European Commission: Digital transformation and data are the cornerstone of the future of customs work
ABU DHABI, 30 JANUARY / WAM / Philippe Dupontel, Director of European Union Customs Tariffs at the European Commission, stressed that digital transformation and the intelligent use of data constitute the basic foundation for the future of customs work, indicating the Union’s direction towards adopting a customs approach based on data and analyzing it centrally, in a way that enhances the efficiency and smoothness of customs procedures.
In a statement to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, on the sidelines of his participation in the sessions of the “Technology for the World Customs Organization 2026” conference, Dupontel explained that the most prominent topics of discussion during the conference days were the digitization of customs and the pivotal role of data in developing customs systems, pointing out that the European Union seeks to achieve an effective balance between facilitating trade movement and enhancing border control.
He pointed out that the role of customs goes beyond border control, to include implementing a large number of legislation related to government policies, stressing that the primary responsibility of customs authorities lies in ensuring that all entering and exiting goods comply with applicable laws and regulations.
He stressed that achieving these goals depends mainly on the effective use, reuse and exchange of data between concerned parties, without placing additional burdens on economic operators, in accordance with the “one-time submission” principle, where data is submitted once and reused when needed.
Dupontel said that reusing and cross-verifying data across the value chain and various approval stages contributes to increasing the accuracy of risk assessment and management at borders, ensuring the highest levels of efficiency and accuracy in customs work.
The European official touched on the practical application of this approach, explaining that the European Union has advanced models in the optimal use of data, especially in the areas of sustainability, climate change, and protecting children by ensuring the safety of imported toys, in addition to monitoring the import of wood products and verifying that they are not linked to illegal logging or rare wood.
He stressed the importance of accurate knowledge of the nature of cross-border goods, noting that the quality of data provided by economic operators enables customs administrations, especially in the 27 member states of the European Union, to implement control with high efficiency.
Dupontel expressed his admiration for the Emirati experience in customs work, noting that, on the sidelines of the conference, he visited a number of facilities in the country, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi Port. He reviewed the level of development in infrastructure and digital transformation, and the smooth way in which customs operations are managed, which contributes to facilitating trade and enhancing the effectiveness of border control.
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