an important loss of revenue for European Union and Member State budgets and sharing the results through networking. Description of the activities to be funded by the grant(s) awarded without a call for proposals on the basis of article 190 of Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1268/ This grant will fund activities on: pooling the expertise and equipment in a network (European Union Customs laboratories 7 The beneficiaries of the grant will be the customs administrations of the Member States and other eligible countries fulfilling the conditions for participation listed in Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013, under a grant agreement with multiple beneficiaries. 9

10 Analyse specific samples Share results of analysis at Union level Suggest operational common/harmonised approaches for analysis and tariff classification problems. Incidentally contribute to develop approaches (e.g. methods and techniquecs) and guidelines based on the results, test and promote new laboratory developments Essential eligibility, selection and award criteria This grant is awarded on the basis of the following criteria: Eligibility criteria Under Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013, the beneficiaries of the grants will be the customs administrations of Member States and of other eligible countries fulfilling the conditions for participation listed in Article 3(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013. The proposed activities must be part of the eligible actions listed in Article 7(a)(v) of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013. Selection criteria In accordance with Article 131(3) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012, the financial and operational capacities of the beneficiaries will not be verified, since the beneficiaries are public administrations. Award criteria The grant will be awarded based on its relevance, conformity and Union added value, its methodological and organisational qualities, its management and the dedicated resources, the expected results and value-for-money. Implementation BY DG TAXUD Indicative timetable and indicative amount of the grant awarded without a call for proposals Reference Date Amount Grant for expert team on Pooling and sharing specific analytical expertise of Customs Laboratories at EU European Union level Q EUR EUR Maximum possible rate of co-financing of the eligible costs Description of the grant The grant will take the form of a combination of: Reimbursement of the following eligible costs actually incurred by the beneficiaries for the following items: (a) costs for travels, up to 100% 10

11 (b) costs for hosting experts of the project, up to 100%; (c) direct personnel costs, up to 50% (d) (e) (f) Depreciation costs for equipment needed for the project (only depreciation costs prorata the duration of the expert team), up to 75% costs for Subcontracting, (external services for hiring special expertise, limited in volume and to non-essential parts of the project), up to 75% other direct costs (e.g. organisational costs for of events, printing promotion material, the purchase of consumables and supplies needed for the project), up to 100% Reimbursement on the basis of unit costs for daily allowances and accommodation costs for national delegates. The amounts to be used are those listed in the Commission Decision for the general implementing provisions adopting the guide to missions for officials and other servants of the European Commission 8 in force at the moment of the signature of the grant agreement. The list of unit costs shall be annexed to the grant agreement. Reimbursement on the basis of a flat rate for Indirect costs (overheads), corresponding to 7% of all direct eligible costs Grant for expert team for the Customs Eastern and South-Eastern Land Border (CELBET II) LEGAL BASIS Article 5(2) and 7(a)(v) of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013 Specific objective: to support customs authorities in protecting the financial and economic interests of the Union and of the Member States, including the fight against fraud and the protection of intellectual property rights, to increase safety and security, to protect citizens and the environment, to improve the administrative capacity of the customs authorities and to strengthen the competitiveness of European businesses. BUDGET LINE Priorities of the expert team, objectives pursued and expected results The European Union has the exclusive competence in customs matters such as customs union and common commercial policy. While the Union has the exclusive right to propose legislation in those areas, Member States and their national customs administrations are engaged in the day-to-day implementation and the running of customs including the management of the external border of the Union. Goods which are brought into the European Union accross the Eastern and South-Eastern borders move freely within the Union. Effective and efficient customs controls at the external border are consequently very important for the whole Union with a view to the protection of security, health and safety of its citizens and also of the financial interest of the Union and its Member States. The Union s land border, in particular its Eastern and South Eastern part, 8 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1611 of 7 July 2016 on reviewing the scale for missions by officials and other servants of the European Union in the Member States. 11

