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EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL TAXATION AND CUSTOMS UNION Customs Policy, Legislation, Tariff

Brussels, 17 November 2017

TRADE CONTACT GROUP

TERMS OF REFERENCE

__________

Agreed at the Plenary TCG Meeting of 31st October 2017

__________

Ref. Ares(2017)5622554 - 17/11/2017

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I. INTRODUCTION

The Trade Contact Group (TCG) has been created on the initiative by the Director General of DG

TAXUD to increase the scope for regular consultation with the trade through the TCG by discussing all

customs subjects. The decision for the creation of the TCG was taken in May 2002. The mandate and

working methods were exposed in the Doc TAXUD/776/2002 of 23 September 2002.

The first TCG meeting took place on 25 September 2002.

Regarding the principles laid down in the Communication from the Commission [COM (2002)704 final

of 11.12.2002] towards a reinforced culture of consultation and dialogue - General principles and

minimum standards for consultation of interested parties by the Commission, a document outlining the

terms of reference for the TCG (Doc. TAXUD/1426/2007- Rev 2) was agreed at the meeting of the TCG

on 18 November 2008. TCG Terms of Reference/ Rev 2 was to a large extent aligned with the

governance scheme for the implementation of UCC Electronic Customs, the "Electronic Customs

Management Frame" (Doc. DG TAXUD/124/2005).

Further revision of the TCG Terms of Reference was needed particularly due to the following reasons:

Customs Union Governance Communication1 which foresees a revision and enhancement of the

mechanism of consultation with trade;

Need to update the references following entry into force of the Union Customs Code (UCC)2;

Formal requirements regarding the alignment of the terms of reference with horizontal rules on the

creation and operation of the Commission expert groups as established by the Commission decision

(2016) 3301 final of 30.5.2016.

Taking into account the comments of the TCG Members, the revised version of the TCG Terms of

Reference was agreed upon at the 49th Plenary TCG Meeting held on 31 October 2017.

Terms of reference for the TCG are relevant to the:

1. Implementation and application of the new Union Customs Code (UCC)3

2. Preparation, amendment and application of UCC related acts (Delegated, Implementing and

Transitional act)

3. Regulation (EU) No 1294 of the European Parliament and the Council of 11/12/2013 establishing an

action programme for customs in the European Union for the period 2014-2020

4. Commission decision (2016) 3301 final of 30.5.2016 establishing horizontal rules on the creation

and operation of Commission expert groups:

To make selection procedures more transparent, including enhanced by the 'Register of expert

groups’, the selection of the members of expert groups via public calls for applications'.

Enhanced transparency through an overhauled Register of 'expert groups', including synergies

between the Register of expert groups and the Transparency Register.4

For a balanced composition of the expert groups.

Personal data processed in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European

Parliament and of the Council5.

Professional secrecy and handling of classified information6

Increased clarity and transparency through a revised classification of experts with respect to

their membership in the TCG.

1 COM(2016) 813 final of 21.12.2016 2 Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament & the Council adopted on 9/10/2013 & applied on 1/5/2016 2 COM decision (2016) 3301 of 30.5.2016, Art .8 3 Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament & the Council adopted on 9/10/2013 & applied on 1/5/2016 4 COM decision (2016) 3301 of 30.5.2016, Art .8 5 Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of

individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement

of such data (OJ L 8, 12.1.2001, p.1). 6 COM decision (2016) 3301 of 30.5.2016, Art. 8

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II. PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT

The TCG provides a platform for customs and trade consultations discussing at EU level the development

and implementation of customs related issues and developments on customs policy.

The TCG shall continue to enjoy appropriate, meaningful, timely and substantive consultation

mechanisms and forms of partnership with the European Commission and Member States.

The purpose of this document is to update the existing terms of reference for the TCG and to align them

with the principles laid down in the Commission decision (2016) 3301 final of 30.5.2016 establishing

horizontal rules on the creation and operation of Commission expert groups.

