EU Customs Reform to Target Online Sellers Like Amazon, Alibaba

The European Union proposed reforming its customs union with objectives that include making sure that trading platforms such as Amazon.com Inc and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.comply with the bloc’s regulations.

The European Commission’s proposal would introduce data-driven systems, streamlining reporting requirements for traders by reducing the time needed to complete import procedures, providing a single EU interface and facilitating data re-use.

Platforms like Amazon, Alibaba or Zalando SE would have to ensure goods sold online comply with all customs obligations. In addition, they would have to charge customs duties and VAT at the time of purchase, so consumers ...