News

Article | 5.5 minute read

Document codes in the customs declaration: Know what you’re declaring.

Have you ever experienced your shipment getting stuck at customs because you entered a document code incorrectly? It may seem like a minor detail, but choosing the right document code can make the difference between a smooth process and weeks of delays at customs, extra charges or even a blocking of your shipment. A document code is more than a simple number: it is a statement to customs about the declaration of goods. In this article, customs expert Lilian Retel explains what document codes are used for and why knowledge about the product is important. She also explains what the consequences can be of a wrong choice. Finally, some examples of situations follow, where the document code provides essential information for customs.

Article | 3 minute read

Opinion: Trading in a world shaped by Trump: How to deal with it?

News | 2 minute read

The UK imposes new sanctions against Russia.

Article | 1 minute read

CBAM updates: Making compliance easier for businesses.

News | 2.5 minute read

16th EU package of economic and individual measures against Russia.

On 24 February the EU published its 16th sanctions package, effective immediately, expanding restrictions on Russia’s shadow fleet, tightening export controls on military-use technology, and imposing stricter financial, media, and transport bans. It also introduces new due diligence requirements for EU operators and extends sanctions to Belarus and Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories. Aimed at curbing Russia’s war financing and reinforcing Ukraine’s position, these measures add new compliance challenges for businesses.

News | 2 minute read

Binding valuation information (BVI): Enhancing transparency in EU customs valuation.

Customs valuation plays a crucial role in international trade, determining the duties, VAT, and tariff quotas applicable to imported goods. However, navigating the complexities of customs valuation and transfer pricing in the EU has long been a challenge for businesses. To address this issue, the European Commission has introduced Binding Valuation Information (BVI) decisions, aimed at increasing legal certainty and transparency. This article explores the significance of BVI, its relationship with existing binding information decisions, and its impact on economic operators within the EU.

News | 2 minute read

CERTEX implementation: Dutch Customs rolls out first phase by March 2025.

Dutch Customs is currently working on the first phase of the implementation of CERTEX, the European Union Customs Single Window Certificates Exchange System (EU-CSW-CERTEX). This system is an important step in the further automation of customs declarations and contributes to more efficient processing of non-customs formalities.

News | 2 minute read

New VAT implementation timeline in the Netherlands.

From 1 January 2025, VAT corrections for errors made in the past five years must be submitted within eight weeks of discovery. This change aims to eliminate confusion over previous vague submission deadlines that often led to disputes. By introducing a clear supplementation period, the new law offers a more straightforward framework for VAT corrections.

News | 2 minute read

New organic import control system in the Netherlands: Skal Biocontrole takes over Customs controls.

Starting March 1, 2025, Skal Biocontrole will take over all organic import controls in the Netherlands, replacing Customs. This includes verifying the organic status of shipments and endorsing the Certificate of Inspection (COI) earlier in the process. These updates ensure compliance with EU regulations and streamline organic import controls in the Netherlands.

Article | 2.5 minute read

The UK Forest Risk Commodity Regulation.

The UK government introduced the UK Forest Risk Commodity Regulation (UKFRC) as part of the Environment Act of 2021. As the UK’s equivalent to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), this legislation aims to combat global illegal deforestation by ensuring that British company supply chains do not contribute to the problem. For consumers, this provides the assurance that their purchases are not contributing to illegal deforestation.

News | 1 minute read

A modernised EU-Mexico Global Agreement: The key benefits for your supply chain.

Just days prior to the inauguration of Donald Trump as the new American president, the European Union and Mexico announced the modernisation of their Global Agreement. The timing of this news sends a message of unity.

News | 1 minute read

Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen Area.

On January 1, 2025, Romania and Bulgaria officially joined the Schengen Area, marking the end of time-consuming border controls at their inland borders. It is a noteworthy development against the backdrop of countries like Germany introducing increased border controls.

News | 1 minute read

The new EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement.

On February 01, 2025, the EU-Chile interim Trade Agreement (ITA) will replace the EU-Chile Association Agreement. This new bilateral trade agreement is designed to enhance trade and investment liberalisation between the EU and Chile. Learn more about what is changing.