12 needs to be protected sufficiently and evenly along all its strips, in order to also create a level playing field for legitimate trade. Effective customs control will decrease fraud, will contribute to the decrease of smuggling and will at the same time facilitate legitimate trade. The creation of CELBET II will enable the customs administrations of participating Member States building on the results of the CELBET I expert team, to deal more intensively with the Union s Eastern and South-Eastern land border management issues and further to perform operational tasks in the interest of the other Member States and of the Union. With a comprehensive and consistent approach, the expert team will aim at the harmonisation of customs control activities and working methods, detection technology and training. The expert team will provide expertise and make suggestions based on practical experience, operational co-operation and results achieved for further improvement of the operational management of the Union s Eastern and South Eastern land border. Description of the activities to be funded by the grant(s) awarded without a call for proposals on the basis of article 190 of Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1268/ This grant will fund activities on: Risk management (including risk-based selection for controls/facilitation) Data collection and implementation of operational controls Inventory and anaysis of customs control equipments Definition and development of training materials Border Crossing Points management and evaluation and BCP network Co-operation with neighbouring countries Essential eligibility, selection and award criteria This grant is awarded on the basis of the following criteria: Eligibility criteria Under Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013, the beneficiaries of the grants will be the customs administrations of Member States and of other eligible countries fulfilling the conditions for participation listed in Article 3(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013. The proposed activities must be part of the eligible actions listed in Article 7(a)(v) of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013. Selection criteria In accordance with Article 131(3) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012, the financial and operational capacities of the beneficiaries will not be verified, since the beneficiaries are public administrations Award criteria The grant will be awarded based on its relevance, conformity and Union added value, its methodological and organisational qualities, its management and the dedicated resources, the expected results and value-for-money. 9 The beneficiaries of the grant will be the customs administrations of the Member States and other eligible countries fulfilling the conditions for participation listed in Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013, under a grant agreement with multiple beneficiaries. 12

13 Implementation BY DG TAXUD Indicative timetable and indicative amount of the grant awarded without a call for proposals Reference Date Amount Grant for expert team Customs Eastern and South- Eastern Land Border Expert Team (CELBET) Q EUR Maximum possible rate of co-financing of the eligible costs Description of the grant The grant will take the form of a combination of: Reimbursement of the following eligible costs actually incurred by the beneficiaries for the following items: (a) costs for travels, up to 100% (b) costs for hosting experts of the project, up to 100%; (c) direct personnel costs, up to 50% (d) (e) (f) Depreciation costs for equipment needed for the project (only depreciation costs prorata the duration of the expert team), up to 75% costs for Subcontracting, (external services for hiring special expertise, limited in volume and to non-essential parts of the project), up to 75% other direct costs (e.g. organisational costs for of events, printing promotion material, the purchase of consumables and supplies needed for the project), up to 100% Reimbursement on the basis of unit costs for daily allowances and accommodation costs for national delegates. The amounts to be used are those listed in the Commission Decision for the general implementing provisions adopting the guide to missions for officials and other servants of the European Commission 10 in force at the moment of the signature of the grant agreement. The list of unit costs shall be annexed to the grant agreement. Reimbursement on the basis of a flat rate for Indirect costs (overheads), corresponding to 7% of all direct eligible costs Grant for expert team for the ICS2 Shared Trader Interface project LEGAL BASIS Article 5(2) and 7(a)(v) of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013 Specific objective: to support customs authorities in protecting the financial and economic interests of the Union and of the Member States, including the fight against fraud and the 10 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1611 of 7 July 2016 on reviewing the scale for missions by officials and other servants of the European Union in the Member States. 13

14 protection of intellectual property rights, to increase safety and security, to protect citizens and the environment, to improve the administrative capacity of the customs authorities and to strengthen the competitiveness of European businesses. BUDGET LINE Priorities of the expert team, objectives pursued and expected results The Shared Trader Interface (STI) project is an integral part of the ICS2 programme and as such of the overall implementation of the reform of EU advance cargo information system underpinning the implementation of the EU customs risk management strategy and action plan. It offers the Member States opting in a collaborative development and implementation of an EU-wide ICS2 Harmonised Trader Interface (HTI) to save budget and resources and to provide a further facilitation to the trade. The STI project will be officially launched following the approval of the STI Vision document by end The first phase of the project will be the Elaboration phase to complete the common technical specifications by mid The Elaboration Phase will be supported by the Member States through a dedicated C2020 project group. As from mid-2018 when the Construction phase is assumed to start, an enhanced collaboration between the Member States joining the STI project will be more opportune. This phase would need to be supported by an expert team to provide more operational collaboration and to allow the project to build on the right expertise and to ensure the timely delivery of the component by end Description of the activities to be funded by the grant(s) awarded without a call for proposals on the basis of article 190 of Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1268/ This grant will fund activities on: Development of functions to exchange ENtry Summary Declaration + Trader data exchange Establishment of Business-to-Customs interactions (B2C) Operational implementation of ICS2 Essential eligibility, selection and award criteria This grant is awarded on the basis of the following criteria: Eligibility criteria Under Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013, the beneficiaries of the grants will be the customs administrations of Member States and of other eligible countries fulfilling the conditions for participation listed in Article 3(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013. The proposed activities must be part of the eligible actions listed in Article 7(a)(v) of Regulation (EU) No 1294/ The beneficiaries of the grant will be the customs administrations of the Member States and other eligible countries fulfilling the conditions for participation listed in Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013, under a grant agreement with multiple beneficiaries. 14

