FRENCH CUSTOMS 2015 Results - Protecting citizens and consumers, supporting businesses - Douanes
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FRENCH CUSTOMS
2015 Results
Protecting citizens and consumers, supporting businesses
FOREWORD Michel Sapin Christian Eckert Minister for Finance Minister of State and Public Accounts with responsibility for the Budget In 2015, French Customs was present on all fronts Once again, French Customs rose to meet the many challenges which it faced in 2015. Its number one challenge – the most sensitive and arguably the most visible one in the eyes of citizens – was protecting France and its population. French Customs was fully involved in fighting terrorism and border control. It was highly responsive, unswervingly committed and achieved outstanding results. To boost its anti-terrorism efforts, it will hire an additional 1,000 customs officers in 2016 and 2017. The French government has earmarked €45 million over two years to improve Customs’ equipment and means of communication. French Customs’ second challenge is combatting smuggling in all its forms. This is vital for public order and sometimes has links to terrorist financing. In this area, 2015 was a banner year – seizures of cocaine increased 250%, and those of smuggled tobacco were up by 50%. Excellent results were also achieved in terms of seizures of weapon caches, and in efforts to stem illicit financial flows, tax evasion and counterfeiting. Lastly, during the year French Customs continued its efforts to support the French economy. This third and final challenge consists of ensuring that French companies stay competitive and enhancing France’s appeal. In this area as well, its work was crowned with success; it began to roll out the 40 tangible initiatives contained in its “Customs Clearance in France” programme aimed at businesses and international logistics platforms. Thanks in large part to measures introduced by French Customs, France ranked number one in the “Trading Across Borders” category of the World Bank’s annual “Doing Business” report. To help perform its duties effectively in an ever-changing world, French Customs is modernising at an unprecedented pace. Its ticket to success is, first and foremost, the energy, expertise and dedicated professionalism of all of its staff. As part of the Douane 2018 strategic plan and the resources allocated by the French government to support French Customs’ anti-terrorist efforts, its staff’s skills are critical in keeping France both safe and competitive. This annual report presents the actions of French Customs in 2015. It shows the commitment of its officers throughout the year and the results they achieved – a momentum that will carry it forward in 2016.
CONTENTS
KEY FIGURES FOR 2015 4
2015 HIGHLIGHTS 6
8 PROTECTING FRANCE AND ITS CITIZENS
Countering terrorism and its financing 8
Fighting organised crime 11
Introducing ground-breaking methods 14
Increasing resources 15
16 SUPPORTING FRANCE’S ECONOMY
Encouraging competitiveness and promoting
France’s investment appeal 16
Ongoing efforts to streamline customs clearance 18
Supporting, certifying and securing 20
2
2015 RESULTS
22 REFORMING THE DUTIES COLLECTED BY CUSTOMS
Increased specialisation 22
Paperless customs duties 24
Cut red tape for taxpayers 26
28 BUILDING THE FUTURE WITH THE MEN AND WOMEN
OF FRENCH CUSTOMS
Adapting French Customs to major changes 28
Ongoing modernisation efforts 32
Making French Customs more effective 34
People – the key to the success of every project 34
36 BASIC FACTS ABOUT FRENCH CUSTOMS
Organisation 36
French Customs around the world 38
Capacities 40
Human resources 42
Performance 43
3
KEY FIGURES
ACTIONS AGAINST FRAUD
17t of cocaine
NARCOTICS
88t seized including
(a 250% increase)
NEW RECORD
Narcotics
63t of cannabis
€55.4M
intercepted
TAX HAVENS
in criminal assets seized
or identified by the SNDJ (+65%)
Financial fraud
and tax evasion
€377.4M 1,158 firerams seized
in taxes and duties reassessed (+40%)
(+5.7%)
630 t seized 7.7 million
Smuggled (+49%) conterfeit items seized
tobaco
NEW RECORD Counterfeit
goods
5.5 million 423 citations
toys inspected issued for violations of
Consumer France’s
endangered plant and animal
protection natural
species legislation
heritage
4
2015 RESULTS
CUSTOMS CLEARANCE AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
90.5% 86%
of customs declarations overall rate of paperless
Average processed in less customs clearance
clearance time than five minutes
4’38’’ 1,389 AEOs
average time that goods are (1,214 in 2014) (+14.4%)
immobilised
(13 minutes in 2004)
Customs
certifications 2,339 businesses given
free advice on how to optimise
their customs (+4.7%)
TAXATION
90%
the user satisafaction rate
€
€70.3bn
in 2015 (+3%)
collected (+2%) 44 centimes
€
€ the cost to French Customs
for collecting €100
HUMAN RESOURCES
16,473 full-time equivalent positions 510 departments
(full-time equivalent positions, budgetary positions, (offices, units and excise taxes)
2016 Initial Budget Act)
55
0 1 5 H I G H L I G H TS
2 MAIRE
SOM
2
3
1
FEBRUARY
JANUARY
— The National Directorate for Customs Investigations and Intelligence
Thanks to new legal measures, two tobacco smuggling operations (DNRED) dismantles a large-scale cannabis-growing operation
are halted, one in Lille and one on the France-Andorra border. uncovered at the home of a private individual in Nantes 2
— In Dunkirk, the Minister of State for the Budget announces a measure to
—S
eizures at Roissy airport and in Brittany of nearly 18,700 seahorses from
reverse VAT liability for imports 1
Madagascar and two elephant feet from South Africa. Both species are
— International Customs Day at France’s National Customs Museum in protected by the Washington Convention.
