CCIA Releases Recommendations for TTIP Negotiations
Simplifying customs duty regimes for small business is one of the Computer & Communications Industry Association's five recommendations to improve Europe digital trade via the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. CCIA released a report with the recommendations in a news release (here). "Navigating the domestic Value Added Tax and customs duty regimes can be cost-prohibitive for small businesses that ship individual, low-value, goods," said the group (here). "Future trade agreements therefore need to ensure that customs processes are simple and efficient. Customs duty thresholds should support take-up of e-commerce opportunities. Regulatory regimes on parcel delivery should be fit for cross-border trade. Small businesses should also be able to benefit from the Authorized Economic Operator program, which helps streamline some transactions."
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The CCIA also recommends promoting cross-border data flows while “respecting data protection rules.” The report said TTIP should avoid “forced localization of data, network infrastructure or investments.” “We need international trade rules based on our shared transatlantic values and high standards,” Christian Borggreen, CCIA-Europe director, said in the release. “The EU-U.S. trade talks offer an historic opportunity to eliminate needless barriers to digital trade and create policies that reflect the realities of a 21st Century, Internet-enabled economy.”