News | 2 minute read
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
News | 1 minute read
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.
Press | 2 minute read
Gaston Schul strengthens its European presence by acquiring Swiss-German customs specialist Zoll-Fit, marking its expansion into an eighth European country and enhancing its position as a leading independent customs service provider.
As part of the Union Customs Code (UCC) modernisation, Belgian Customs is implementing significant changes to the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS). On January 21, 2025, Belgium will transition from NCTS Phase 4 to Phase 5 through a "Big Bang" approach, affecting all transit declarations.
In July, the Centralised Clearance for Import (CCI) system entered its initial phase, enabling a streamlined customs process across multiple EU member states. Designed to simplify and harmonise the import procedure, CCI allows authorised economic operators (AEOs) to manage customs declarations centrally while goods are physically presented in another member state.
News | 0.5 minute read
The European Commission has announced a new investigation into the revision of its safeguard measures on steel. This inquiry was requested by thirteen EU Member States. The measures in question involve tariff-rate quotas, which allow goods to be imported with reduced or no duties up to a specified limit. These quotas are divided into 26 categories based on historical trade flows. Once the quota is exceeded, imports are subject to a 25% tariff.
Last month, the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB) published a research report on the potential impact of new American import tariffs on the Dutch and European economy. While the research conclusions were largely positive, with the CPB expecting only limited effects, we should remain cautious given the many assumptions underlying this analysis. This means we must continue preparing for Trump's new tariff era.
We are beyond proud to share that our CEO, Rob Ewalds, has won the Lodewijk van der Grinten Award. This incredible recognition highlights Rob's exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, as well as the transformative journey we’ve embarked on at Gaston Schul.
When importing goods into the European Union you have to pay import duties. But did you know that in some cases it is possible to process non-Union goods and re-export them outside the Union without paying import duties on them? This process is called Inward Processing (IP).
In both business and policy, setting clear and achievable goals is essential for progress. One of the European Union's most ambitious objectives is embedded in the REACH regulation, which aims to protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of chemical substances. What exactly is the REACH regulation, and how does it intend to fulfil its mission?