15 Selection criteria In accordance with Article 131(3) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012, the financial and operational capacities of the beneficiaries will not be verified, since the beneficiaries are public administrations Award criteria The grant will be awarded based on its relevance, conformity and Union added value, its methodological and organisational qualities, its management and the dedicated resources, the expected results and value-for-money. Implementation BY DG TAXUD Indicative timetable and indicative amount of the grant awarded without a call for proposals Reference Date Amount Grant for expert team for the IC2 Shared Trader Interface project (STI) Q EUR Maximum possible rate of co-financing of the eligible costs Description of the grant The grant will take the form of a combination of: Reimbursement of the following eligible costs actually incurred by the beneficiaries for the following items: (a) costs for travels, up to 100% (b) costs for hosting experts of the project, up to 100%; (c) direct personnel costs, up to 50% (d) (e) (f) Depreciation costs for equipment needed for the project (only depreciation costs prorata the duration of the expert team), up to 75% costs for Subcontracting, (external services for hiring special expertise, limited in volume and to non-essential parts of the project), up to 75% other direct costs (e.g. organisational costs for of events, printing promotion material, the purchase of consumables and supplies needed for the project), up to 100% Reimbursement on the basis of unit costs for daily allowances and accommodation costs for national delegates. The amounts to be used are those listed in the Commission Decision for the general implementing provisions adopting the guide to missions for officials and other servants of the European Commission 12 in force at the moment of the signature of the grant agreement. Both lists of rates shall be annexed to the grant agreement. Reimbursement on the basis of a flat rate for Indirect costs (overheads), 12 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1611 of 7 July 2016 on reviewing the scale for missions by officials and other servants of the European Union in the Member States. 15

16 corresponding to 7% of all direct eligible costs Grant for expert team on new approaches to develop and operate Customs IT systems LEGAL BASIS Article 5(2) and 7(a)(v) of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013 Specific objective: to support customs authorities in protecting the financial and economic interests of the Union and of the Member States, including the fight against fraud and the protection of intellectual property rights, to increase safety and security, to protect citizens and the environment, to improve the administrative capacity of the customs authorities and to strengthen the competitiveness of European businesses. BUDGET LINE Priorities of the expert team, objectives pursued and expected results The team will pursue the objectives as agreed between customs Directors General in Tallinn during the High level seminar related to the development of the future customs IT systems and Council Conclusions on the way forward to develop Customs IT systems as adopted by ECOFIN on 7th November The creation of such an expert team would meet the expectations from the MS and the Commission in exploring the new approaches and searching for the most cost-efficient solutions. In the first phase the team will identify possible new approaches for development of future Customs IT systems, including analysing the pros and cons of the new approaches. Funding possibilities will be identified. Description of the activities to be funded by the grant(s) awarded without a call for proposals on the basis of article 190 of Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1268/ This grant will fund activities on: Exploring and studying new approaches, including the potential of a more centralized or a collaborative development and maintenance of future Customs IT systems; Identifying funding possibilities for each approach identified Exploring the experience of common procurement, development and operations in other policy areas; Preparing a pilot (establishing its scope). 13 The beneficiaries of the grant will be the customs administrations of the Member States and other eligible countries fulfilling the conditions for participation listed in Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013, under a grant agreement with multiple beneficiaries. 16

17 Essential eligibility, selection and award criteria This grant is awarded on the basis of the following criteria: Eligibility criteria Under Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013, the beneficiaries of the grants will be the customs administrations of Member States and of other eligible countries fulfilling the conditions for participation listed in Article 3(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013. The proposed activities must be part of the eligible actions listed in Article 7(a)(v) of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013. Selection criteria In accordance with Article 131(3) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012, the financial and operational capacities of the beneficiaries will not be verified, since the beneficiaries are public administrations. Award criteria The grant will be awarded based on its relevance, conformity and Union added value, its methodological and organisational qualities, its management and the dedicated resources, the expected results and value-for-money. Implementation BY DG TAXUD Indicative timetable and indicative amount of the grant awarded without a call for proposals Reference Date Amount Grant for an expert team on new approaches to develop and operate Customs IT systems Q EUR Maximum possible rate of co-financing of the eligible costs Description of the grant The grant will take the form of a combination of: Reimbursement of the following eligible costs actually incurred by the beneficiaries for the following items: (g) costs for travels, up to 100% (h) costs for hosting experts of the project, up to 100%; (i) direct personnel costs, up to 50% (j) (k) (l) Depreciation costs for equipment needed for the project (only depreciation costs prorata the duration of the expert team), up to 75% costs for Subcontracting, (external services for hiring special expertise, limited in volume and to non-essential parts of the project), up to 75% other direct costs (e.g. organisational costs for of events, printing promotion material, the purchase of consumables and supplies needed for the project), up 17

