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News | 6 minute read

The ones who got away (for now): Exemptions on Trumps import regulations.

President Trump’s new import tariffs apply globally but include key exemptions for certain goods, sectors, and countries. While a 90-day pause softens some rules, core tariffs on metals, vehicles, and Chinese goods remain, reflecting a complex and unclear trade strategy.

News | 2 minute read

The UK imposes new sanctions against Russia.

News | 2.5 minute read

16th EU package of economic and individual measures against Russia.

News | 2 minute read

Binding valuation information (BVI): Enhancing transparency in EU customs valuation.

News | 2 minute read

CERTEX implementation: Dutch Customs rolls out first phase by March 2025.

Dutch Customs is currently working on the first phase of the implementation of CERTEX, the European Union Customs Single Window Certificates Exchange System (EU-CSW-CERTEX). This system is an important step in the further automation of customs declarations and contributes to more efficient processing of non-customs formalities.

News | 2 minute read

New VAT implementation timeline in the Netherlands.

From 1 January 2025, VAT corrections for errors made in the past five years must be submitted within eight weeks of discovery. This change aims to eliminate confusion over previous vague submission deadlines that often led to disputes. By introducing a clear supplementation period, the new law offers a more straightforward framework for VAT corrections.

News | 2 minute read

New organic import control system in the Netherlands: Skal Biocontrole takes over Customs controls.

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.

News | 1 minute read

A modernised EU-Mexico Global Agreement: The key benefits for your supply chain.

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.

News | 1 minute read

Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen Area.

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.

News | 1 minute read

The new EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement.

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.

News | 1 minute read

Belgium to launch NCTS Phase 5 for transit declarations on 21 January.

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.

News | 0.5 minute read

New investigation into EU steel safeguard measures.

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.

News | 0.5 minute read

Gaston Schul CEO Rob Ewalds wins the prestigious Lodewijk van der Grinten Award.

We are beyond proud to share that our CEO, Rob Ewalds, has won the Lodewijk van der Grinten Award. This incredible recognition highlights Rob's exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, as well as the transformative journey we’ve embarked on at Gaston Schul.