Furthermore, enhanced Customs Union Governance7 strongly emphasizes the important role of trade in

drafting and implementing efficient customs procedures. It calls for reinforced trade involvement in this

process especially through joint meetings between the Commission, national customs administrations and

traders, as well as to review the mechanism for consultation of trade.

These Terms of Reference provide a realistic, effective and reliable framework for the indispensable

involvement of trade in the discussions on the developments and implementing consequences of customs

related policy issues and EU customs legislation.

The information and consultation processes as described in this document are not meant to be exhaustive

and it goes without saying that they need to be further complemented by targeted consultation actions at

European and - most importantly- at national level, as it is foreseen by Art.14 paragraph 2 of the UCC.

However, the document sets out the main lines towards a successful incorporation of the European

traders’ requirements on one hand and making best use of existing trade expertise throughout the

realization of EU customs initiatives.

The Trade Information and Consultation Processes ensure that the involvement of trade in the strategic as

well as operational part of EU Customs initiatives takes place in a coordinated, systematic and

appropriate way. It should be noted that the role of trade representatives in the context of this

collaboration scheme is of a consultative nature8 and that DG TAXUD may consult other economic

operators should there be a specific need.

Ш. THE MANDATE OF THE TRADE CONTACT GROUP

(1) The TCG provides the main forum for a mutual exchange of views between economic operators

and the Commission's services on all customs-related issues.

(2) The TCG also supports a regular tripartite dialogue on all of the topics listed under paragraph (3)

between trade representatives, national customs administrations and the Commission services.

(3) Members of the TCG may identify, discuss, analyse and give their opinion on any customs related

issue, particularly in respect to the:

Implementation of the Union Customs Code9;

Preparation of UCC related acts and guidance concerning its application;

Development of certain key performance indicators of the 'Customs Union Performance

Project' as outlined in the CUC Governance Communication;

Other customs related legislation;

Development of the IT systems necessary for the above mentioned reasons;

Overall customs policy questions;

Cooperation with Member States Customs Authorities.

(4) The TCG Plenary shall also provide an opportunity for the DG TAXUD to inform trade

representatives of new legislative initiatives, trade agreements, trade policy and other policy

developments or activities arising from other Commission services that are of relevance to EU

external trade, commerce and movement of goods within and beyond the Customs Union.

7 COM(2016) 813 final of 21.12.2016 8 COM decision (2016) 3301 of 30.5.2016, Art.2 9 Reg (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Council adopted on 9/10/2013, applied on 1 May 2016

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IV. GENERAL PRINCIPLES

The key principles for the operation of the TCG are set out and aligned to the Commission’s 'horizontal

rules' on expert groups established by the COM decision (2016) 3301 final of 30.5.2016.

1. The status of the TCG members is of a "consultative" nature10. Its purpose is to provide the

Commission with advice and expertise.

2. The status of the TCG is of an ‘informal expert group’ nature11

and shall act at the request of DG

TAXUD.

3. The Code of the TCG on the Register is: E02134.

4. The TCG is composed by ‘Type C’ Members of the main European and international trade and

business associations involved in customs related activities at the European level.12

DG TAXUD shall request TCG members to nominate permanent representatives in the expert

group or sub-group and appoint representatives on an ad hoc basis, depending on the meeting

agenda of the group. Those members shall be responsible for ensuring that their representatives

provide a high level of expertise.

5. New members can join the TCG on a continuous basis, as long as they meet the requirements set

out in this document and comply with the procedure established in Chapter VI.13

6. The data related to the composition of the TCG is published by DG TAXUD in the Register of

expert groups.14

7. TCG members shall only be appointed or participate in expert groups or other activities, if they

are registered in the Transparency Register. 15

8. Where TCG members are suspended or removed from the Transparency Register, the competent

Commission departments shall suspend them from the expert group(s) of which they are members

as long as their registration in the Transparency Register is not re-established. During suspension

or removal, those members shall not be invited to participate in any meeting of the group and

shall not receive any document. If after six months from suspension or removal from the

Transparency Register registration on the Transparency Register is not re-established, the

Commission departments shall exclude relevant members from the group. 16

9. The members of the TCG, their representatives and their respective memberships are subject to

the obligation of professional secrecy17 which, by virtue of the Treaties and the rules

implementing them, applies to all members of the institutions and their staff, as well as to the

Commission's rules on security regarding the protection of Union classified information, laid

down in Commission Decisions (EU, Euratom) 2015/44318 and 2015/444.19 Should they fail to

comply with those obligations, the Commission may take all appropriate measures.

