News | 3 minute read
The European Union has introduced its 20th sanctions package against Russia, marking a further significant update to the EU sanctions regime. For businesses operating across borders, this is not just another regulatory update. It has direct implications for how goods move, where risks arise, and how compliance must be managed.
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The European Commission recently published a factsheet regarding the use of the Incoterm Ex Works (EXW) in relation to EU sanctions. The message is clear: using EXW does not release a seller from the obligation to comply with sanctions law. For those working in international trade and compliance, this is more than just a caution – it’s a real operational risk. In this article, we explain why the EXW Incoterm creates challenges in the context of sanctions, export control, and VAT. But first, a brief overview of Incoterms® and how EXW works.
News | 1.5 minute read
The UK Government has announced that import checks on medium-risk fruit and vegetables from the EU and Switzerland will not be introduced until at least 31 January 2027. This latest decision is part of a broader move to reduce trade barriers and support a forthcoming UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, which aims to streamline food trade by eliminating routine border checks on plant and animal products.
On 24 May 2025, the EU adopted its 17th sanctions package against Russia, introducing the most extensive set of restrictive measures to date. This package significantly escalates pressure on Russia by curbing its energy revenues, expanding controls on military-use goods, and doubling down on enforcement against the shadow fleet transporting Russian oil. The measures aim to weaken the financial and logistical support underpinning Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and add new layers of compliance for EU businesses engaged in international trade.
The recently announced UK-US trade agreement marks a major step forward in transatlantic economic cooperation. While not yet fully ratified, this proposed deal outlines significant tariff reductions and streamlined customs processes across key sectors. For logistics service providers (LSPs) and shippers, it signals new opportunities for cost savings, faster processing, and more efficient cross-border trade.
News | 6 minute read
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 European Union is ramping up sanctions against Russia, and the United Kingdom is following suit. Last month, the UK announced its most extensive sanctions package since 2022. The aims of these sanctions include supporting Ukraine and addressing security concerns in Europe.
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.
Customs valuation plays a crucial role in international trade, determining the duties, VAT, and tariff quotas applicable to imported goods. However, navigating the complexities of customs valuation and transfer pricing in the EU has long been a challenge for businesses. To address this issue, the European Commission has introduced Binding Valuation Information (BVI) decisions, aimed at increasing legal certainty and transparency. This article explores the significance of BVI, its relationship with existing binding information decisions, and its impact on economic operators within the EU.
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.
