Here’s a breakdown of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1271:
**1. Essence of the Act:**
This regulation amends several existing regulations to integrate the new Electronic system for Agricultural Non-customs formalities (ELAN) into the process of importing and exporting agricultural products. It aims to streamline trade by digitizing documents and making them accessible to customs authorities through the EU Single Window Environment for Customs. Additionally, it addresses specific tariff quota issues, such as those related to rice imports from Bangladesh.
**2. Structure and Main Provisions:**
The regulation is structured as a series of amendments to existing implementing regulations: (EU) 2016/1239, (EU) 2020/761, (EU) 2020/1988 and (EU) 2023/2834.
* **Amendments related to ELAN:**
* Introduces definitions related to ELAN and the EU Single Window Environment for Customs.
* Specifies how import and export licenses should be applied for, issued, and managed within the ELAN system.
* Outlines transitional periods for the implementation of ELAN, including voluntary use, mandatory data models, and full system integration.
* Addresses the use of electronic signatures and stamps for validation.
* Modifies procedures for customs declarations, quantity attributions, license transfers, and corrections to accommodate the electronic system.
* Specifies the information to be included in import and export licenses issued in accordance with the ELAN data models.
* Harmonizes templates for documents issued by third countries to simplify their management in ELAN.
* **Amendments related to Tariff Rate Quotas:**
* Updates rules for tariff rate quotas managed with licenses and those managed on a “first come, first served” basis.
* Adds new tariff quota numbers for imports of rice from Bangladesh, reflecting updated conversion rates for rice products.
* Clarifies how to complete specific sections of import and export licenses for various agricultural products, including Basmati rice, sugar, and cheese.
* Specifies the documents required for proof of origin and authenticity for certain tariff quotas.
**3. Main Provisions for Use:**
* **Transitional Periods:** The regulation establishes a phased implementation of ELAN, with different deadlines for voluntary use, mandatory data models, and full system integration. Businesses and authorities need to be aware of these timelines to ensure compliance.
* **Data Models:** The regulation introduces new data models (ELAN1L-AGRIM, ELAN1L-AGREX, and ELAN1L-TCDOC) for import and export licenses and third-country documents. Understanding and using these data models correctly is crucial for seamless trade operations.
* **Electronic vs. Paper Documents:** The regulation specifies when electronic documents are required and when paper documents are still acceptable, particularly during the transitional periods and in cases of temporary system unavailability.
* **Third-Country Documents:** The regulation outlines the requirements for documents issued by third countries, including the use of the ELAN1L-TCDOC template and the procedures for notifying the Commission of these documents.
* **Specific Product Requirements:** The regulation includes specific instructions for completing licenses and providing documentation for certain agricultural products, such as Basmati rice, sugar, and cheese.
: This regulation is relevant for businesses and authorities involved in the import and export of agricultural products to and from the European Union. The implementation of ELAN and the associated changes to licensing and documentation requirements will have a direct impact on trade operations.
