Customs & Trade news
Customs and trade developments that affect the cost and compliance of moving goods across borders, including tariff changes, classification and valuation rulings, trade agreements, and the VAT and duty treatment of imports, collected from the sources AskColm monitors.
444 articles in the archive, showing the latest 50.
What is the BIS 50% rule, and why trade compliance teams need to prepare now
The BIS 50% rule requires trade compliance teams to look beyond direct counterparties and identify ultimate ownership structures. The article outlines why beneficial ownership visibility is critical for export control compliance and what teams need to do to prepare.
A Warning for Importers: A CBP Prior Disclosure Does Not Count for DOJ
DOJ's National Fraud Enforcement Division issued Directive 26-12 on October 1, 2026, making trade fraud a corporate enforcement priority. Prosecutors must weigh ten factors when deciding whether to charge a company. Critically, a prior disclosure filed with CBP does not…
Parts or finished products? EU General Court gives customs new firepower
The EU General Court has ruled on the classification of split shipments and post-entry assembly under General Rule of Interpretation 2(a), addressing whether components must be presented simultaneously to be classified as a finished article. The ruling gives EU customs…
Change your Vaping Duty Stamps approval as a customs Warehousekeeper or UK representative
HMRC guidance on how customs warehousekeepers or UK representatives of overseas manufacturers can notify changes to their existing Vaping Duty Stamps approval.
Simplified rates for bringing personal goods into the UK
HMRC guidance on simplified customs and excise duty rates applied when travellers declare personal goods brought into the UK online, covering the rates used in lieu of standard duty calculations.
De Minimis Tariff Exemption Ends: How Shein and Temu Prices Doubled for U.S. Shoppers
The removal of the U.S. de minimis tariff exemption has significantly increased prices for consumers shopping on platforms like Shein and Temu, with prices reportedly doubling. The change ends the longstanding threshold that allowed low-value imports to enter the U.S.…
Low-Value Shipments
U.S. Customs and Border Protection proposes amendments to regulations governing informal entries for goods valued at $2,500 or less. Key changes include modified filing requirements, a new electronic informal entry type for mail environment shipments, additional data elements required from…
2027 Supply-managed TRQ applications now open (dairy, poultry, eggs)
Global Affairs Canada has opened the application period for 2027 Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs) covering supply-managed goods including dairy, poultry, and eggs. This is a key window for importers to apply for preferential tariff access to these product categories.
Expiry review of small power transformers SIMA case
Canada Border Services Agency and the Canadian International Trade Tribunal are conducting a joint expiry review of a Special Import Measures Act (SIMA) case covering small power transformers, to determine whether the existing trade remedy measure will be rescinded or…
A Small Value-Added Tax Could Pay for Tariff Repeal
The Tax Foundation argues that Trump administration tariffs should be replaced with a value-added tax, contending that a VAT would raise sustainable revenue with fewer economic distortions than the current tariff policy.
CAPE Phase 3 Set for October 6 After Data-Validation Delay: What Importers Should Know
The Supreme Court has ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not grant the President authority to impose tariffs. A third phase of the CAPE process is scheduled for 6 October following a data-validation delay, with implications for…
Amazon Shoppers' Tariff Refund Suits Sent To Seattle As MDL
The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has consolidated multiple proposed class actions against Amazon into a single proceeding in Washington federal court. The suits allege Amazon wrongfully denied online shoppers refunds on tariffs, with cases originally filed in Florida, Michigan,…
Pakistan Customs sets new import values for massage chairs under VR No.2110/2026
Pakistan's Directorate General of Customs Valuation has established new customs values for imported massage chairs and other massagers under Valuation Ruling No. 2110/2026.
Commerce Restricts Polysilicon Stockpiling Ahead of December 4 Section 232 Tariffs: What Importers and Customs Brokers Need to Know
The US Department of Commerce is imposing restrictions on the stockpiling of polysilicon ahead of Section 232 tariffs. Importers and customs brokers are required to take specific steps before the tariffs come into effect on 4 December.
Recent Tariff Developments: Canada, IEEPA Refunds and Russian Energy
Recent tariff developments in the United States could affect importers, with new trade measures involving Canada, a further phase of the IEEPA refund process, and new rules relating to Russian energy trade.