Bordeaux, under the theme “Coordinated Border Management”
The Director General of Customs and Excise announces a procedure
for laser-marking gemstones
MARCH
Seven illegal fishing vessels are intercepted during stepped up controls by French Customs and the
Maritime Gendarmerie in French Guiana 3
— Marie Dorin-Habert, a skier with the French Customs Team, wins gold medals in sprint and pursuit at the
Biathlon World Championships in Kontiolahti, Finland
An agreement to provide increased social and financial resources is signed by the economic and
finance ministers and three trade union organisations
10 11
9 AUGUST
JULY 8
— During an inspection carried out in cooperation with the Central
The Minister of State for the Budget launches the Jean-François Office for the Control of Illegal Drug Trafficking (OCRTIS), more than
Deniau, French Customs’ new DFP3 coastguard patrol vessel, in the 400 kg of cannabis resin is seized in Martinique, the largest quantity
Mediterranean 8 of the drug ever seized in the Antilles
— Record-breaking seizure of 43 tons of counterfeit coffee in the Paris area Thanks to close cooperative efforts between French and
American customs authorities, a stolen painting by Picasso,
— In northern France, customs officers seize more than nine tons of smuggled
La Coiffeuse, is returned to France
cigarettes from a Croatian articulated lorry
— An attempt to illegally export 18 tons of hazardous
— Discovery in Corsica of a painting by Picasso entitled Head of a Young
automobile waste is stopped at Le Havre 11
Woman aboard a yacht that had transported it from Spain 9
SEPTEMBER
— 119 live scorpions, which are protected by the Washington Convention, are seized from two express freight shipments from Cameroon 12
— At the Spanish border, Customs officers seize nearly €2 million in cash connected with a money-laundering scheme 13
Opening of the new inter-ministerial Passenger Name Record (PNR) platform in the Customs offices at Roissy airport
Opening of the new Customs Academy in La Rochelle, which will provide training in surveillance techniques and in clearing
66 commercial flows
—T
he Minister of State for the Budget unveils the “Customs Clearance in France” programme, designed to help companies stay competitive and
boost France’s appeal
2015 RESULTS
14
RÉSULTATS 20
7
6
4
APRIL 5
MAY
Record seizure of 2.25 tons of cocaine in Martinique, and the
seizure of more than 3 tons of cocaine off the coast of Scotland, — More than 30,000 tablets of ecstasy and 10 kg of amphetamines
based on intelligence provided by French Customs seized in northern France from a vehicle arriving from the
Netherlands
— Four tons of smuggled cigarettes seized from a lorry in Dunkirk
Another large-scale narcotics seizure thanks to intelligence
— Discovery of a cache of weapons in Picardy 4
provided by French Customs: more than one ton of cocaine
—Rollout of a new mobile app for individuals and businesses is intercepted in the Azores
(douanefrance.mobi)
—F
rench Customs increases its data transparency by organising an
Open Data Camp
JUNE
— 140 kg of elephant tusks are intercepted at Roissy airport: packed into two crates, the ivory was being shipped from the Democratic Republic
of the Congo to Vietnam 6
— A record seizure of synthetic drugs in Perpignan: 100,000 tablets of ecstasy, 25 kg of methamphetamine and 14 kg of MDMA
“Get Energised with French Customs”, a conference organised for the energy industry, presents French Customs’ support and taxation
roles
— At the Vinexpo trade show in Bordeaux, French Customs shows its support for the winegrowing industry 7
13 15
12 14
NOVEMBER
OCTOBER France is ranked number one in the “Trading Across Borders” category
French Customs dismantles a major smuggling operation of the World Bank’s “Doing Business 2016” report
that had sold nearly 10 tons of tobacco via a Belgian — The National Customs Judicial Department (SNDJ) seizes 144 archaeological artefacts
website stolen from shipwrecks off the coast of the Île de Sein
Record discovery of 7.1 tons of cannabis near Paris, French Customs mourns the disappearance of two customs officers during
which is followed by a visit by President Hollande 14 the terrorist attacks in Paris on 13 November, and a third who lost his
— Seizure of an arsenal of weapons and ammunition in the Vosges life in the line of duty on 23 November while combatting illegal arms
trafficking
s part of Public Innovation Week, a French Customs/business
—A
forum focuses on the new one-stop shop (GUN) — French Customs’ new patrol boat embarks on its first Frontex mission to rescue
shipwrecked refugees and combat illegal immigration
DECEMBER
— The Minister of the Interior visits Roissy airport as part of stepped up border controls
More than two tons of cocaine is seized by the Rouen coast guard – a record for mainland France
First seizure of counterfeit postage stamps (81,600 stamps) at Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport 15
77
CHAPITRE
CHAPTER 11
E N D I T S C I T I Z EN S
A I R E A
PO
S OTMECTING FRANC
RM
Protecting French territory and French citizens is French Customs’
number one priority. As part of this, it has stepped up border controls
and is actively engaged in the fight against terrorism. Its inspection
efforts target individuals suspected of terrorism-related activities
and financial flows. It also focuses on trade flows, to prevent weapons
from coming into France in commercial shipments. Lastly, French
Customs is committed to combating organised crime and fraud.
COUNTERING TERRORISM
AND ITS FINANCING
CONTROLLING PASSENGER FLOWS French Customs is very much involved
in preparation for the future Passenger
French Customs carries out checks Name Record (PNR) system. As part of
throughout the country. As it inspects efforts to fight terrorism and organised
individuals, goods and means of transport, crime, the PNR will allow authorised
it gathers information about terrorism-re- government departments to more easily
HOW DO FRENCH CUSTOMS’ access airline passenger data. The new
lated activities. Its actions in this area
INVESTIGATIONS FIGHT interministerial platform in charge of im-
were scaled up in the wake of the January
TERRORISM? plementing the PNR programme is housed
2015 attacks in Paris. Each day it collects
and processes counter-terrorism intelli- in French Customs’ offices at Roissy air-
In 2015, it focused on several gence. port. It opened its doors on 21 September
individuals who were suspected 2015, and will be gradually ramped up
of operating several companies Since 13 November 2015, customs throughout 2016.
to trade in prohibited goods. Its officers, working in collaboration with the
investigation revealed that large Border Police (PAF), have been tasked COMBATING ARMS DEALING
sums of money were being trans- with re-establishing border controls. As
ferred to and from foreign coun- the Schengen Agreement has been tem- Through daily inspections, French
tries, and that there were links
porarily cancelled, this measure concerns Customs plays an active role in countering
passengers travelling into and out of the the phenomenon of radicalised militants
between the companies’ mana-
Schengen area, as well as those travelling
gers and a terrorist group. These arriving in France from abroad. It also
within Europe.
efforts were carried out in close is involved in the fight against the
collaboration with France’s anti- dissemination of weapons and explosives.
French Customs also ensure the safety of
terrorist agencies. passengers crossing between France and
England, and carries out inspections at
the departure and arrival points of various
trains, including the Thalys from Belgium,
as well as during the train journey.
