Article | 4 minute read
As AI reshapes customs procedures and digitalisation accelerates, the role of many people working in the field of customs is shifting as well. And this change can bring about feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. Does this mean the role of the customs broker is becoming redundant?
Article | 3.5 minute read
Article | 3 minute read
News | 2.5 minute read
Deforestation has long been central to the EU’s environmental agenda. The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), adopted in 2023, aims to ensure that products sold or exported from the EU do not contribute to global deforestation, particularly from agricultural expansion. It requires that key commodities such as cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soy and wood are deforestation free, legally produced, and covered by a due diligence statement before entering the EU market (Regulation 2023/1115, Article 3). However, despite its early adoption, the regulation’s full application has been postponed again.
Article | 4.5 minute read
The UK Government has confirmed that the £135 customs duty relief for low value imports will be removed by March 2029 at the latest. A public consultation is now underway to shape the new model that will replace it. This change will have significant operational and financial implications for shippers and logistics service providers moving goods into the UK.
Article | 2.5 minute read
As Gaston Schul celebrates its 180-year anniversary, one thing is clear: customs has never been more central to how businesses operate, compete, and grow. What once revolved around duty calculations and paperwork has transformed into a strategic domain shaped by geopolitics, sustainability, digitalisation, and supply chain resilience. Today, customs is no longer an operational afterthought. It is a boardroom priority.
The European Commission has proposed a new steel trade defence regulation (COM(2025)726 final) to protect the EU market from global overcapacity, particularly from non-market economies such as China. The initiative replaces the current safeguard measure in 2026 and introduces fresh compliance rules for importers, including a Tariff Rate Quota system and new ‘Melt and Pour’ origin requirements.
Article | 6 minute read
The EU’s 19th sanctions package against Russia marks a new phase in Europe’s economic response to the war in Ukraine. It strengthens existing restrictions on energy, finance and dual-use goods, while expanding measures against crypto assets and third-country intermediaries. For European traders and logistics providers, these developments bring heightened compliance demands and supply-chain complexity. This article outlines the main rules, their business impact, and how Gaston Schul helps businesses stay compliant across Europe.
As global trade regulations tighten and enforcement rises, customs due diligence has become critical for protecting your business. From verifying suppliers to maintaining compliant documentation, it safeguards operations against delays, penalties, and reputational risks – while unlocking efficiencies and building trust with authorities.
Article | 1.5 minute read
A recent outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in Spain has prompted the UK to introduce immediate import restrictions on certain bovine products. These measures apply to England, Scotland and Wales and follow existing controls already in place for France and Italy due to earlier outbreaks.
News | 4.5 minute read
From 1 January 2026, France will abolish Customs Procedure 42 , ending the VAT simplification that allowed goods to move across EU borders without upfront import VAT. The change affects non-EU importers such as those in the UK, Norway and Switzerland, who will need to register for French VAT. Although EU businesses are not directly affected, they should still review their operations to ensure smooth and compliant trade through France under the new rules.
Press | 3 minute read
Gaston Schul, the largest privately owned customs service provider in Europe, today opened its doors in Frederikshavn, Denmark, marking its expansion into a ninth European country. The launch strengthens the company's Nordic presence and reinforces its commitment to remaining independent while the European customs service industry continues to consolidate.