10. The meetings of the TCG are hosted by the European Commission's Taxation and Customs Union

Directorate-General and chaired by the DG's Director of Customs Policy.20

11. DG TAXUD request TCG members to nominate two representatives (one full member and one

deputy) or appoint representatives on ad hoc basis.

10 COM decision (2016) 3301 of 30.5.2016-Art. 2.(1) & Art. 5 11 COM decision (2016) 3301 of 30.5.2016-Art. 4 point 1 12

COM decision (2016) 3301 of 30.5.2016-Art. 7, point 2(c) 13 COM decision (2016) 3301of 30.5.2016-Art. 10, point 3 14 COM decision (2016) 3301of 30.5.2016-Art.23 15 COM decision (2016) 3301 of 30.5.2016-Art. 8, point 1, Art. 22 16 COM decision (2016) 3301 of 30.5.2016-Art. 8,point 4 17 COM decision (2016) 3301 of 30.5.2016-Art.18 18 COM Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/443 of 13 March 2015 on Security in the Commission (OJ L 72, 17.3.2015, p. 41) 19 COM decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/444 of 13 March 2015 on the security rules for protecting EU classified information (OJ

L 72, 17.3.2015, p. 53). 20 COM decision (2016) 3301 of 30.5.2016-Art.12

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For reasons of efficiency, only one person per association may normally participate in meetings

of the TCG. Where subjects under discussion during a meeting require the expertise of more than

one participant from an association such a request shall be accommodated wherever possible after

having formally nominated by the association.

12. Members and members’ representatives should be prepared to attend meetings systematically, to

contribute actively to discussions in the group, to be involved in preparatory work ahead of

meetings, to examine and provide comments on documents under discussion, and to act, as

appropriate, as 'rapporteurs' on ad hoc basis. 21

13. Members who are no longer capable of contributing effectively to the group’s deliberations, who

in the opinion of DG TAXUD do not comply with the conditions set out in Article 339 of the

Treaty on the functioning of the EU or who resign, shall no longer be invited to participate in any

meetings of the group and may be replaced for the remainder of their term of office. 22

14. The Commission may refuse the nomination of a representative if considers this nomination

inappropriate and justified in the light of the requirements specified in the decision setting up the

expert group and/or in the call for applications; in such case, the association shall be asked to

appoint another representative.23

15. Structured dialogue between the Commission and the TCG occurs on a regular basis. The TCG is

consulted on a regular basis.

TCG Members are mainly consulted:

a) at Plenary meetings;

b) via sub-groups established by DG TAXUD if the subject matter to be discussed or other

considerations so require;

c) through joint meetings chaired by the Commission with national customs

administrations;

d) in writing (such as electronic surveys or similar).

16. The group (Plenary) meets approximately four times a year as needed in Brussels. When

considered necessary additional ad hoc meetings can be organized.

17. DG TAXUD in consultation with the TCG may establish TCG sub-groups for the purpose of

examining specific questions or subjects which shall report to the Plenary. They shall be

dissolved as soon as their mandate is fulfilled.24

18. DG TAXUD may invite experts with specific expertise with respect to a subject matter on the

agenda to take part in the work of the Plenary or sub-group on an ad hoc basis.25 The TCG

members shall be responsible for ensuring that their representatives provide a high level of

expertise.