8
2015 RESULTS
1,158
firearms
seized
+
40%
Discovery of a cache of weapons at the home of a private individual in northern France in April
In 2015, there was a marked upturn in freight were stepped up even further. especially to aggregate and enhance intel-
seizures of firearms: 1,158 weapons As of 15 September 2015, Entry Sum- ligence, provided by all of French Customs’
were seized, against 828 in 2014, a mary Declarations are now mandatory for branches, relating to terrorism and its
40% increase. Fighting arms trafficking goods being shipped to France, even in financing.
is one of French Customs’ key missions, cases where France is not the first point
in line with the Ministry of the Interior’s of entry in the EU. The GOLT collects intelligence and tips
national plan to combat illegally owned gathered by the various customs de-
weapons. THE INTELLIGENCE SERVICES OF partments in the course of their daily
FRENCH CUSTOMS controls (forged documents, weapons,
SECURING INTERNATIONAL TRADE propaganda literature, etc.) that suggest
The National Directorate for Customs direct or indirect involvement of indivi-
French Customs is tasked with deploying Investigations and Intelligence (DNRED) duals in terrorist activities. It then passes
safety and security measures with works closely and on an operational level on this information to other anti-terrorist
respect to air and maritime freight in with other competent French authori- bodies.
order to prevent terrorist acts. In 2011, ties. The DNRED enhances intelligence
it introduced the Import Control Sys- on various targets, but also assists with All of these assignments mean that
tem (ICS), a European-wide programme monitoring the movements of persons French Customs has a vital role to play in
designed to prevent such attacks. Under travelling to and from conflict zones. combating terrorism. On 16 January 2015,
ICS, for goods being shipped from a non- Since June 2015, a DNRED liaison officer the Modane Route Domestic Surveillance
EU country into the EU, the carrier must has been seconded to the Directorate Unit, stationed at the westbound side of
file an Entry Summary Declaration online General for Internal Security (DGSI), thus the Frejus Tunnel that connects France
with French Customs prior to arrival, or fostering an ongoing spirit of cooperation. and Italy, intercepted two individuals who
even prior to loading in the country of Within the DNRED, an Antiterrorist were sought in Belgium in connection with
origin. In 2015, controls of international Operational Unit (GOLT) was set up Islamic terrorist movements (the so-called
Verviers cell).
9CHAPITRE11
CHAPTER
O M M A I R E C E A N D IT S CITIZENS
SROTECTIN
P G F R A N
FRENCH CUSTOMS AND THE
FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM THE PLAN TO PROVIDE FRENCH
MONITORING FINANCIAL FLOWS CUSTOMS WITH ADDITIONAL
On 13 November 2015, the night AND TERRORIST FINANCING, AND RESOURCES TO FIGHT TERRORISM
of the terrorist attacks in Paris, FREEZING FINANCIAL ASSETS AND TO MAINTAIN BORDER CONTROLS
French Customs took immediate
action. It set up an incident Combating money laundering and terrorist At Versailles on 16 November 2015,
response unit and throughout the financing is a key mission for France’s President Hollande announced a “secu-
night, it worked closely with the customs authorities. Daily controls carried rity pact” to both houses of Parliament.
DGSI to identify those individuals out throughout French territory allow The pact includes one-time resources
and vehicles that were suspected French Customs to intercept financial allocated to French Customs to provide
of being involved in the attacks. increased safety for French citizens and
flows that are suspected of being
Moreover, customs authorities to bolster the fight against terrorism.
connected to illegal activities or that
immediately re-established border have links to terrorism. The most serious
As part of this, 1,000 additional
controls. This action, which is part offences are investigated by the DNRED customs officers will be recruited in
of the state of emergency that or the National Customs Judicial Depart- 2016 and 2017. Over the same two-year
was declared, continues. ment (SNDJ) in an attempt to dismantle period, €45 million will be allocated to
criminal gangs. French Customs to update and acquire
the means to expand its operational
On 1 January 2015, new guidelines were capacities and to protect its staff. New
published with an eye to collecting more legal measures will help strengthen the
evidence of money laundering, thus assis- Directorate’s AML/CFT efforts.
ting French Customs in its fight against
the financing of organised crime and These additional resources, which repre-
1,000 terrorist activities. In 2015, the number
of citations involving money launde-
ring nearly quadrupled, rising from 18
sent more than 530 new jobs by 2017,
will help tighten border controls, adapt
French Customs’ surveillance equipment
posts in in 2014 to 69, and for a total of nearly to the terrorist threat (including Inter-
2016-2017 €12 million. net-based threats), expand its ability to
analyse and control flows of goods, and
As part of its enquiries, French Customs counter arms trafficking, money laun-
has the power to freeze financial assets dering and terrorist financing. They will
linked to terrorism, thus depriving indivi- also allow it to update its communication
duals of access to financing. and intelligence tools, improve its offi-
cers’ safety equipment and expand their
powers of enquiry and investigation.
An additional
allocation of
€45 M
102015 RESULTS
€55.4M
in criminal assets
seized or identified
by the SNDJ
+
65%
Failure to comply with the requirement of declaring capital flows
FIGHTING ORGANISED CRIME
A SHARP UPSWING IN SEIZURES OF SIGNIFICANT RESULTS IN THE FIGHT
SMUGGLED TOBACCO AGAINST COUNTERFEITING Almost
French Customs intercepted 629.5 tons
of smuggled tobacco in 2015, a year-
on-year increase of nearly 50%. This
is a record-breaking achievement.
In 2015, French Customs seized
7.7 million counterfeit items, its third
best score in the past two decades.
630 t
This is the result of the ongoing
of tobacco
With the exception of the record seizure
involvement of all of its departments in of 2.4 million counterfeit pharmaceuticals seized
the fight against tobacco smuggling by the previous year, there was an increase
every possible means – sea, air, road and in every category in 2015.
Internet – and in every setting, including
as part of international cooperative These excellent figures are the result of
efforts. its unwavering commitment to comba-
ting this scourge, which is hazardous for
In 2015, thanks to government-spon-
sored Budget Act provisions to step up
controls of illegal Internet purchases,
consumers, undermines the competitive-
ness of French businesses, destroys jobs
and has proven links to organised crime.
7.7 M
French Customs intensified its efforts to counterfeit
combat online tobacco sales. The Cyber- items seized
douane department successfully brought
to light several notable cases of orga-
nised smuggling.
