EXPERT OPINIONS
Single Window Environment for Customs - a step towards simplified customs clearance in the EU
Specialist in waste logistics, carrier cooperation and hybrid transport
Radosław Strzyżewski
"Good logistics is the art of planning and trust" is the motto that drives Radoslaw in his daily work. He knows very well that in the waste transport business it is not only efficiency that counts, but also the reliability of business partners.
The introduction of the mandatory ELO logistics envelope in France from 1 September 2025 has prompted many hauliers and exporters to reflect on the digitalisation of customs procedures. Although the ELO only applies to traffic between France and the UK, it is indicative of a wider trend. The European Union is stepping up work on simplifying procedures when transporting goods outside and into the EU. One of the key projects in this area is the Single Window Environment for Customs. Its aim is to create a single digital point of contact for all customs formalities.
Do you need help organising your waste transport? Or are you a haulier looking for loads of waste? Feel free to contact me
What is the Single Window Environment for Customs?
Single Window Environment for Customs is a unified IT system. It will enable companies to submit all required customs, phytosanitary, veterinary or tax documents through a single platform. In practice, this means that hauliers, exporters and importers of waste will not have to log into multiple separate systems. They will not have to submit separate declarations and synchronise information through different channels.
The new check-in model will replace traditional multi-track procedures. All applications and declarations will go into one digital 'window'. This will significantly speed up the handling of shipments and reduce the administrative burden for both companies and the customs administration.
Where did the project come from?
However, the idea of the Single Window is not new. Indeed, as early as 2020, the European Commission presented a plan to digitise customs procedures as part of its strategy for a digital single market. A key legal document has become Regulation (EU) 2022/2399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 November 2022 regarding the establishment of an EU single window environment for customs.
During project presentation 30 October 2020EU Commissioner for the Economy Paolo Gentiloni said:
"Digitalisation, globalisation and the changing nature of trade bring both risks and opportunities when it comes to the movement of goods across EU borders. In order to meet these challenges, customs and other relevant institutions must work together, taking a more holistic approach to the numerous controls and procedures necessary for smooth and secure trade. Today's proposal is a first step towards a fully paperless and integrated customs environment and better cooperation between all services at our external borders (...)."
The declaration accompanying the regulation also stressed that the project responds to the need to speed up the exchange of data between Member States and increase the resilience of the customs system to economic and health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Single Window strategy is therefore part of a broader plan to modernise European trade and build a digital single market, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of the EU economy.
ICS2 as a key element Single Window Environment for Customs
One of the first practical steps towards a Single Window Environment for Customs is the implementation of ICS2. The issue of ICS2 has already been raised by Lukasz Binkowski, a waste supply chain management expert in a separate study. This system is responsible for collecting data on shipments arriving in the EU even before they physically arrive at the border.
ICS2 integrates different types of submissions, such as ENS (Entry Summary Declaration). It also supports real-time risk analysis. In the future, ICS2 will become a natural part of Single Window, allowing data to be automatically downloaded from the unified system by all institutions involved.
How will Single Window change procedures at the borders?
The introduction of Single Window marks a revolution in border clearance. Instead of repeatedly presenting the same documents to different authorities, companies will send a complete set of data once, through a single channel. The data will automatically reach the relevant authorities responsible for plant health, animal health, tax control or goods safety.
The benefits of this approach are tangible:
- shorter check-in times,
- reducing administrative costs,
- faster identification of risks
- and reduce documentation errors.
Timetable for implementation and further EU plans
Currently, the Single Window project is in the construction and pilot phase. Selected Member States are testing connections between their own systems and the planned European environment. Full implementation is foreseen between 2025 and 2030.
France is one of the countries actively preparing to implement and compulsory ELO envelope - although limited to traffic with the UK - demonstrates the sophistication of French preparations for the new clearance model.
Conclusions and recommendations for transport companies
The Single Window Environment for Customs is a huge opportunity to simplify customs procedures, but at the same time a challenge for companies. Transporters and exporters should already:
- invest in modern IT systems,
- train staff in the use of new tools,
- monitor legislative developments in the EU and in their own countries.
Companies that adapt earlier to the new digital clearance environment will gain a competitive advantage. They will lose less time on clearance, deliver goods faster and be better prepared for future changes in international trade.