19. Without prejudice to the members of sub-groups appointed before the adoption of this Decision,

the members of sub-groups or project groups that are not members of the TCG to which they

belong shall be selected via a public call in compliance with Article 10 of Commission decision

(2016)3301.26

20. Recommendations, advices and position-papers resulting from deliberations of the subgroups will

be established independently from the TCG and must be reported to the TCG for full discussion

and endorsement.27

21 Call for application, point 2.3 22 COM decision (2016) 3301 of 30.5.2016-Art.7, point 4, Art.9, point 3 23 COM decision (2016) 3301 of 30.5.2016-Art.9, point 3 24 COM decision (2016) 3301 of 30.5.2016-Art.14 25 COM decision (2016) 3301 of 30.5.2016-Art.15 & 9 26 COM decision (2016) 3301 of 30.5.2016-Art.14,point 2 27 COM decision (2016) 3301 of 30.5.2016-Art. 14

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21. National Administrations and TCG members may consider the establishment of a National

Information and Consultation process.

22. The Consultation & Information processes are based on the principle of partnership and mutual

benefit; all stakeholders (Commission, national Customs Administrations, trade representatives,

others) will respect this principle.

23. To ensure that the views and requests of traders are heard even more, it would also be important

that the TCG members initiate discussions on issues they consider as important. With such an

approach it is not only the Commission who sets the agenda of the TCG but the trade associations

themselves can actively contribute in the setting of the agenda and the consequent discussions in

the TCG meetings.

24. DG TAXUD shall make available the agendas, minutes and presence lists on the Register of

expert groups. Access to dedicated websites shall not be subject to a user registration or any other

restriction. In particular, DG TAXUD shall ensure publication of the agenda and other relevant

background documents in due time ahead of the meeting, followed by timely publication of

minutes. Exceptions to publication shall only be foreseen where it is deemed that disclosure of a

document would undermine the protection of a public or private interest as defined in Article 4 of

Regulation (EC) N° 1049/2001.28

The efficient use of information exchange tools (such as CIRCABC and similar) enable effective

consultation and dialogue between the Commission, national administrations and trade. Via these

systems the TCG members can access documents, agendas and the reports for all meetings which

are open to trade participation. Meeting documents should be made available sufficiently in

advance of each meeting so as to afford the opportunity to respond and comment. These systems

shall also ensure transparent access to the comments of trade representatives and Member States

that have been made during consultations and reviews launched by the Commission.

Timeliness and accuracy of information as well as timely publication of meetings and project

launched to the trade are actively supported by all stakeholders and is important for the proper

functioning of the TCG.

The Information & Consultation processes between all stakeholders are at all relevant levels

supported by use of the following efficient information exchange tools:

Documentation (agendas, minutes, presence lists) from all joint TCG meetings with Member

States and TCG sub-groups are to be published on the Register of expert group’s website

under the relevant group.

Information on ‘Customs Trade Consultation’ for the TCG is published on DG TAXUD

website in 3 languages, English, French and German.

Link:https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/general-information-customs/customs-trade-

consultations_en

25. Participants in the activities of the TCG and sub-groups shall not be remunerated by the

Commission for the services they offer. Travel and subsistence expenses incurred by TCG

participants in any kind of meetings, project groups etc. shall not be reimbursed by the

Commission.

26. The main working language of the TCG will be English.

27. The TCG should take a pro-active information-dissemination role as representatives of trade

associations to their members and beyond.

28 COM decision (2016) 3301 of 30.5.2016- Art. 26

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CUSTOMS POLICY GROUP (CPG)

The Customs Policy Group (CPG) consists of the Directors General of Customs Administrations of EU

Member States and has regular meetings at least twice a year. The CPG is responsible for defining the

customs policy strategy, providing a strategic orientation for new initiatives and ensuring a political

steering of major activities in the customs area.

Meetings of the TCG are scheduled in between meetings of the CPG. In this way the TCG will be kept

informed on the points of discussion of the CPG and will be able to present its views, which can be taken

forward in the following CPG meeting.