11CHAPITRE11
CHAPTER
O M M A I R E C E A N D IT S CITIZENS
SROTECTIN
P G F R A N
In January 2015, officers from
the Cyberdouane department in-
vestigated purchases made from
a Belgium-based merchant, who
was selling tobacco via a website.
The purchases were delivered to French Customs is also involved in Concerning other drugs, French Customs
Lille and then dispatched by post updating legislation. On 15 December also seized 62.6 tons of cannabis during
to individuals throughout France. 2015, the trademark reform package was 2015. The previous year saw large-scale
adopted by the European Parliament. seizures of cannabis in the Mediterranean
215 kg of tobacco intended for
It improves European trademark law by – nearly 70 tons, hidden in various cargo
sale to French consumers were in-
restoring customs authorities’ right to vessels. French Customs’ commitment
tercepted. The Belgian merchant
inspect goods in transit or transhipment to combatting cannabis smuggling can
had already used this method to within the EU. This major shift represents be seen in the record-breaking seizure
sell more than 12 tons of tobacco. a victory for French Customs, which of 7.1 tons of cannabis in the centre
has worked unceasingly to have the of Paris on 17 October 2015. For the
Nokia-Philips case law of 2011 over- occasion, President Hollande met with
turned. That decision limited customs ins- the customs departments responsible for
pections to counterfeit goods intended the seizure. This commitment can also
+5.7% for sale within the EU. The adoption of
the new package is the embodiment of
ongoing efforts by French Customs to
be seen in its international cooperative
efforts – French Customs has narcotics
intercepted by its partner authorities
defend intellectual property rights. beyond French borders, so that shipments
are stopped before they can reach the
A SHARP UPSWING IN SEIZURES OF French market.
COCAINE
A SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR ANTI-TAX
€377.4M 2015 was a record-breaking year in EVASION EFFORTS
French Customs’ efforts to combat
cocaine smuggling. Seizures during the In 2015, French Customs reassessed
in duties and year totalled 16.8 tons – the 2,5 times a record €377.4 million in duties and
best-ever year. It is the result of outs- taxes, a 5.7% increase over the pre-
taxtes reassessed vious year. This is the fourth consecutive
tanding intelligence and analysis work
that led to large-scale seizures in the year that this figure has risen.
Caribbean (2.25 tons in April and 808 kg
in October), in Europe (acting on a intelli- In addition, as part of efforts to combat
gence provided from French Customs, a tax evasion, the National Customs
joint British operation seized three tons Judicial Department (SNDJ) investigated
of cocaine off Aberdeen, Scotland) and in 75 cases of VAT fraud (carousel fraud,
French waters (2.3 tons seized by coast margin schemes, etc.). Its investigations
guard officers off the coast of Boulogne- revealed the existence of highly-struc-
61,791 sur-Mer in December). tured international gangs. For cases
closed during the year, the losses suffe-
red by the French Treasury amounted to
laboratory nearly €368 million in VAT.
analyses
122015 RESULTS
Nearly
17 t A NEW
of cocaine
RECORD
a
250%
increase
President Hollande visits the National Directorate for Customs Investigations and Intelligence
(DNRED) on 18 October 2015, the first-ever such visit by a French president.
CONSUMER PROTECTION – FRENCH CUSTOMS’ ROLE IN 16.8
AN ONGOING CONCERN PROTECTING FRANCE’S CULTURAL
AND NATURAL HERITAGE
The number of cases involving consumer
protection rose from 7,213 in 2014 to One of the year’s high points came
7,597 in 2015, a 5.3% increase. in July, with the seizure of a Picasso
8.3
painting, Head of a Young Woman, as 7.2
Consumer protection is one of French it was being exported to Switzerland. 6.6
Customs’ key remits. As trade increases In addition, 2015 witnessed the return 5.1 4.6
with countries that do not apply the of La Coiffeuse, another Picasso pain-
same technical quality standards, there ting, which had been stolen from Paris’s
is an increased risk of importing hazar- Pompidou Centre. Following cooperative
dous goods. In 2015, French Customs efforts with French Customs, the pain- 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
inspected 50 million items. It main- ting was located in the United States. In
tained its inspection levels of toys all, French Customs intercepted 20,886
(5.5 million inspected, of which nearly cultural items in 2015. SEIZURE OF COCAINE (IN TONS)
one million were non-compliant, and
almost 53,000 (some 1%) were found to Today, its actions in this area are par-
be hazardous). ticularly focused on imports of cultural
goods that contribute to terrorist finan-
cing. French Customs already exercises
extreme vigilance with respect to goods
of this type from Syria and Iraq; now, Nearly
63 t
however, all imports of cultural goods are
subjected to heightened scrutiny.
In terms of protecting endangered plant of cannabis
and animal species, French Customs is-
sued 423 citations in 2015 for violations
of the Washington Convention.
Equally significant is French Customs’
role in protecting the environment. Its
cutting-edge resources include aircraft
fitted with “POLMAR” ocean pollution
detection systems. In 2015, it issued 53 13
citations for environmental pollution.CHAPITRE
CHAPTER 11
O M M A I R E C E A N D IT S CITIZENS
SROTECTIN
P G F R A N
53
cases of maritime
pollution This, combined with heavy fines handed French Customs also works closely with
detected down by the courts, act as a strong de- the Directorate General for Risk Control
terrent for potential polluters. at the Ministry for Ecology, Sustainable
Development and Energy to monitor ex-
changes of waste and chemical products.
185 citations were issued in 2015 in
423
this area.
number of citations
issued for violations
of endangered species
protection INTRODUCING GROUND-BREAKING METHODS
legislation
EXPANDED INTELLIGENCE AND goal is to sift through large amounts
ANALYSIS of data in order to detect fraudulent
schemes that go undetected by other risk
The Import Control System (ICS) is a Com- analysis instruments.
munity-wide initiative to plan for and se-
a 70 % cure international flows of goods into the
EU. In 2015, French Customs consolidated
the system’s quality and ensured that it
NEW FRAUD-FIGHTING METHODS
As part of its heightened fight against
increase in cases was ready to be ramped up. In the space money laundering and terrorist financing,
of two years, there was a 70% increase French Customs is testing the use of
in the number of citations issued, and dogs trained to detect both narcotics and
legal proceedings were instituted in banknotes.
143 cases during 2015.
