Customs 2038: Reform, data and artificial intelligence in the EU

Customs Union 2038

Grupo Arola, EY, and the Spanish representation to the EU will analyze the sweeping reform of the Union Customs Code on June 18. The webinar will focus on the new data-driven digital ecosystem, AI, and the future EU Customs Authority.

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La Customs union It is preparing for its most ambitious transformation in decades. At a high-level event to be held on June 18, experts such as Julián Illanes, Director in EY España; Pilar Jurado BorregoPermanent Representative of España to the Unión Europea, and Alejandro Arola, President of Grupo ArolaThey will explain the key aspects of the reform that will define the future of foreign trade, with a focus on 2038.

From paperwork to data: the new era of the Customs Union

The reform of EU Customs Code This represents a radical paradigm shift, abandoning fragmented, document-based processes in favor of a single, digital, and data-driven ecosystem. As will be discussed at the meeting, the goal is to create a centralized infrastructure that optimizes risk management and facilitates operations for economic operators. Two of the pillars of this new architecture will be the creation of a Customs Authority of the Unión Europea and the development of a Data Hub centralized, which will bring together information in real time to offer complete traceability of goods.

The role of AI in risk management

One of the key points that the speakers will address is the role that the artificial intelligence (AI) In the new model, the ability to analyze large volumes of data will allow for much more precise and efficient risk detection, shifting from reactive control to proactive and intelligent monitoring. For exporting and importing companies, this will translate into a fundamental change in their relationship with customs, where transparency and the quality of the information provided will be crucial for streamlining their supply chains and preventing disruptions.

A panel of experts to anticipate the future of customs

The session is designed to offer a 360-degree view of the reform's impact. The perspective of Julián Illanes from the strategic consulting of EY This will be complemented by the institutional vision of Pilar Jurado Borrego, directly involved in the negotiations in Bruselas. For its part, Alejandro Arola It will offer the practical perspective of the economic and logistics operator, analyzing the challenges and opportunities that this transformation presents for the business sector. The event is geared towards international trade managers, customs departments, and consultants who need to anticipate the regulatory and technological changes that will shape the next decade.

Event	Analysis of the EU Customs Reform
Speakers	Julián Illanes (Director, EY España), Pilar Jurado Borrego (Permanent Rep. of España before the EU) and Alejandro Arola (President, Grupo Arola)
Date and Time	June 18, 2026, 16:00 PM (local time) Madrid)

Key points and frequently asked questions about the EU Customs Reform

How will this reform affect my company's import and export operations?

The main consequence will be the need to share more and higher-quality data with the authorities through the central Data Hub. In return, reliable and transparent economic operators are expected to benefit from faster customs clearances and simplified procedures, as interaction with a single digital customs authority will be centralized.

What exactly is the EU Data Hub and how will it change the relationship with customs?

The Data Hub is a centralized, European-wide database intended to replace the thousands of individual declarations currently submitted. Companies will input their operational data into this platform, and artificial intelligence will analyze it to assess risks. The goal is to evolve towards a "one-stop shop" model that improves communication and efficiency between businesses and government agencies.

When will these changes come into effect and how can Spanish exporters prepare?

Implementation will be gradual, with the final target date set for 2038. However, the first modules of the Data Hub and the new regulations will begin to be deployed much sooner. Foreign trade experts consulted by Empresa Exterior They advise companies to start digitizing their processes as soon as possible, improve their data management systems, and train themselves on the new requirements to ensure a smooth and competitive transition.

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