Why Importers Should Assess IEEPA Refund Claims Now
Importers seeking refunds of duties assessed under the International Economic Emergency Procedures Act are warned not to wait for guidance from US Customs and Border Protection or the courts, as limitation deadlines for the earliest claims are approaching and refunds…
CBP Seeks Comments on New Heightened Import Disclosures for Supply Chain Transparency
US Customs and Border Protection has issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking seeking public comments on new heightened import disclosure requirements intended to improve supply chain transparency.
CBP Issues Palm Oil WROs Against Two Indonesian Producers: What Importers Need to Know
US Customs and Border Protection has issued Withhold Release Orders against two Indonesian palm oil producers over forced labour concerns. Importers are advised to review their supply chains to reduce the risk of detention of goods at the border.
Keeping rules of origin aligned with changing tariff codes
Outdated tariff codes can prevent businesses from benefiting from free trade agreements. A new ICC policy paper sets out practical recommendations to keep rules of origin aligned with updates to the Harmonized System, the global classification framework for traded goods.…
CBP Asks for Comments On Supply Chain Compliance by 12/1/2026
US Customs and Border Protection has issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking titled 'Heightened Import Disclosures for Supply Chain Visibility', seeking comments on supply chain compliance. Responses are due by December 2026.
U.S.-China “30-for-30” Tariff Lists Are Out, but Rates and Timing Are Not
The White House has published the Board of Trade's working procedures and terms of reference for the US-China '30-for-30' tariff framework, along with the relevant product lists. The applicable rates and implementation timing have not yet been announced.
Lực Lượng Chống Gian Lận Thương Mại: Kỷ nguyên mới của việc siết chặt kiểm soát thương mại
The US Department of Justice has launched a Trade Fraud Task Force in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection.
Breaking Trade News: Palm Oil WRO, Section 301 at the CIT, OFAC Sanctions
This article covers several breaking trade law developments with tax and customs implications. It addresses a Withhold Release Order (WRO) targeting palm oil imports over forced labor concerns, Section 301 tariff litigation at the Court of International Trade (CIT) challenging…
CBP Seized My Goods: What Happens Next and What Are My Options?
Importers with Type 03 antidumping and countervailing duty entries face a timing conflict over IEEPA refunds that may result in higher antidumping duties. Importers are advised to monitor proceedings at the Court of International Trade.
Greece, France and Portugal face further action over delayed customs electronic systems
The European Commission has launched further infringement proceedings against Greece, France, and Portugal for failing to deploy mandatory customs electronic systems on time. These countries have not met deadlines set under the EU Customs Code for transitioning to electronic customs…
Commission challenges seven Member States over delayed Centralised Clearance for Import deployment
The European Commission has initiated infringement proceedings against seven EU member states for failing to implement the Centralised Clearance for Import (CCI) system by the required deadline under the Union Customs Code. CCI allows importers to lodge customs declarations in…
Customs Enforcement foils smuggling bids worth over Rs154m across Balochistan
Customs Enforcement in Gadani has seized smuggled goods worth more than Rs154 million across Balochistan, including the vehicles used to transport them.
EU Sets €2 Handling Fee for Small Parcels Amid Customs Duty Changes
The EU is introducing a €2 handling fee on small parcels entering the bloc as part of broader customs duty reforms targeting low-value imports. This measure accompanies changes to the de minimis customs exemption framework, which has faced criticism for…
Corporate report: Tackling alcohol smuggling: outputs
HMRC has published a report on the results of its alcohol strategy, covering alcohol seizures, criminal enforcement activity and the operation of the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme.
Ivory Coast Revises Customs Certificate Process Supporting VAT Refund Claims
Ivory Coast has revised its customs certificate process to better support businesses making VAT refund claims. The updated procedure appears to strengthen the documentary link between import customs records and VAT recovery entitlements, streamlining evidence requirements for refund applicants. This…
Grenada Grants Full VAT and Tariff Waiver for Promotional Materials
Grenada has announced a full waiver of both VAT and import tariffs on promotional materials brought into the country. The measure is likely aimed at facilitating trade fairs, marketing activities, or tourism promotion by eliminating the tax cost of importing…
Lululemon Says Shoppers Can't Claim Its Tariff Refunds
Lululemon has argued that a proposed class action brought by shoppers seeking refunds for higher prices caused by tariffs should be dismissed. The retailer told a Washington federal court that it has not yet recovered all the duties it paid,…
Revenue advises online shoppers of the introduction by the European Union (EU) of a new Union Handling Fee for goods bought from outside the EU
Irish Revenue has advised online shoppers of a new EU Union Handling Fee applying to goods purchased from outside the EU, including Great Britain. The change affects customs arrangements for cross-border e-commerce imports into Ireland.
