Articles

News in week 21: 17th package of sanctions against Russia; EU-UK summit - a turning point in rebuilding a strategic partnership; simplified customs rules for parcels sent to Northern Ireland; … EU investigates allegations of dumping of PET plastic and tyres; EU to register imports of certain cast iron articles; updated border control rules to streamline goods and animal inspections; entry of registered horses from Thailand re-authorised; reducing regulatory burdens - Q&A on simplification omnibus IV; report on intellectual property rights in third countries, counterfeit & piracy watch list; Russia initiates WTO dispute regarding EU’s carbon border adjustment and emissions trading; 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.

This article looks at how your business activities, trading relationships, internal controls, and interactions with customs and other authorities can impact your risk assessment and, in turn, … the extent of customs controls. It also offers practical insights into how companies can lower their customs risk profile and reduce the level of scrutiny customs authorities apply to their operations.

In this continuation of the export control series, we place ourselves in the position of a company expanding internationally and taking initial steps towards implementing export control procedures. … In such instances, where no export control department or organisational structure yet exists, the question arises: who should assume responsibility for this crucial function?

Editor's note: Continuing the theme of the previous article (see 'Discussion of the most important AI risks'), the author looks at how the EU is trying to reconcile worker protection, innovation … and global AI competitiveness while taking full account of citizens' concerns. The author discusses a recent opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and shares his findings.

The recent decision by the United States to reintroduce tariffs on steel and aluminium imports has prompted significant concern among European industries. Announced in February 2025, the US government … has reinstated a 25% tariff on steel and increased the tariff on aluminium from 10% to 25%. This adds to the challenges already faced by companies in regulated sectors, with regulations such as international sanctions, export controls and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. We provide an overview of the current regulatory landscape and offer practical recommendations to help businesses deal with these developments.

News in brief: summary (harmonised tariff threat schedule) of recent tariff-related developments in the US; tariffs on steel and aluminium have come into force; new tariffs on imports of automobiles … and certain automotive parts; amendment to tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods; tariffs on countries importing Venezuelan oil; amendment to tariffs addressing the synthetic opioid supply chain in China; investigation into imports of timber, lumber and their derivative products; 2025 Trade Policy Agenda introduced.

With AI advancing rapidly, concerns about its impact on jobs and decision-making are growing. In this engaging interview, Enrika Naujoke and Frank Heijmann explore how AI is transforming customs, … the balance between human judgment and machine efficiency, and why a strong foundation in education might be essential for navigating the AI era.