Article | 3 minute read
President Trump's announcement of new tariffs, targeting nearly the entire world, has created significant market uncertainty. While determining their exact consequences will require time, one certainty remains: the EU and other countries will introduce countermeasures against the US. This analysis provides an overview of the tariffs, international reactions, and preliminary considerations for businesses preparing for what is yet to come.
News | 2 minute read
Article | 1 minute read
News | 2.5 minute read
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
