A mutual recognition agreement signed by the EU and China is to simplify procedures and lower costs for many traders. The two sides agree to recognize their certified safe traders and to permit them to benefit from speedier controls and reduced administration costs when goods are cleared through customs. This will also reduce costs for customs officials who can give their attention to the higher risk cases.
The EU and China also signed a Strategic Framework for Customs Cooperation to map out priorities for collaboration in this area. Cooperation will focus on the security of supply chains and the fight against counterfeiting and illegal trade. This will therefore help to combat issues such as illegal waste shipments.
They also signed an EU-China Action Plan on Intellectual Property Rights. This will strengthen cooperation in combating counterfeit goods by improving communication and by coordinating strategies.
