Article | 2 minute read
This year, Gaston Schul celebrates our 180th anniversary. The story of Gaston Schul is a testament to our enduring commitment to excellence in customs and trade. Since our founding in 1845, we have navigated changing landscapes, embraced innovations, and continuously adapted to meet the evolving needs of our customers.
Article | 3 minute read
Article | 3.5 minute read
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.
Press | 2 minute read
Gaston Schul strengthens its European presence by announcing the upcoming launch of operations in Frederikshavn, Denmark. Enhancing its strategic Nordic coverage and reinforcing its position as Europe's leading independent customs service provider across nine European countries offering a pan-European customs and trade solution.
As we move through 2025, the global trade environment continues to evolve at speed – and with it, customs processes are becoming more complex, digital, and high-stakes. For importers, exporters, and logistics professionals, keeping up with the latest developments isn’t just a best practice – it’s essential. Here are 5 key customs trends still shaping 2025, and what your business can do now to stay compliant, efficient, and ahead of the curve.
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.
Article | 2.5 minute read
As cross-border trade between the UK and EU continues to evolve post-Brexit, France is introducing a new digital requirement that will affect how goods are processed at its borders. Known as the Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire (ELO), this system is set to become mandatory from September 1, 2025, and is particularly relevant for businesses involved in freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and logistics operations across the UK–France corridor.
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.
About 70% of Europeans regularly buy products online. In 2024, 4.6 billion low-value items (items under €150) were imported into the EU. This equals to 12 million parcels per day. This is double the amount of 2023 and triple the amount 2022. In 2024, 91% of these shipments originated from China, particularly from major platforms like Temu, SHEIN, and AliExpress. This exponential growth raised some important concerns.
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.
Article | 4 minute read
In this article, Managing Advisor Arjo Groenendijk introduces the concept of a 'Customs Health Check' and explains why businesses should prioritise to perform these assessments on a regular basis, particularly given recent developments in global trade.
