News | 2.5 minute read
On 24 February the EU published its 16th sanctions package, effective immediately, expanding restrictions on Russia’s shadow fleet, tightening export controls on military-use technology, and imposing stricter financial, media, and transport bans. It also introduces new due diligence requirements for EU operators and extends sanctions to Belarus and Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories. Aimed at curbing Russia’s war financing and reinforcing Ukraine’s position, these measures add new compliance challenges for businesses.
News | 2 minute read
Starting March 1, 2025, Skal Biocontrole will take over all organic import controls in the Netherlands, replacing Customs. This includes verifying the organic status of shipments and endorsing the Certificate of Inspection (COI) earlier in the process. These updates ensure compliance with EU regulations and streamline organic import controls in the Netherlands.
Article | 2.5 minute read
The UK government introduced the UK Forest Risk Commodity Regulation (UKFRC) as part of the Environment Act of 2021. As the UK’s equivalent to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), this legislation aims to combat global illegal deforestation by ensuring that British company supply chains do not contribute to the problem. For consumers, this provides the assurance that their purchases are not contributing to illegal deforestation.
News | 1 minute read
Just days prior to the inauguration of Donald Trump as the new American president, the European Union and Mexico announced the modernisation of their Global Agreement. The timing of this news sends a message of unity.
On January 1, 2025, Romania and Bulgaria officially joined the Schengen Area, marking the end of time-consuming border controls at their inland borders. It is a noteworthy development against the backdrop of countries like Germany introducing increased border controls.
On February 01, 2025, the EU-Chile interim Trade Agreement (ITA) will replace the EU-Chile Association Agreement. This new bilateral trade agreement is designed to enhance trade and investment liberalisation between the EU and Chile. Learn more about what is changing.
Press | 2 minute read
Gaston Schul strengthens its European presence by acquiring Swiss-German customs specialist Zoll-Fit, marking its expansion into an eighth European country and enhancing its position as a leading independent customs service provider.
As part of the Union Customs Code (UCC) modernisation, Belgian Customs is implementing significant changes to the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS). On January 21, 2025, Belgium will transition from NCTS Phase 4 to Phase 5 through a "Big Bang" approach, affecting all transit declarations.
In July, the Centralised Clearance for Import (CCI) system entered its initial phase, enabling a streamlined customs process across multiple EU member states. Designed to simplify and harmonise the import procedure, CCI allows authorised economic operators (AEOs) to manage customs declarations centrally while goods are physically presented in another member state.
News | 0.5 minute read
The European Commission has announced a new investigation into the revision of its safeguard measures on steel. This inquiry was requested by thirteen EU Member States. The measures in question involve tariff-rate quotas, which allow goods to be imported with reduced or no duties up to a specified limit. These quotas are divided into 26 categories based on historical trade flows. Once the quota is exceeded, imports are subject to a 25% tariff.
