On 1 July 2008 the European Customs Union will celebrate its 40th anniversary. On this occasions, the European Commission has launched a website dedicated to this topic. The launch of the website marks the beginning of a communication campaign to highlight the important but often invisible role of the Customs in protecting citizens and facilitating trade. The campaign brings information to the public about key customs activities such as protection against counterfeit goods, including dangerous fake medicines, foodstuffs and toys. It shows how the Customs control the movement of chemicals, how illegal imports of internationally protected and diseased animals is prevented and how legitimate trade is facilitated by the Customs. Many events will be organised all over Europe to mark the 40th anniversary of the European Customs Union.

The EU Commissioner in charge of the Customs Union and taxation, László Kovács, stated that the Customs have been working hard for the last 40 years to improve our standard of living and our safety in Europe. He wishes the EU Customs Union a happy anniversary.

On 1 July 1968 the six EEC countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) established a customs union. Such a union means:

• no customs duties at internal borders,
• common customs duties on imports from outside the six EEC countries,
• common rules of origin for products from outside the European Community,
• common definition of the customs value.