French Customs is continuing to open
7.3 M
Moreover, French Customs continued to Operational Centers for Land-Based
lay the groundwork for the creation of a Surveillance (CODT), which are tasked
national department, with an eye to ta- with coordinating and securing customs
king an even more professional approach inspections via improved long-distance
declarations to risk analysis of flows of goods. The radio connections and geolocation of
National Risk Analysis and Targeting teams in the field.
treated through Department (SARC) will be set up in
the ICS 2016. It will be tasked with increasing The Bordeaux centre is now open, and
the effectiveness of customs clearance those of Lille and Metz will be set up in
inspections and tax audits. 2016.
At the same time, Customs is continuing
test the usefulness of datamining. Its
14
142015 RESULTS
178
individuals rescued
The Jean-François Deniau, French Customs’ latest Mediterranean patrol boat. at sea by French
Customs
INCREASING RESOURCES
A STRONGER LEGAL ARSENAL given direct access to the National vessels and a high-powered mission
Centralised Bank Accounts Register and operational handling system.
In several areas involving the fight (FICOBA).
against criminal activities, French Cus- It is equipped with purpose-built cabins
toms has received increased resources. NEW OPERATIONAL RESOURCES for individuals who have been detained
– a necessary feature for successful
Act 2015-912 of 24 July 2015 In 2015, French Customs confirmed customs missions. It can also perform
concerning intelligence measures and stepped up its commitment to large-scale rescue operations, thanks
includes several provisions for bolste- protecting the EU’s external borders. to a section of the craft that has been
ring Customs’ fight against terrorism It contributed resources to missions specifically fitted out to accommodate
and criminal activities. This specifically coordinated by the Frontex agency shipwrecked individuals.
pertains to harvesting and processing in the Mediterranean. In November
data to prevent terrorism and combat 2015, it made its new patrol boat, the Finally, 2015 marked a new stage in
organised crime. Jean-François Deniau – which was the acquisition of new Beechcraft
partly financed by European funding – planes, with the completion of the first
French Customs has also been given available to the agency. aircraft that will be used for maritime
new investigative means, including surveillance.
data capture (including outside of The vessel, which was inaugurated
France) and real-time location of on 7 July at Seyne-sur-Mer by the
objects and people. Moreover, to faci- Minister of State for the Budget, is a
litate the investigative capacities of deep-sea surveillance ship fitted with
the National Customs Judicial Depart- a wide range of cutting-edge sensors,
ment (SNDJ), judicial officers have been powerful means for intercepting other
15CHAPITRE
CHAPTER 12
O M M A I R E R A N C E ’S E C O N O MY
SUPPORTING F
S
During the year, French Customs was heavily involved in providing support for
French businesses with their international operations and working to increase
the appeal of France’s logistical platforms. France also took first place in the
“Trading Across Borders” category of the World Bank’s “Doing Business 2016”
report. This outstanding achievement is proof positive of French Customs’
commitment to supporting the French economy. It was reported in several
trade press publications, such as Le MOCI and La Tribune, but also in Le
Monde, which noted “the bold measures introduced in recent years by French
Customs”.
ENCOURAGING COMPETITIVENESS AND
PROMOTING FRANCE’S INVESTMENT APPEAL
ADAPTING REGULATIONS TO out procedures that are simpler, faster
ENCOURAGE THE COMPETITIVENESS and less costly, thanks to the introduc-
OF BUSINESSES AND INCREASE THE tion of end-to-end paperless proce-
APPEAL OF FRANCE’S LOGISTICAL dures and their improved integration into
PLATFORMS logistical processes.
Throughout 2015, French Customs HELPING BUSINESSES TAKE
played an active role in talks – which had ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES
been launched early in 2014 – aimed at PROVIDED BY THE NEW LEGISLATION
France’s ranking drafting the implementing provisions of
1st
in the “Trading the new Union Customs Code (UCC). It Helping French businesses prepare for
Across Borders” worked closely with trade federations the entry into force of the UCC is a key
category of the representing international traders. It was priority for French Customs.
also involved in notifying traders of the
World Bank’s new regulatory provisions and the oppor- As part of this, French Customs has rolled
“Doing Business tunities that they represent. out a large-scale information campaign
2016” report about the UCC, aimed at economic opera-
The UCC, which will apply in full on 1 May tors. The campaign was kicked off in Paris
2016, introduces major innovations and on 22 September 2015 by the Minister of
Source : World Bank
opportunities that will be of interest to State for the Budget and French Cus-
businesses. This is the case with new toms’ Economic Action Centers (PAE), in
mechanisms such as centralised clearance the presence of 550 French businesses.
and the expansion of the certification This was followed by regional Information
process for trusted operators. The new Days, such as the one that was held in
Code will enable French Customs to roll Strasbourg on 17 November 2015.
162015 RESULTS
14
RÉSULTATS 20
90%
+ 3 percent higher than in 2014
The overall user satisfaction rate
2,339
businesses given
advice by French
Customs’ Economic
Action Centers
The Minister of State for the Budget presents the “Customs Clearance in France” programme on 22 September 2015.
In total, 14 “stages” of the “Tour de “Customs Clearance in France” is intended
France des Experts Douaniers” will for all businesses – both in France and BUSINESSES ARE A TOP PRIORITY
FOR FRENCH CUSTOMS
take place across France. The goal is to in Europe – in the hope that they will
Appeal - Competitiveness - Growth
help French businesses prepare for the choose to clear their goods in France
changeover, and to ensure that they are using its national logistical platforms. 1 2 3
well-positioned in the face of competition With this new strategy, French Cus- Streamline and upgrade Cut costs and red tape Assist companies with
from other European stakeholders. toms intends to show that clearance customs procedures for
international transactions
for businesses their international
businesses
in France is simple, safe and speedy,
Multi-year measures
IMPLEMENTING THE “CUSTOMS and to demonstrate its support for French benefitting the businesses
CLEARANCE IN FRANCE” PROGRAMME businesses who wish to expand interna-
As part of this information campaign, tionally.
French Customs has launched “Cus-
toms Clearance in France”, a Programme
Single points of contact Support for the ˝Made in France˝ Advice for businesses
programme
designed to provide support to French Customs
businesses. The Programme’s 40 tangible Clearance
in France
initiatives call on every area of French French Customs
and the digital changeover
Enhanced dialogue
Customs’ organisation to simplify and
streamline procedures, reduce costs and
clearance times, and provide support for Secure flow
of goods
Smooth customs
work flows
Across-the-board
customs involvement
French businesses with their international
operations.