CUSTOMS CODE COMMITTEE(S)

This heading concerns committees which are governed by the so-called comitology procedure. The rules

and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s

exercise of implementing powers are laid down in Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European

Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011(OJ L55 of 28.02.2011).

According to article 291 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), EU legislation

("basic acts") can confer on the Commission the power to adopt implementing acts where uniform

conditions for implementing legally binding EU acts by the Member States are needed. The regulation

puts this into practice and replaces a Council decision of 1999.29 The new procedures created by this

regulation replace therefore the consultation, management and regulatory procedures introduced by the

1999 decision. The new regulation establishes two procedures for controlling the Commission's exercise

of implementing powers: an advisory and an examination procedure. Both involve committees composed

of Member state representatives and chaired by the Commission. The Commission must ensure the widest

possible support within these committees.

Public access to information on comitology documents is provided by the Register of Comitology, a web-

based instrument of the European Commission http://ec.europa.eu/transparency. It gives public access to

a register of reference information on the documents relating to the work of comitology committees that

the Commission transmits to the European Parliament in accordance with the Comitology decision as

mentioned above.

Trade representatives in comitology committees may be invited occasionally. When their expertise is

relevant their participation is also strongly encouraged.

ELECTRONIC CUSTOMS COORDINATION GROUP (ECCG)

The ECCG is a project group established under the Customs 2020 Programme. The main role of the

ECCG is to ensure coordination and consistency as regards the overall planning, implementation and

follow-up of all legal, procedural and operational aspects related to Customs electronic customs. It

establishes in particular user requirements, system specifications and project documentation, coordinates

project groups with regard to the projects listed in the Multi Annual Strategic Plan (MASP) and ensures

respect of agreed deadlines. Its responsibility for the adoption of functional and technical specifications

on the automated systems, operational aspects of electronic customs and on the co-ordination of these

activities between Member States and the Commission is also addressed at level of the ECCG.

A closer cooperation of the ECCG and TCG is established in order to further improve the dialogue

between Customs and trade on complex customs issues, to identify barriers to trade facilitation and to find

solutions for it.

TCG members participate regularly in the meeting of the ECCG and may, when their expertise is

required, participate in electronic customs projects.

29 Council Decision of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the

Commission (1999/468/EC)

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CUSTOMS EXPERT GROUP (CEG)

The Union Customs acquits is managed within the Customs Expert Group that has been set up by DG

TAXUD and is composed of representatives of Member States' competent authorities.30

The CEG is an informal body with clear tasks and rules of procedure. Its current mission is to provide

advice and expertise to the Commission and its Services in relation to customs legislation including:

assisting the Commission in the preparation of legislation or in policy definition; coordination and

exchange of views with Member States; assisting/advising the Commission in the preparation of drafts of

EU positions to be taken in committees, working groups or panels established by or under international

agreements, without prejudice to the competences conferred on the Council under Article 16(1) TEU;

monitoring the development of national policies and the enforcement of EU legislation by national

authorities; preparation of delegated acts.

The CEG is subject to the horizontal rules for Commission expert groups. Joint meetings of the TCG and

CEG are organised when their expertise is required.

CUSTOMS 2020 PROGRAMME

The Customs 2020 programme31 32 (C2020) runs from 1 January 2014 till 31 December 2020. The general

objective of the programme is to support the functioning and modernization of the Customs Union in

order to strengthen the internal market by means of cooperation between participating countries, their

customs authorities and their officials.

The primary beneficiaries of the C2020 programme’s joint actions (such as seminars, workshops, project

groups) are the national customs administrations. Achieving meeting's objectives may call for the

contribution of external experts, such as trade representatives. Participation of nominated trade experts in

the C2020 programme is only upon invitation by the European Commission. The participation of the

nominated trade experts can be regular or on ad-hoc bases as required by the objectives of an activity.

30 Ref. Ares(2016)2109319 - 03/05/2016 31 Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013 of the European Parliament & of the Council of 11.12.2013 establishing an action programme

for customs in the EU for the period 2014-2020 (Customs 2020) and repealing Decision No 624/2007/EC (OJ L 347,

20.12.2013, p. 209) 32 https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/business/customs-cooperation-programmes/customs-2020-programme_en

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V. APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Interested associations are invited to submit their application for membership to the European

Commission, DG TAXUD.

