BRUSSELS: The Taxation and Customs Union Directorate General (DG TAXUD) has awarded Accenture an IT systems management and development contract to support the European Commission’s CUST-DEV2 program, which is designed to introduce a harmonized, centralized and paperless customs system (eCustoms) across the EU by 2013.

The three-year contract is valued at approximately EUR 49.3 million, with the option for two one-year extensions.

Under the terms of the contract, Accenture will manage the existing customs systems at DG TAXUD as well as the specifications of the Trans-European Systems.

Additionally, Accenture will work with DG TAXUD on the development and management of new customs applications and systems in the scope of the eCustoms initiative. Accenture will draw on its extensive experience working with customs agencies around the world and its High Performance Customs framework to support the program.

“The CUST-DEV2 program is designed to support the development of a pan-European electronic customs environment that allows customs activities to be matched with the needs of the internal market and enables the protection of the financial interests of the European Community,” said Rudi Princen, a senior director in Accenture’s Health & Public Service practice in Belgium.

“Citizens can expect enhanced health, safety and security benefits while businesses and governments will gain from the modernization of customs procedures and controls that promote the smooth and secure flow of trade between economic operators.”

The contract was awarded following an invitation to tender issued by DG TAXUD and based on Accenture’s competitively priced bid and experience working with customs services.

Vivansa, a Belgian technology company specializing in the customs industry, will work as a subcontractor to Accenture.