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EU proposal on steel overcapacity regulation: What it means for importers and traders.

Article | 2.5 minute read

EU proposal on steel overcapacity regulation: What it means for importers and traders.

The European Commission has proposed a new steel trade defence regulation (COM(2025)726 final) to protect the EU market from global overcapacity, particularly from non-market economies such as China. The initiative replaces the current safeguard measure in 2026 and introduces fresh compliance rules for importers, including a Tariff Rate Quota system and new ‘Melt and Pour’ origin requirements.
EU’s 19th sanctions package against Russia: What it means for European trade and compliance.

Article | 6 minute read

EU’s 19th sanctions package against Russia: What it means for European trade and compliance.
Customs due diligence: Why it matters more than ever.

Article | 3 minute read

Customs due diligence: Why it matters more than ever.
Lumpy skin disease triggers UK import restrictions on raw milk and bovine by-products from Spain, France and Italy.

Article | 1.5 minute read

Lumpy skin disease triggers UK import restrictions on raw milk and bovine by-products from Spain, France and Italy.
Sanctions compliance: Russia, Iran & beyond – What should traders watch out for?

Article | 3 minute read

Sanctions compliance: Russia, Iran & beyond – What should traders watch out for?

In recent years, we’ve seen a sharp rise in sanctions activity, and 2024 has been no exception. Between the evolving Russia sanctions, renewed measures on Iran, and increasingly complex EU and UK regulations, sanctions compliance has become a pressing concern for any business involved in international trade.
New European waste rules: What businesses must prepare for in 2026-2027.

Article | 2.5 minute read

New European waste rules: What businesses must prepare for in 2026-2027.

European waste regulations have existed since the 1990s, but in 2024 the EU adopted renewed procedures. The revised Waste Shipment Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1157) entered into force on 20 May 2024. Most provisions will apply from 21 May 2026, while export rules will take effect from 21 May 2027. A specific ban on exporting plastic waste to non-OECD countries will apply from 21 November 2026. The main purpose of the new framework is to strengthen public health protection and foster a circular economy. But what does this mean in practice for companies?
When customs agents may be held liable for VAT: 4 compliance lessons from a recent tribunal case.

Article | 2.5 minute read

When customs agents may be held liable for VAT: 4 compliance lessons from a recent tribunal case.

In April 2025, the First-tier Tribunal handed down a decision in [2025] UKFTT 427 (TC) that should make every customs agent and importer sit up and take notice. The case involved 32 import declarations submitted under Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) for a client whose VAT registration had already been cancelled – a costly oversight that led to over £1.1 million in VAT liability. This judgment provides critical insights into due diligence duties, authorisation requirements, and liability risks in the customs and trade sector.
Customs declaration and representation in the EU: Direct vs indirect explained.

Article | 2.5 minute read

Customs declaration and representation in the EU: Direct vs indirect explained.

When goods are imported into or exported from the European Union, a customs declaration must be submitted by the declarant, who is ultimately liable for all duties and obligations. To simplify this process, many businesses appoint a customs broker or representative to act on their behalf. This practice, known as representation, can take different forms, and choosing the right one is critical to ensuring compliance, minimising risks, and keeping supply chains efficient.
Outward processing explained: How to save on duties when exporting for processing.

Article | 2 minute read

Outward processing explained: How to save on duties when exporting for processing.

Outward processing allows EU businesses to temporarily export goods for processing abroad and re-import them with reduced duties. In this article, we explain how the procedure works, how duties are calculated, and what businesses need to consider – including the impact of CBAM – to stay competitive and compliant.
E-invoicing requirements in the EU: What businesses need to know now.

Article | 3 minute read

E-invoicing requirements in the EU: What businesses need to know now.

B2B e-invoicing is already mandatory in some European countries and will be rolled out more broadly between 2026 and 2028 – yet many aren’t ready. The risk? Blocked invoices, delayed payments, and VAT penalties. In my conversations with clients, e-invoicing has become a recurring theme – what once sounded like a technical side issue has quickly become central to VAT compliance in Europe, and it’s something businesses can no longer afford to treat it as background noise.
EU–US trade agreement? Hardly: EU drops duties while US plans 15% tariff wall.

Article | 2.5 minute read

EU–US trade agreement? Hardly: EU drops duties while US plans 15% tariff wall.

Talks about a new EU-US trade agreement are in full swing, yet people often forget that no formal, legally binding text exists. The White House did publish a fact sheet outlining the main headlines, but until a compromise is negotiated, approved and set down in EU and US legislation, the trajectory can still change in every direction.
Authorised Economic Operator (AEO): Your gateway to a trusted global supply chain.

Article | 2 minute read

Authorised Economic Operator (AEO): Your gateway to a trusted global supply chain.

In today’s fast-moving world of international trade, trust and efficiency are no longer optional – they are essential. As global customs regulations grow more complex and security requirements become stricter, businesses operating across borders must demonstrate their reliability and compliance. One powerful way to achieve this is by obtaining Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status. Gaston Schul holds several AEO-licences, so we understand customs compliance inside out. We also work alongside our customers every day to strengthen their customs operations – and AEO status is a key tool in that transformation.
Celebrating 180 years of excellence: Gaston Schul’s journey from 1845 to 2025

Article | 2 minute read

Celebrating 180 years of excellence: Gaston Schul’s journey from 1845 to 2025

This year, Gaston Schul celebrates our 180th anniversary. The story of Gaston Schul is a testament to our enduring commitment to excellence in customs and trade. Since our founding in 1845, we have navigated changing landscapes, embraced innovations, and continuously adapted to meet the evolving needs of our customers.