Applications must be completed in one of the official languages of the EU. However, applications in

English would facilitate the evaluation procedure (unless it is politically decided otherwise).

Associations applying to be appointed as members shall indicate the name of their main representative in

the group and shall also nominate an alternate who would be able to replace their representative

automatically if he/she is absent or indisposed. Alternates shall provide the same information as that

required for members referred to below.

An application will be deemed admissible only if it includes the information and documents referred to

below. All documents should be submitted by applicants and should be duly filled in, legible, signed and

numbered sequentially.

The duly signed applications must be sent by e-mail to: TAXUD-UNIT-A1-TRADE-CONTACT-

GROUP-TCG-@ec.europa.eu.

1. Selection criteria

When assessing applications, DG TAXUD will take into account the following criteria:

Proven capacity to provide advice on and insight into the development and implementation of

customs policies, in particular with regard to the UCC and its related acts;

Proven competence, knowledge and experience of the association's representative and his/her

alternate of at least 2 years, in particular at European and/or international level, in areas relevant to

EU customs policy and procedures;

Proficiency of both the representative and his/ her alternate in English to a level which allows the

expert to participate in discussions, to understand working documents and, if needed, to draft a

written contribution;

When selecting the members of groups, DG TAXUD shall aim at ensuring, as far as possible, a high

level of expertise, a geographical balance, as well as a balanced representation of relevant know how

and areas of interest, taking into account the specific tasks of the expert group, the type of expertise

required and the response received to calls for applications.

For any further information please contact TAXUD-UNIT-A1@ec.europa.eu.

2. Deadline for application

The duly signed applications must be sent by ….. at the latest, preferably by e-mail to to TAXUD-UNIT-

A1-TRADE-CONTACT-GROUP-TCG-@ec.europa.eu..

The date of sending will be established as follows:

- Where applications are sent by e-mail, the date of the e-mail will be the date of sending.

- Where applications are sent by post to the following address:

European Commission, DG Taxation and Customs Union, Unit A.1 secretariat - Rue Joseph II 79,

06/48 B-1049, the postmark will be considered the date of sending.

- Where applications are hand-delivered to the following address:

European Commission, DG Taxation and Customs Union, Unit A1,secretariat - Rue Joseph II 79,

06/48 , B-1049, the date on the receipt given upon delivery will be considered the date of sending.

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3. Supporting documents

Each application shall include the following documents:

- a cover letter explaining the applicant's motivation for answering this call and stating what

contribution the applicant could make to the group.

- a classification form duly filled in specifying the member category for which the application is

made (Annex I).

- a selection criteria form duly filled in documenting how the applicant fulfills the selection criteria

listed in chapter 4 of this call (Annex II).

ANNEXES :

- Annex I : - Classification form (To be filled in by all applicants)

- Annexe II : - Selection criteria form (To be filled in by all applicants)

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Annex I - Classification form33

To be filled in by all applicants

This application is made as: (please select only one option)

An organisation (Type C member).

Transparency Register identification number: […]

To be filled in by organisations applying to be appointed as Type C members

This application is made as the following type of organisation: (please select only one option, taking

into account the definitions indicated below).

a) Academia, research Institutes and Think Tanks

b) Banks/Financial institutions

c) Companies/groups

d) Law firms

e) NGOs

f) Professionals’ associations

g) Professional consultancies

h) Trade and business associations

i) Trade unions

j) Other (please specify):

Definitions for organisation types

Academia, Research Institutes and Think Tanks

Universities, schools, research centers, think tanks and other similar bodies performing academic and/or

educational activities.

Banks/Financial institutions

Banks and other similar bodies providing financial services, including financial intermediation. All sorts

of banks should be classified within this category, including national central banks.

