Gaston Schul

News | 2.5 minute read

EUDR timeline shift: What the latest postponement means for businesses.

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

Reforming low value imports in the UK: What shippers and LSPs should expect.

Article | 2.5 minute read

Customs in a changing world: Why it belongs in the boardroom.

Article | 2.5 minute read

EU proposal on steel overcapacity regulation: What it means for importers and traders.

Article | 6 minute read

EU’s 19th sanctions package against Russia: What it means for European trade and compliance.

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.

Article | 3 minute read

Customs due diligence: Why it matters more than ever.

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

Lumpy skin disease triggers UK import restrictions on raw milk and bovine by-products from Spain, France and Italy.

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

France ends Regime 42 in 2026: What EU and non-EU importers need to know.

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 Denmark commences operations: Frederikshavn office now serving danish businesses

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.

Article | 3 minute read

Sanctions compliance: Russia, Iran & beyond – What should traders watch out for?

In recent years, we’ve seen a sharp rise in sanctions activity, and 2024 has been no exception. Between the evolving Russia sanctions, renewed measures on Iran, and increasingly complex EU and UK regulations, sanctions compliance has become a pressing concern for any business involved in international trade.

Article | 2.5 minute read

New European waste rules: What businesses must prepare for in 2026-2027.

European waste regulations have existed since the 1990s, but in 2024 the EU adopted renewed procedures. The revised Waste Shipment Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1157) entered into force on 20 May 2024. Most provisions will apply from 21 May 2026, while export rules will take effect from 21 May 2027. A specific ban on exporting plastic waste to non-OECD countries will apply from 21 November 2026. The main purpose of the new framework is to strengthen public health protection and foster a circular economy. But what does this mean in practice for companies?

Article | 2.5 minute read

When customs agents may be held liable for VAT: 4 compliance lessons from a recent tribunal case.

In April 2025, the First-tier Tribunal handed down a decision in [2025] UKFTT 427 (TC) that should make every customs agent and importer sit up and take notice. The case involved 32 import declarations submitted under Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) for a client whose VAT registration had already been cancelled – a costly oversight that led to over £1.1 million in VAT liability. This judgment provides critical insights into due diligence duties, authorisation requirements, and liability risks in the customs and trade sector.

Article | 2.5 minute read

Customs declaration and representation in the EU: Direct vs indirect explained.

When goods are imported into or exported from the European Union, a customs declaration must be submitted by the declarant, who is ultimately liable for all duties and obligations. To simplify this process, many businesses appoint a customs broker or representative to act on their behalf. This practice, known as representation, can take different forms, and choosing the right one is critical to ensuring compliance, minimising risks, and keeping supply chains efficient.