17CHAPITRE
CHAPTER 12
O M M A I R E C E ’S E C O NOMY
SSUPPORTIN G F R A N
FRENCH CUSTOMS – A RESOURCE French Customs also helps companies
TO BOOST COMPETITIVENESS stay competitive through the Made in
France certification process, which helps
Being competitive is all about cost. Se- protect French production.
veral customs regimes allow businesses This certification is granted free of
to import goods at lower cost, i.e. with charge, and allows companies to benefit
suspension of duties and VAT, so that from the excellent reputation that French
they can be stored, used or processed in goods enjoy.
As of 31 December 2015, 206 bu- France.
sinesses had requested to benefit
These “economic” regimes foster the For all of these procedures, and many
development of production activities in more like them, such as exemptions from
from the reverse charge proce-
France, and are therefore sources of jobs. financial guarantees and support for bu-
dure for import VAT. The total
By improving cash flow, these regimes sinesses to help them best benefit from
amount reverse-charged in 2015
also help make firms more competitive. free-trade agreements, economic opera-
came to more than €1.63 billion. In 2015, with an eye to encouraging tors can contact one of the 42 regional
SMEs and mid-tier firms account businesses to take advantage of these Business Consulting Units that French
for more than 40% of the bene- arrangements, French Customs expanded Customs has set up across the country.
ficiaries, and more than half of its consulting activities. The Units’ services are free of charge.
those requesting to benefit from
the clearance procedure with Moreover, French Customs defends
single domicile (PDU), which is a French companies’ interests at European
prerequisite for entitlement to level in order to obtain suspensions of
use the reverse charge procedure. duties applicable to imported raw mate-
rials or components used to manufacture
finished goods, provided they are not
available in the EU or are available but in
insufficient quantities. 39 requests for
suspensions or tariff quotas received
approval in 2015, allowing the bu-
sinesses concerned to save more than
€16 million.
ONGOING EFFORTS TO STREAMLINE
CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
42
French Customs operates in a constant- As part of this, in 2015 French Customs
ly-changing environment. Because of this, introduced several measures such as the
it is continuing its efforts to modernise reverse charge procedure for import
business and streamline its procedures. VAT for businesses that are authorised
Consulting to clear goods through a single customs
CUSTOMS’ ROLE IN GOVERNMENT office (procédure de domiciliation unique)
Units in MODERNISATION EFFORTS and that have been audited by French
France Customs. Companies simply declare the
For a number of years, French Customs amount of import VAT on their turnover
has been very much involved in various returns filed directly with the tax authori-
government modernisation efforts, and ties and immediately deduct the tax.
plays an active role in major national
streamlining projects.
182015 RESULTS
30.4 M
million electronic
customs declarations
86%
Overall rate of
paperless customs
clearance
130,000
operators with a
Pro.douane acount
Streamlining flows of legitimate goods in order to better inspect sensitive shipments.
THE INVEST FOR
THE FUTURE PROGRAMME
As part of the Invest for the Future pro- management of the documents required
gramme, French Customs has expanded by various government departments during Two customs projects were se-
the number of customs services available clearance procedures for certain types of lected for this investment pro-
online, including innovative initiatives that goods. By connecting French Customs’ IT gramme: the development of a
cut red tape for both businesses and users system with those of other government web-based service for calcu-
(see opposite). departments, the control, follow-up and
lating customs duties for both
issuance of authorisations, licences and
Internet users and travellers
STREAMLINING AND PAPERLESS certificates can be automated. The first
such connection, between the Ministry for making purchases abroad, and a
CUSTOMS FORMALITIES
Ecology’s i-CITES application (dealing with new clearance system for sales
endangered species) and the DELTA online receipts for tax-free purchases
At the same time as making inspections
more secure, paperless procedures also clearance system was established in De- that makes life easier for foreign
cut clearance times and speed up formali- cember 2015. Two other projects – having tourists in France.
ties, thus reducing burdensome costs for to do with seed import authorisations and
companies. AGREX export licences for animal, dairy
and grain products – will be completed in
As part of this, French Customs is conti- January 2016.
nuing to roll out the one-stop shop for
clearance (GUN). This will allow paperless
19CHAPITRE
CHAPTER 12
O M M A I R E C E ’S E C O NOMY
SSUPPORTIN G F R A N
In 2016, work will continue on paperless EASIER ACCESS TO INFORMATION
export licences for military equipment and
dual-use goods (civilian and military) and To ensure that operators have access
those for radionuclides. Concurrently, a joint to the online services available to them,
90.5
effort will be undertaken with the European French Customs has modernised its proce-
Commission with an eye to improving the dures in its three main areas of activity: cus-
new one-stop shop (GUN) architecture as toms clearance, taxation and accounting. It
% regards Common Veterinary Entry Docu-
ments (CVEDs) for imports (the TRACES/
DELTA connection).
has therefore overhauled ROSA, its system
for managing operator authorisations to
make access to electronic customs proce-
dures easier for businesses. This process
of clearance Updating of clearance applications was car- will also simplify its IT maintenance opera-
ried forward with a pilot phase, in autumn tions and keep downtimes to a minimum.
procedures take less
2015, of DELTA G, an umbrella application
than 5 minutes
that incorporates a number of customs New authorisations have been integrated
Average time that clearance applications. DELTA G, which will into the SOPRANO application, which brings
manage all national clearance opera- together all authorisations granted to ope-
goods are immobilised tions, will be rolled out in 2016. rators in one single digital format.
4’38’’ All of these actions will help cut the
average clearance time – which fell to
4 minutes 38 seconds in 2015 – to a
minimum. The number of declarations
processed in under five minutes reached
90.5%.
4.4 million SUPPORTING, CERTIFYING AND SECURISING
visits to French Customs’ PROVIDING BETTER QUALITY SERVICE partments were contacted by telephone
website and email in order to assess the speed,
In a bid to constantly improve the service quality and courtesy of their responses.
it provides to operators and to build The results were very good, with an
partnerships with them, French Customs overall average score of 7.2/10, and many
has developed several quality processes. higher marks (at or near 9/10) in various
Surveys carried out among professional specific areas.
users reveal a customer satisfaction
rate of 90% in 2015 (against 87.3% in During the year, French Customs’
64 2014).