Companies/groups

Individual companies or groups of companies operating in the business sector, whether they are national

companies or multinational ones.

Law firms

Business entities formed by one or more lawyers to engage in the practice of law. The primary service

rendered by a law firm is to advise clients (individuals or corporations) about their legal rights and

responsibilities, and to represent clients in civil or criminal cases, business transactions, and other matters

in which legal advice and other assistance are sought.

NGOs

Non-profit organisations which are independent from public authorities and commercial organisations.

Some NGOs are organised around specific issues, such as environment, consumer affairs, health and

human rights.

Professionals’ associations

Non-profit organisations seeking to further the interests of individuals engaged in a particular profession,

such as physicians, nurses, architects, engineers and lawyers. Professionals’ associations are different

from business associations, as they promote and defend the interests of individuals carrying on a specific

profession, not the interests of companies operating in the business sector.

33 This form must be filled in, signed and returned with the application.

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Professional consultancies

Firms carrying on, on behalf of clients, activities involving advocacy, lobbying, promotion, public affairs

and relations with public authorities.

Trade and business associations

Private bodies representing the interests of its members operating in the business sector.

Trade unions

Organisations of workers. The most common activities performed by trade unions include the negotiation

of wages, work rules, rules governing hiring, firing and promotion of workers.

Other organisations

Organisations which are not possible to classify in any other category.

___________________________

To be filled in by organisations applying to be appointed as Type C members

Please select one or more policy areas in which you/your organisation operate(s):

Agriculture

Archaeology

Architecture

Audiovisual and media

Audit

Banking

Biodiversity

Civil protection

Civil service

Climate

Competition

Conservation

Consumer affairs

Culture

Cultural Heritage

Cultural Landscape

Customs

Development

Disaster Risk Reduction

Economy

Education

Employment and social affairs

Energy

Engineering (chemical)

Engineering (civil)

Engineering (infrastructure)

Engineering (IT)

Engineering (maritime)

Engineering (space policy)

Engineering (space research)

Enlargement

Environment

Equal opportunities

External relations

External trade

Finance

Fisheries and aquaculture

Food safety

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Forestry

Fundamental rights

Humanitarian aid

Industry

Information society

Innovation

Insurance

Labour

Land management

Law (civil)

Law (corporate)

Law (criminal)

Law (taxation)

Linguistics and Terminology

Livestock

Medical profession

Migration

Natural resources

Plant production

Public affairs

Public health

Public relations

Raw materials

Research

Science

Science diplomacy

Security

Smart specialisation

Social service

Space and Satellites (policy)

Space and Satellites (research)

Sport

Statistics

Sustainable Development

Systemic eco-innovation

Tax

Trade

Training

Transport

Urban development

Water

Youth

Other

For organisations applying to be appointed as Type C members

Name of the organisation: ………………….

Surname of the representative proposed: ………………….

First name of the representative proposed: ………………….

Surname of the person applying on behalf of the organisation: ………………….

First name of the person applying on behalf of the organisation: ………………….

Date: ………………….

Signature …………………..

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Annex II: Selection criteria form34

For associations applying to be appointed as Type C members

Applicants are requested to describe how they fulfil the selection criteria listed in this call.

Proven capacity to provide advice on and insight into

the development and implementation of national and

European customs policies

Proven competence, knowledge and experience of

the organisation's representative and his/her alternate

of at least 2 years, in particular at European and/or

international level, in areas relevant to EU customs

procedures

Proficiency of both the representative and his/ her

alternate in English to a level which allows the

expert to participate in discussions, to understand

working documents and, if needed, to draft a written

contribution.

Contribute with concrete examples and data

Name of the association35: ………………….

Surname of the representative proposed: ………………….

First name of the representative proposed: ………………….

Surname of the person applying on behalf of the association: ………………….

First name of the person applying on behalf of the association: ………………….

Date: ………………….

Signature…………………..

34 This form must be filled in, signed and returned with the application. 35 It is mandatory to use exactly the same name used when registering in the Transparency Register.