Customs Compliance & Risk Management

Dear Reader,

Despite summer being in full swing, a wave of developments has hit the customs and trade sector. Many of these have been prompted by the evolving US tariff policy, which continues to influence global trade dynamics. The ‘deals’ reached between the US and the EU, as well as between the US and the UK, highlight the close interlinking of geopolitical strategy and tariff instruments.

In this issue, we critically examine tariffs in general, their intended and unintended effects, and their continued use in both economic and political contexts. We then turn to the heart of EU customs reform, focusing on updates to two key elements: the EU Customs Data Hub and the redefinition of the legal term ‘importer’.

We also take a close look at origin rules, a topic that is as technically complex as it is commercially significant. Through concrete examples, we highlight cases where customs definitions fall short and where companies must exercise particular caution.

With defence-sector trade growing, our focus turns to export controls. With an increasing number of businesses entering sensitive sectors, we provide guidance for those new to defence projects, alongside an overview of how software is regulated under modern export control regimes.

As always, our readers benefit from comprehensive weekly, monthly and bi-monthly updates. We summarise EU, UK and Ukrainian customs and trade news, as well as US customs tariff news, to keep our readers up to date with all important developments.

In our Country Update section, we address topical issues, such as the administrative liability for sanctions evasion in Latvia and the potential impact of modifying items in a customs warehouse on their classification. We also highlight the risks associated with long-term storage in an Israeli customs warehouse in ambiguous circumstances.

Two significant case law examples are also highlighted: the first arbitration ruling under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and a notable EU Court of Justice decision on adjusting prices post-import. Both rulings will have a significant impact on future customs practices and case law interpretations.

In our Perspective rubric, we conclude with a strategic reflection, exploring in an interview what it means to manage customs in the age of data. As digitalisation accelerates, customs professionals face new expectations and opportunities to innovate and lead.

We hope this summer issue provides you with valuable insights, clarity and foresight in your work.

Dr Ilona Mishchenko,
Member of the Editorial Board