18 to 100% Reimbursement on the basis of unit costs for daily allowances and accommodation costs for national delegates. The amounts to be used are those listed in the Commission Decision for the general implementing provisions adopting the guide to missions for officials and other servants of the European Commission 14 in force at the moment of the signature of the grant agreement. The list of unit costs shall be annexed to the grant agreement. Reimbursement on the basis of a flat rate for Indirect costs (overheads), corresponding to 7% of all direct eligible costs Procurement The overall budgetary allocation reserved for procurement contracts in 2018 amounts to EUR To this end, it is estimated to sign about 55 specific contracts under existing or new multi-annual framework contracts Procurement for IT Capacity Building Actions LEGAL BASIS Article 5(2) and 7(b) of Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013 Specific objective: to support customs authorities in protecting the financial and economic interests of the Union and of the Member States, including the fight against fraud and the protection of intellectual property rights, to increase safety and security, to protect citizens and the environment, to improve the administrative capacity of the customs authorities and to strengthen the competitiveness of European businesses. BUDGET LINE Subject matter of the contracts envisaged In 2018, the Commission intends to undertake IT Capacity building activities through contracts following public procurement. It concerns notably the development, maintenance, operation, and quality control of Union components of the existing and new European Information Systems (EIS) with a view to ensure interconnecting customs authorities. The total indicative amount of the procurement is EUR and will be divided as follows: The network (CCN/CSI 16 including CCN2 development and UUM&DS 17 development): EUR ; Development of Customs system: EUR ; Support for Customs systems: EUR ; 14 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1611 of 7 July 2016 on reviewing the scale for missions by officials and other servants of the European Union in the Member States. 15 This amount integrates the IT frontloading requested for The specific contracts are usually shared with budget line Fiscalis Thereby the actual value of the specific contracts will be higher. 16 Common Communication Network/Common System Interface. 17 Uniform User Management and Digital Signature. 18

19 Quality control for customs systems: EUR Type of contract and type of procurement Procurement of services will be undertaken through specific contracts under existing or new framework contracts or through administrative arrangements, service level agreements or memoranda of understanding with other DGs/Services. Following new framework contract procedures for services will be launched in 2018: (1) CCN3-DEV: Provision of services to cover the development, maintenance and third level support of CCN/CSI, CCN2, SPEED2, TSOAP and TAXUD s experimental Blockchain platforms: CCN3-DEV Lot1: Provision of services to develop and maintain CCN/CSI (Common Communication Network/Common System Interface). The budget for this contract will be divided between Customs 2020 and Fiscalis 2020 (estimated ratio 60% Customs 2020 and 40% Fiscalis 2020). Estimated publication of the procurement procedure: 1 st quarter of The indicative amount of the framework contract will be EUR with a maximum duration of 8 years. CCN3-DEV Lot2: Provision of services to develop, transform and consolidate CCN2, SPEED2, TSOAP and TAXUD s experimental Blockchain platforms and other possible technologies. The budget for this contract will be divided between Customs 2020 and Fiscalis 2020 (estimated ratio 60% Customs 2020 and 40% Fiscalis 2020). Estimated publication of the procurement procedure: 1 st quarter of The indicative amount of the framework contract will be EUR with a maximum duration of 8 years. Justification for contract duration exceeding 4 years: Complex and long handover/takeover periods alongside the need to ensure a sufficient and stable period of continuity for operations and support. (2) TIMEA3: Provision of 'Intra muros' consultancy services for European Union IT systems and applications in the customs, excise and taxation areas. The budget for this contract will be divided between Customs 2020 and Fiscalis 2020 and their anticipated successor programmes (estimated ratio 90% Customs 2020 and 10% Fiscalis 2020). Estimated publication of the procurement procedure: 2nd quarter of The indicative amount of the framework contract will be EUR with a maximum duration of 5 years. Justification for contract duration exceeding 4 years: TAXUD complex IT ecosystem requires stability in the contractual setup in order to guarantee that investments made in achieving high levels of efficiency of Intra Muros consultants are maintained over a sufficient period of time. Indicative number of contracts envisaged: 3 specific contracts to be signed in total on new framework contracts. Indicative timeframe for launching the procurement procedure Q