On 1 October 2019, the European Commission has launched the EU Customs Trader Portal, an electronic single point-of-access to a number of EU customs systems.

In a first stage, the portal will be used for applications for Binding Tariff Information (eBTI) and applications for Authorised Economic Operator status (eAEO).

As of 1 October 2019, these applications have to be made electronically through the Trader Portal and can no longer be introduced on paper.

The portal serves as a single point of contact for all correspondence and exchange of information. This includes the applications by the economic operators, additional information requests by the customs authority and replies from economic operators, and the subsequent management of the applications and decisions.

The replacement of paper procedures by electronic procedures will make life easier for businesses wishing to interact with customs administrations. It will reduce the administrative burden, and will considerably increase the speed with which business can fulfill the necessary customs procedures to import and export.

The EU Customs Trader portal can be accessed online and is secured through the Uniform User Management and Digital Signature System (UUM&DS).