October 2025 is the decisive month for the modernisation of the Union’s customs systems. The period of adaptation to the CAU for import customs declarations will end with the launch of the H1 system. This will advance the process of harmonising customs declarations that began with the AES export system.
H1 marks the definitive disappearance of the DUA as a legally valid document. Above all, it is a change in ‘concept’. The document disappears to make way for the electronic declaration.
The type of electronic message is changing. The EDIFACT system, which allowed data to be sent in boxes (making it ideal for transferring old DUAS documents to a digital environment), is being abandoned in favour of an XML data transmission system. This new system does not support box structuring. The message is structured in data sets. This is basically the reason why the concept of the DUA document is being abandoned.
In addition, all Member States are implementing both the same data transmission system and the data itself. In other words, both the data and the structure of the message are the same for all Member States.
This allows for greater integration, which will be reflected in the centralised European clearance system.
And what about exports?
Just as the H1 system modernises imports, the Automated Export System (AES) does the same for exports. Both systems are part of the European customs digitisation strategy.
The AES system allows goods to be managed digitally, securely and traceably. This system has been in force in Spain since 1 December 2023. Like H1, it is based on structured electronic messages and facilitates communication between operators and customs.
Conclusion: Two systems, one common vision
With the implementation of H1 and AES, Europe is moving towards more efficient, secure and digital customs management.
At BestWay, we are fully adapted to these new systems, guaranteeing our customers modern operations that comply with current regulations.
*This article has been automatically translated from its Spanish version.
