Articles

Discussions around US tariffs have made many people think again about the reasons and motivations behind countries imposing tariffs. Throughout history, there have been many examples of strict … protectionism and free trade between countries. Why do countries impose tariffs, who benefits from them, and who loses out? What are the consequences and risks of unjustified tariff policies? These and other questions were discussed at the 27th Authors' Meeting, which brought together customs and trade experts from Belgium, Bulgaria, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Brazil, the US and China. Read an overview of the discussion in the article below.

The article provides a practical overview of export control requirements for companies involved in the supply of military goods and technologies. It outlines the relevant regulations, explains … how military items are defined, and offers guidance on how businesses can manage compliance risks. If you are new to defence projects, this article will help you to understand your responsibilities and prepare your teams.

News in week 23: US doubles tariffs on steel and aluminium imports; new import surveillance tool to help EU prevent harmful trade diversion; EU extends safeguard measures suspension on iron and … steel to support Ukraine; tariff rate quotas resume for Ukrainian products from 6 June 2025; initiation of an anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of 1,4-Butanediol; impending expiry of anti-subsidy measures on imports of continuous filament glass fibre products; terminated investigation into imports of certain seamless iron or steel pipes and tubes; EU welcomes alignment with other countries on restrictive measures; guidance document on customs formalities in the EU for military goods; Bulgaria meets criteria to join the euro area on 1 January 2026; EU sets out its International Digital Strategy; and more updates.

News in brief: the revised Customs Code of Ukraine come into force; the system for granting customs authorisations updated; modernised Ukraine-EFTA FTA signed; the transition period for the updated … rules of origin within the PEM Convention framework started; anti-dumping duties extended and new investigations launched; Ukraine AEO authorisation progress.

News in brief: general terms of US-UK Economic Prosperity Deal; additional tariffs on automobile parts came into effect; CBP’s Guidance on import duties on certain automobile parts issued; US-China … Trade Deal reached; litigation on tariffs in progress.

News in brief: outcomes of the EU-UK Summit; SPS agreement planned; US-UK Economic Prosperity Deal signed; UK-India FTA concluded; updated Windsor Framework rules implemented; changes to export … controls rules made; definitive anti-dumping and countervailing duty on certain excavators originating from China imposed.

News in week 22: EU and UAE launch free trade talks; EU acts against dumped imports of tinplate; imports of adipic acid subject to registration; EU lifts economic sanctions on Syria; EU Global … Human Rights Sanctions Regime - amended list of sanctioned persons; amended list of santioned persons in view of the situation in Russia; new EU strategy for secure, prosperous and resilient Black Sea region; simplifying EU’s CBAM - Council agrees negotiating position; Council Recommendation on a European quality assurance and recognition system in higher education; EU's priorities highlighted in the speech by President von der Leyen at the award ceremony of the Charlemagne Prize; WCO advances digitalisation of ATA and CPD Carnets; Integration of Lithuanian Customs systems with CSW-CERTEX; and more updates.

The United States' imposition of new tariffs has been a key talking point in professional, political and academic circles for some time. Countries are reacting to the new US trade policy in various … ways. This article discusses the measures taken by China in response to US tariff policy and how companies that depend on the Chinese market can adapt to the new conditions.

This is the third article in a series devoted to export control. The first covered the initial steps in export controls. The second explained how to get started. In this continuation of the export … control series, we want to focus on your products, which your company produces or sells. We call them products or items, which includes hardware, software and technology.

From 28 March 2025, companies may submit applications to obtain the status of an authorised CBAM declarant. It will take up to 120 days for an application to be considered, so it is important … to submit your application in good time. Companies that do not obtain authorised declarant status by 1 January 2026 will no longer be able to import goods subject to CBAM. As companies have many related questions, the editorial team thanks the Ministry of Environment and the Environmental Protection Agency of Lithuania for providing answers.

News in brief: reciprocal tariffs on imports from countries with the largest trade deficits introduced and further amended; de minimis treatment for imports from China and Hong Kong eliminated; … tariff increases on selected Chinese goods; updated automotive tariff sysem for US manufacturers; clarification to avoid tariff stacking; Section 232 investigation into processed critical minerals and derivative products.

The rapid expansion of e-commerce has created opportunities for business and individuals and significant challenges for customs authorities worldwide. The exponential growth in the volume of … small parcels, regulatory compliance issues and emerging threats have strained existing customs frameworks. This article explores the key challenges posed by e-commerce for customs authorities and economic operators, discusses the EU’s efforts to address the issues, also in the scope of the EU Customs Reform, and presents recommendations for ensuring compliance, revenue collection and security.

News in brief: UK seeks business views on response to US tariffs; new versions of several preferential trade arrangements; import sanctions against Russia and other countries updated; UK Customs … Tariff updated; product specific tariff-rate quotas and reliefs from a liability to import duty have been changed; new versions of several preferential trade arrangements released; tariff notices on the classification of goods published; notices concerning export controls issued; nuclear materials import licensing arrangements issued; provisional anti-dumping duty on certain engine oils and hydraulic fluids from Lithuania and the United Arab Emirates introduced; countervailing duty on biodiesel originating from Argentina extended; and others.

The “first sale” principle offers companies exporting to the US considerable potential savings on customs duties. Especially in times of increased trade tensions and special tariffs, this method … can lead to significant cost savings. This article explains the mechanisms, prerequisites and practical application of this principle using a specific example from the German mechanical engineering industry.

The Customs green lane at airports is not as straightforward as many travellers often assume. In this article, we examine the challenges encountered in Israel, where passengers may risk having … their personal items - such as luxury watches or handbags - confiscated. It is important to understand the rules governing the choice between the green and red lanes, as well as the necessary forms to complete in order to obtain tax relief.

News in week 17: amendments to the rules of origin of the European Economic Area (EEA) - PEM rules of origin made part of the EEA Agreement, proofs of origin may be issued electronically, etc.; … definitive countervailing duty on imports of mobile access equipment; provisional anti-dumping duty of 62,5 % on imports of steel track shoes; amendments to representative prices in the poultrymeat and egg sectors; EU-Singapore Agreement on Digital Trade; EU position on amending Windsor framework with certain rules for products with digital elements; WTO panel established to review EU duties on battery electric vehicles from China; and more updates.