FBR overhauls customs values of Aluminum Hydroxide vide VR No.2108/2026
Pakistan's Directorate of Customs Valuation has issued Valuation Ruling No. 2108 of 2026 under Section 25A of the Customs Act, revising the customs values applied to Aluminium Hydroxide.
CBP Issues Guidance on Import Prohibitions for Certain Canadian Products Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 11061, 11062 and 11063
US Customs and Border Protection has issued guidance on import prohibitions for certain Canadian products, covering alcohol, dairy, and a third category, under Presidential Proclamations 11061, 11062 and 11063.
CBP Releases Updated Section 232 Guidance for Pharmaceutical Articles and Ingredients
US Customs and Border Protection has released updated guidance on the implementation of Section 232 measures relating to pharmaceutical articles and ingredients.
U.S. and China Launch Trade Board and Introduce 30-for-30 Tariff Reduction Framework
The White House has announced the creation of the U.S.-China Board of Trade, a new government-to-government body, alongside a 30-for-30 tariff reduction framework agreed between the United States and China.
The Hidden Tariff Burden of Related-Party Trade
The article examines the tariff burden associated with related-party trade and its effects on US domestic industries and manufacturing supply chains.
Pakistan Customs, PSW advance trade verification with Hong Kong Customs
Pakistan has advanced its digital trade capabilities through the integration of Pakistan Single Window with Hong Kong Customs, marking a further step towards trusted digital trade verification between the two jurisdictions.
Germany plans 2030 import VAT offsetting model to end pre-financing
Germany is planning to introduce an import VAT offsetting model by 2030 that would eliminate the need for businesses to pre-finance import VAT. Under the proposed approach, import VAT would be directly offset against a business's VAT liability rather than…
European Union publishes new Customs Code: phased transformation begins with e-commerce and data-led compliance
The European Union has published an updated Customs Code introducing a phased transformation of EU customs rules, with an initial focus on e-commerce imports and data-driven compliance. The new code modernises the EU's customs framework, strengthening obligations around electronic data…
Breaking Trade News: COAC Meeting Recommendations, U.S.-China Trade Truce Extended
This article covers two key trade developments: recommendations from a recent COAC (Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee) meeting and the extension of the U.S.-China trade truce. The COAC meeting likely addressed customs modernization and trade facilitation measures, while the U.S.-China…
FBR revises customs values of sodium sulphate anhydrous vide VR No.2107/2026
Pakistan's Federal Board of Revenue has revised the customs values for imported sodium sulphate anhydrous, replacing previously applicable valuation rules.
CITT’s final injury ruling on certain forged grinding media from China
The Canadian International Trade Tribunal has issued a finding of a threat of injury from the dumping and subsidising of certain truck bodies originating in or exported from China. The ruling follows a final determination by the Canada Border Services…
France Calls For Harmonized Customs Intermediary Process
French delegates at the Council of the European Union are calling for a more harmonised approach to customs intermediaries across member states, with the aim of tackling VAT fraud and unfair business competition.
The UK low-value import reform and the broader customs modernisation agenda
The European Union has agreed on a major overhaul of its customs framework, described as the most ambitious since the customs union was established in 1968, as part of a broader customs modernisation agenda.
BRICS 2026: The Next Frontier Must Be Easier Market Access And Lower Tariffs
The New Delhi Declaration adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit signals progress on customs cooperation and regulatory alignment, though its real test will be whether it delivers easier market access and lower tariffs.
Mandatory smelt and cast reporting requirements for aluminum products effective October 1, 2026
Importers of certain aluminium products into Canada are being reminded of upcoming mandatory smelt and cast reporting requirements under General Import Permit No. 83, which take effect on 1 October 2026. Global Affairs Canada updated Notice to Importers No. 1170…
How Trade Deals Can Save Nature
Incorporating tariffs linked to deforestation into trade deals could promote both conservation and increased trade, according to an argument by Bård Harstad.
From 10 Days to 1: Customs Reform in Honduras Accelerates Access To Humanitarian Supplies
Honduras has introduced a new digital customs process that reduces the waiting time for humanitarian supplies from ten days to one, speeding up access when such supplies are needed urgently.