The European Commission has presented its proposal for a Regulation establishing the Single Market and Customs Programme for the period 2028–2034 (COM(2025) 590 final). With a financial envelope of EUR 6.24 billion, this programme forms part of the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework and consolidates four existing strands: the Single Market Programme, the Customs Programme, the Fiscalis Programme, and the Union Anti-Fraud Programme.

The initiative seeks to deepen and safeguard the Single Market by supporting activities in market surveillance, product conformity, consumer protection, intellectual property rights, taxation, anti-fraud measures, and European statistics. A particular emphasis is placed on modernising customs cooperation and digitalising enforcement mechanisms to strengthen the resilience of the Union against unfair global competition and evolving geopolitical pressures.

For the retail sector, the programme’s provisions on market surveillance are particularly significant. By reinforcing coordination between national authorities and customs, the EU aims to counteract the surge of non-compliant and unsafe goods entering the Single Market via e-commerce channels. This is a pressing concern for retailers across Europe, as the proliferation of such products undermines consumer trust, distorts competition, and threatens legitimate business models. The proposal underlines that customs administrations now serve as the lead authority for controlling goods at the Union’s external borders, protecting both public safety and European enterprises from non-compliant imports.

Furthermore, the programme promises simplification of funding access, reduced administrative burden, and enhanced capacity-building across Member States. By ensuring coherent enforcement of Single Market rules and advancing centralised digital solutions—such as the planned EU Customs Data Hub—the initiative will support fair competition and strengthen Europe’s economic security strategy.