In 2015, the SOFRES agency also
AFNOR certification for the issuance
of Binding Tariff Information (BTI) was
renewed. BTIs allow French Customs
measured service quality via a “mystery to provide commitments to operators
major companies calling” exercise. French Customs willingly concerning the classification of goods and
are handled by took part in a new initiative launched by therefore the tariff applied, along with
the Secretariat-General for Government the applicable regulations and formalities.
the newly-created Modernisation (SGMAP). 34 customs de- In 2015, 6,467 BTIs were issued.
Key Accounts
Department
202015 RESULTS
14
RÉSULTATS 20
1,389
AEO
companies
5,757 3rd
authorized in
Europe
exporters
Customs certification is becoming increasingly critical for international trade.
SPECIAL STATUSES FOR TRUSTED It is awarded to firms that are reliable in and Toulouse. During the year, French
OPERATORS terms of safety and security. The certifi- Customs paved the way for the introduc-
cation is set to become even more critical, tion of the SGC in 2016, gathering the
French Customs is implementing a policy not only because of the growth in the applications of the large businesses that
for certifying operators, either in order to number of mutual recognition agreements the new structure will cover. By the end
assess their reliability or to grant them (an AEO is a trusted operator in partner of 2015, all of the firms that were in-
new entitlements. French Customs will countries), but also because, under the tended to be part of the SGC’s portfolio
strengthen this strategy with the entry UCC, there are certain advantages that – a total of 64 companies operating in
into force of the new Union Customs are available only to certified companies. France – gave a favourable response.
Code on 1st May 2016. A mutual recognition agreement on the
AEO status between the EU and China, Concurrently, French Customs bolstered
As part of this, the European Approved which came into effect in November its Business Consulting Units to sup-
Exporter (AE) status is an important asset 2015, ensures that certified European bu- port SMEs and mid-tier firms with their
for businesses. With AE status, exporters sinesses that trade with China will enjoy international operations.
can make out their own proofs of origin smoother commercial dealings.
on their invoices or any other commercial
document accompanying their exports. BETTER UNDERSTANDING
For trade with certain countries, this BUSINESSES’ NEEDS
status is mandatory. It can also save cus-
tomers of EA-approved firms from paying French Customs has adapted its struc-
certain duties. tures to better meet economic operators’
needs. The Key Accounts Department
In 2015, 5,757 French businesses had AE (SGC), which is in the process of being
status (732 issuances in 2015, against set up, will replace the current Major
632 in 2014). Business Unit (MGE). Whereas the MGE
only offered consulting, the SGC will also
With the arrival of the UCC, the status assign and follow up on customs proce-
of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) dures. The SGC will also process clearance
becomes a vital passport for internatio- operations by major firms in one of its
nal trade. four hubs located in Lyon, Nantes, Rouen
21CHAPITRE
CHAPTER 13
D U T I E S C O L L E C TED
REFORMING TH E
BY CUSTOMS
In 2015, French Customs collected €70.3bn in duties and taxes, an increase
of nearly 2% over 2014. This revenue is allocated to the central government
budget, the social security organisations, local authorities and the European
Union.
It also continued to modernise customs duties, out of a threefold concern for:
l Specialisation, to make customs duty management a more professional
process
l Paperless procedures, to update this management and keep collection
costs down
l Streamlining, to cut red tape for those paying duty
INCREASED SPECIALISATION
In an bid to professionalise transport
+2% taxation, the National Customs Road
Taxation Department (SNDFR) was set
up in Metz. This department, which began
operations in the second half of 2015, will
centralise the management of taxation of
road haulage companies.
€70.3 Operators in this area will be provided
with a specialised customs contact, thus
ensuring that users are given higher-qual-
€37.8
bn ity service and that the cost of collecting
road transport taxes is reduced.
bn
in duties and As regards inspections, the creation of
in energy
taxes collectied the SNDFR will allow French Customs to
introduce an improved mechanism for taxation
in 2015 targeting controls carried out by regional
departments.
22
222015 RESULTS
5
energy
hubs
set up in France
FORUM ON THE FUTURE OF
TAXATION, SECURITY AND THE
ENERGY SECTOR, 30 JUNE 2015
The first forum dedicated to ener-
gy taxation was held at the French
The first Customs Energy Forum was held on 30 June 2015 at the French Economy and Finance Ministry Economy and Finance Ministry in
June. It brought together more
than 150 energy sector profes-
sionals (gas and oil suppliers, busi-
ness federations, etc.) who met
with customs experts. The meet-
Energy taxation is based on complex and
ever-changing regulations, which require ing clarified the expectations of
€699M specific expertise. In an effort to intro-
duce specialisation, energy hubs were
set up in five regional customs direc-
professionals and identified new
possibilities for streamlining the
management of this taxation.
in general tax torates at Dunkirk, Lyon, Marseille, Rouen
on polluting and Strasbourg.
activities (TGAP)
Moreover, in the area of environmental
collected taxation, a centre of expertise was set
up in Nice to manage all aspects of the
general tax on polluting activities (TGAP).
2323CHAPITRE
CHAPTER 1
CHAPITRE 33
S C O L L E CTED B Y CUSTOMS
RMING TH E D U T IE
REFO
SOMMAIRE
French Customs’ changeover to paperless procedures is focusing on the wine-growing sector
PAPERLESS CUSTOMS DUTIES
In order to provide ever more effective The rollout of CIEL in 2016 will lead to
service, French Customs is constantly very significant streamlining in terms of
70.3%
striving to better control the quality of data entry and a reduction in the number
the data submitted and the costs of man- of declarations.
aging it. In 2015, to streamline manage-
of revenue ment of customs taxation it focused on Moreover, the introduction of tele-pay-
collected paperless procedures for filing taxes and ments and online payments using a
paying customs duties. credit card continues, with an eye to
these means of payment being used for
French Customs continued with its rollout all types of customs duties. Paperless pro-
of the Online Excise project (CIEL) with cedures and centralised management are
the goal of making all excise declarations also being implemented for environmental
paperless (for alcoholic beverages, tobac- taxation.
co and energy products). This key project
has four goals: to provide taxpayers with Since the filing deadline of April 2015,
44
a new online filing and payment service, online procedures have allowed taxpayers
to streamline administrative formalities to declare and pay the general tax on
via a single declaration covering several polluting activities online. This service is
taxes, to make tax collection more secure free of charge and is available around the
centimes thanks to tele-payment and to introduce clock. It represents a real step forward
new tools for monitoring and combating in terms of management quality, since
fraud. it cuts red tape for operators and mod-
ernises exchanges with French Customs,
The cost of
whose administrative load is lightened
collecting €100 in and whose monitoring activities are
customs revenue improved.
