The IMCO Committee is currently considering a legislative report on Union Customs Code (recast). The purpose of the recast is three-fold. Firstly the proposal aims at postponing the date of application allowing for a phased, binding but realistic implementation of new, electronic-based processes. The transitional periods and measures should not go beyond 31 December 2020. Secondly, the proposal removes the three comitology procedures, currently provided for in the MCC and replaces them either by a delegation of powers or by implementing powers. This is done in accordance with the criteria, principles and rules laid own in Article 290 and 291 of the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union and the new "comitology" Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. Thirdly, the proposal adjusts some provisions in the current customs legislation which are either no longer in line with the changes introduced, since the adoption of the MCC in 2008, or have revealed difficult to implement through sound measures and workable processes.

 

In view of the current provisions in force, it should be aimed for the rapid adoption of the proposal to allow for its entry into force by 24 June 2013 the latest.

 

Rapporteur: Constance Le Grip (EPP)

 

Shadow Rapporteurs: Sylvana Rapti (S&D), Olle Schmidt (ALDE), Pascal Canfin (GREENS/EFA), Adam Bielan (ECR), Matteo Salvini (EFD)

Alternative dispute resolution schemes usually use a third party such as an arbitrator, mediator or an ombudsman to help the consumer and the trader to reach a solution in case of a dispute. Their advantage is offering more flexibility than going to court and better meeting the needs of both consumers and professionals. Compared to a court case these schemes are cheaper, quicker and more informal.
 
In view of the fact that these out-of-court mechanisms have been developed differently across the European Union and that consumers often refrain from cross-border purchases because of uncertainty about who to turn to in case of a problem with a foreign trader, the need for regulatory action at the European level was identified.
 
IMCO is currently working on two legislative proposals related to alternative dispute resolution (ADR): a Directive on ADR that aims to ensure that quality out-of-court entities exist to deal with any contractual dispute between a consumer and a business, and a Regulation on online dispute resolution (ODR) that would establishing a European ODR platform offering a single point of entry to those who seek to resolve a dispute which has arisen from a cross-border e-commerce transaction. 

Rapporteurs: ADR Louis Grech (S&D), ODR Róża Gräfin von Thun und Hohenstein (S&D)

 

Shadows rapporteurs: ADR Hans-Peter Mayer (EPP), ODR Mitro Repo (S&D), ADR/ODR Robert Rochefort (ALDE), ADR/ODR Heide Rühle (Greens/EFA), ADR/ODR Ashley Fox (ECR), ADR Denis de Jong (GUE/NGL), ODR  Kyriacos Triantaphyllides (GUE/NGL), ADR/ODR Matteo Salvini (EDF)

The IMCO Committee is currently considering a legislative report on customs enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPRs).  IPRs are fundamental to innovation, which is a key priority of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Given the increase of IPR infringements and international trade in infringing goods, large parts of economic growth and jobs in the EU depend on the effective enforcement of IPR. The customs authorities are in a comparatively good position to enforce IPRs effectively at the EU's external borders, before the goods enter the internal market. Once the goods spread across different Member States, it becomes much more difficult and costly to trace them and to initiate proceedings. As part of its IPR strategy, the European Commission proposed to revise Regulation (EC) 1383/2003 in order to strengthen the enforcement of IPR by customs authorities as well as to improve legal clarity, adapting the provisions of the Regulation to new developments.

 

Rapporteur: Jürgen Creutzmann (ALDE)
 
Shadow Rapporteurs: Marielle Gallo (EPP), Anna Hedh (S&D), Christian Engström (GREENS/EFA), Emma McClarkin (ECR), Cornelis de Jong (GUE,/NGL), Matteo Salvini (EFD)

Alongside the on-going reform of public procurement, the IMCO committee is currently considering a Commission proposal on concessions contracts. This initiative seeks to ensure a more efficient allocation of public money by establishing a single instrument regulating the competitive award of concessions contracts. The proposed rules seek to increase legal certainty for public authorities and to guarantee businesses effective access to the concessions markets across the EU.

 

The European Commission presented its proposal and the Impact Assessment to the IMCO Members on 25h January 2012. The first exchange of views took place on 29th February 2012.

 

Rapporteur: Philippe Juvin (EPP)
 
Shadow rapporteurs: Antonio Panzeri (S&D), Cristian Silviu Buşoi (ALDE), Heide Rühle (Greens), Malcolm Harbour / Edvard Kožušník (ECR), Dennis de Jong (GUE), Matteo Salvini (EFD)

The IMCO Committee is currently considering the Commission's proposals for a modernisation of the EU public procurement rules, including, more specifically, the revision of Directive 2004/18/EC ("Classic Directive") and of Directive 2004/17/EC ("Utilities Directive"). Public procurement is the process used by government institutions, public sector organisations and certain undertakings in the utilities sectors to buy supplies, services and public works. Such expenditure is a significant and influential component of the economy. The reform seeks to make the existing rules more flexible and easier to apply, to enable a greater strategic use of public purchasing power (to achieve green, social and innovation-related objectives) and to increase the use of new procurement techniques and tools such as joint buying and e-procurement. This work follows the adoption by the European Parliament of an IMCO own initiative report (rapporteur: Heide Rühle, Greens) in late 2011, in response to the Commission's Green Paper consultation.

 

The European Commission presented its proposal and the Impact Assessment to the IMCO Members on 9th January 2012. The first exchange of views took place on 29th February 2012.

 

Rapporteur: Marc Tarabella (S&D)

 

Shadow rapporteurs: Frank Engel (EPP), Jorgo Chatzimarkakis (ALDE), Heide Rühle (Greens), Malcolm Harbour / Edvard Kožušník (ECR), Dennis de Jong (GUE), Matteo Salvini (EFD)