Customs procedures in the EU are evolving. One key development is the shift from the Single Authorization for Simplified Procedures (SASP) to the new Centralized Clearance (CC) regime. What does this mean in practice? And how do the two compare?

What is SASP?

SASP allows companies to submit customs declarations in one Member State, even if the goods are physically located in others. This reduces administrative burden and provides a single point of contact with customs authorities.

What is Centralized Clearance?

Centralized Clearance takes simplification a step further. As part of the Union Customs Code (UCC), it allows businesses to submit all declarations through the customs office where they are established regardless of where the goods are located in the EU.

Even more importantly, CC is designed to align with modern business operations, integrating customs with accounting, logistics, and distribution processes. The result? Increased efficiency and cost savings.

Key differences between SASP and CC

1. Administrative centralization

SASP: Coordination required between multiple customs offices
CC: One central customs office handles all declarations

2. Cost efficiency

SASP: Reduced paperwork, central coordination
CC: Additional savings through integration with internal systems

3. Procedural simplification

SASP: Simplified declarations for cross-border movements
CC: Full declaration centralisation, regardless of goods’ location

Why it matters

Centralized Clearance offers companies more control, fewer administrative steps, and better system integration. It’s a clear step toward modern, EU-wide customs management.

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23 May 2025 at 12:00 am

3 min