6 customs & trade trends shaping 2026 and how to stay ahead.

1. Regulatory reform and data-driven customs control

2026 will see the biggest customs reform in decades, as governments led by the EU roll out modernised systems designed to increase transparency, traceability and pre-arrival control. The EU Customs Reform will transform how data is submitted, shared and validated by introducing a central EU Customs Data Hub that reshapes how businesses interact with customs authorities.

What to watch:

• EU Customs Reform milestones and pilot programmes
• Expansion of national single-window platforms
• Stricter risk-based inspections using real-time data
• More accountability placed on the “declarant of record”

How to prepare:
Audit your customs data quality and connectivity now. Ensure master data is structured and accurate for automated submission. Strengthen collaboration with your customs partners to translate new EU requirements into practical, efficient workflows that protect compliance and reduce risk.

2. AI, automation & integration reshape operational efficiency

Artificial intelligence is no longer a buzzword in customs. It is now operational reality. Authorities are using AI for risk profiling and anomaly detection, while LSPs and shippers are embracing automation to reduce manual work, improve accuracy and gain visibility.

What to watch:

• AI-assisted classification and document validation
• Integration of customs data with TMS and ERP systems
• Fully digitalised customs interactions through national portals
• Predictive analytics for clearance times and inspection risk

How to prepare:
Evaluate where automation can add value to your customs processes. Integrate transport and customs data flows to achieve a single source of truth. Work with technology-enabled customs experts who can help design scalable, compliant systems that evolve with your business.

3. Sustainability pressures turn customs into an ESG lever

The link between trade and sustainability is tightening. With the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) entering a new phase in 2026, importers will begin declaring embedded emissions. Meanwhile, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and circular-economy initiatives are adding environmental data to customs compliance.

What to watch:

• Full CBAM reporting for steel, cement, aluminium and fertilisers
• ESG reporting linked to customs documentation
• Verification of sustainable sourcing under the EUDR
• New client expectations for traceable, low-impact logistics

How to prepare:
Identify where your trade flows intersect with environmental obligations. Ensure suppliers can provide verifiable origin and emissions data. Embed sustainability criteria into your customs processes early so environmental accountability supports trade compliance and long-term resilience.

4. Geopolitical volatility drives origin & supply-chain diversification

From new sanctions regimes to shifting trade alliances, geopolitics will keep customs teams on alert. Supply chain diversification, including near-shoring, friend-shoring and regionalisation, is reshaping origin rules and customs exposure.

What to watch:

• Revised rules of origin under key trade agreements
• Re-routing of supply chains to lower-risk countries
• Increased scrutiny on sanctioned or dual-use goods
• Tariff re-alignments driven by political developments

How to prepare:
Regularly review your sourcing footprint and origin exposure. Develop clear documentation to support duty treatment and preferential claims. Build flexibility into your customs strategy with scenario planning and proactive monitoring of trade-policy changes across markets.

5. Expertise gap widens – strategic customs partnerships fill the void

As systems become more data-driven and sustainability expectations rise, the demand for experienced customs professionals is outpacing supply. Many LSPs and shippers are addressing this by combining internal oversight with specialist external expertise.

What to watch:

• Growing demand for trade-compliance and customs-tech talent
• Hybrid models balancing internal control and external support
• Ongoing training needs in sustainability and digital customs
• A shift from transactional brokers to strategic customs partners

How to prepare:
Assess your internal customs capabilities and determine where external expertise adds the most value, whether in data management, strategic planning or regulatory interpretation. Partner with advisors who can operate as an extension of your team, ensuring continuity, compliance and confidence.

6. Customs due diligence and accountability move to the forefront

Transparency and traceability are becoming non-negotiable. Regulators and customers alike expect businesses to demonstrate active customs due diligence, not only compliance at declaration level but also robust control over origin data, valuation accuracy and partner risk.

What to watch:

• Integration of due-diligence obligations under the EU Customs Reform and CSDDD
• Heightened focus on traceability and end-to-end audit trails
• Increased cooperation between customs, sustainability and procurement teams
• Growing pressure from clients for proof of ethical, compliant trade practices

How to prepare:
Review your internal customs governance framework and map who owns which compliance responsibilities across the business. Implement auditable, data-driven checks for valuation, origin and partner risk.

If you’re revisiting your controls, our free Customs Due Diligence Checklist can help you identify potential risk areas and ensure your compliance processes stand up to scrutiny.

Partnering for smarter, sustainable customs

At Gaston Schul, we help logistics service providers and shippers turn customs from a compliance task into a strategic advantage. Whether your focus is digital integration, sustainability or resilience, our experts provide the insight, technology and on-the-ground support to help you stay ahead.

Our specialists help you:

• Identify and close customs compliance gaps
• Optimise classification, origin and duty spend
• Integrate digital workflows for greater visibility
• Align customs operations with ESG goals
• Scale efficiently with expert backing