242015 RESULTS
84 %
of wine harvest
declarations
submitted
electronically
+
17%
French Customs supports and assists the wine-growing sector
BREAKDOWN OF REVENUE COLLECTED
BY FRENCH CUSTOMS IN 2015 BY BENEFICIARY
Social Security
Organisations 22.5%
Central government 52.5%
Local authorities 19.5%
Others 2.5%
European Union 3%
MAIN TAXES COLLECTED IN 2015
Other taxes 2.69%
Taxes on energy products
General tax on polluting activities 0.99% 37.93%
Fuel taxes in overseas départements 0.69%
Dock dues and similar taxes 1.72%
VAT on fuel 14.09%
Customs duties 3.02%
Alcohol, wine, beverages 6.36%
VAT on imports 15.31%
Tobacco 17.2%
25CHAPITRE
CHAPTER 13
S C O L L E CTED B Y CUSTOMS
RMING TH E D U T IE
REFO
SOMMAIRE
FRENCH CUSTOMS INTRODUCES
A NEW DOSSIER TO FACILITATE
THE SALES OF FRENCH WINES
ABROAD
This dossier consisting of eleven The process of laser-marking gemstones keeps production costs down and protects
the French jewellery-making industry.
technical datasheets was created
at the initiative of the Bordeaux
regional customs directorate, and was
handed out to visitors at the VINEXPO
CUT RED TAPE FOR TAXPAYERS
trade fair in June 2015. These
datasheets, which are also available MODERNISING MANAGEMENT OF THE REFORMING THE GUARANTEE SYSTEM
on French Customs’ website, provide WINE-GROWING SECTOR
professionals with explanations of The new process of using laser marking
customs concepts that are important Providing economic leadership for the to engrave the guarantee hallmark on
to know to better export wine. wine-growing sector also involves updat- precious metals came into effect in Feb-
ing its management and auditing tools. ruary 2015. The process is the result of a
partnership between French Customs and
The new computerised vineyard the French Union for the Jewellery, Gold-
register (nCVI), which will computerise smith, Precious Stone and Pearl Industries
the entire sector, will be rolled out (UFBJOP). Laser marking is now included in
as of 1st January 2016 for all growing the manufacturing chain, allowing French
licences. During 2016, a property module companies to keep production costs
will be added, followed by new online down. It also includes laser marking of the
procedures. group logo of Joaillerie de France, created
by the UFBJOP.
In addition to taxes on alcoholic beverag-
es, and energy and environmental taxes, This assures consumers that products
French Customs has launched other bearing the laser markings have been pro-
efforts to reform taxation of precious duced on French territory in compliance
metals, transportation and the maritime with French jewellery industry quality and
sector. traditions.
262015 RESULTS
€46M
in flagging and
navigation tax
(DAFN) collected
The reform of the DAFN is a priority project in the upgrading of maritime taxation.
MAKING MARITIME TAXATION Invest for the Future programme. The An application to manage dock dues is
PROCEDURES EASIER four million boat owners, along with those currently under development.
selling (and, eventually, building)s boats
A working group that included French will have personal online accounts where
Customs was set up to address the they can enter data and track procedures.
reform of the annual French flagging and
navigation tax (DAFN), in order to make MODERNISING TAXATION IN FRANCE’S
it a more modern tax and one that is less OVERSEAS DÉPARTEMENTS
expensive to manage. The group worked
on two different areas – simplifying the A new dock dues regime entered into
collection and the reform of the DAFN, force on 1 July 2015.
with an eye to giving this particular tax a
more ecological aspect. As part of the renewal, until 31 Decem-
ber 2020, of the taxation system that
Moreover, the Single Maritime Portal distinguishes between imports and local
(PUMA) offers online registration and production in the five overseas départe-
flagging of vessels, which previously had ments, tax legislation concerning dock
been divided between French Customs dues was reformed (new production
and the Maritime Affairs Directorate. The thresholds for tax declarations and mech-
procedure has been proposed for inclusion anisms, an overhauled exemption system,
in the “Tell Us Once” initiative, under the etc.).
Port of Saint Denis, Réunion
27CHAPITRE
CHAPTER 14
R E W I T H T H E M EN
BUILDING THE FUTU
O M M A I R E F F R E N C H C U S T OMS
AND WOMEN O
S
During the year, French Customs continued to implement measures that
had been decided upon as part of its strategic modernisation efforts.
Many projects have already been completed or are well underway. At
the end of 2015, these strategies were supplemented by a significant
project that involves helping French Customs adapt in the face of the
sustainable heightening of border controls and its commitment to
combatting terrorism.
ADAPTING FRENCH CUSTOMS TO MAJOR CHANGES
The attacks on Paris in January and No-
vember 2015 pushed French Customs to
ratchet up its anti-terrorism efforts and
FRENCH CUSTOMS ADAPTS
border controls even further. To adapt to
TO THE TERRORIST THREAT
threats, its methods are constantly in flux.
For a number of years, customs In 2015, French Customs put in place an
units have been on a war foo- action plan for fighting the terrorist
ting against the terrorist threat. threat that focused on inspection of in-
They are aware of the need dividuals and goods, as well as bolstering
to capture and process rele- intelligence efforts and cooperation with
vant information with respect other departments.
to terrorism. Starting in 2014,
orders were given to step up Following the attacks, President Hollande
decided to earmark additional resources
border detection of comba-
for French Customs.
tants returning to France. Since
mid-November 2015, customs
They will be used to strengthen border
authorities have controlled near- controls and intelligence, but also to
ly 270,000 individuals at the enhance the equipment and safety of
intra-Schengen borders. customs staff.
Concurrently, French Customs continues
to roll out the other components of its
strategic approach, which include ongo-
ing efforts for its modernisation and to
help it adapt to the current environment.
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