top of page
Search

"The Customs Manager" - Our Compliance & Cost-Saving Magazine - Edition 5/Week 5-2024

Edition 05 - 2024 - Week 05. EU, UK & U.S. Law, Policy & Guidance changes monitored for 29.01.2024-04.02.2024


We bring together in one place the changes in EU, UK and U.S. law, policies, and guidance and the best of social media postings from customs experts in one magazine.

Find out why this magazine is all about here.


A message from the editor


Dear colleagues,

Did you notice the EU Forced Labour Law is advancing steadily through the EU legislation? It is time for the business community to start noticing this. Read our collection of guides and start about how this will impact your supply chain. Schedule a free call with us at www.customsmanager.org -> Book Expert Call


Furthermore, you should find out more about the EU's Customs Binding Valuation Information, which is to enter into EU law soon. Aso note the updates on CBAM if this interests you.


The UK is still buzzing after the introduction of the UK SPS controls and changes to the UK Ireland Trade. You can find extensive information in this weeks' update (see below).


ree

At Customs Manager Ltd, we are proud to be supporting the WTO in its Ministerial Conference from 26th to 29th February .


Please join our daily briefings at 4pm (UK time) to understand what was achieved and how to interpret the results.


Visit www.customsmanager.org/events to book your free ticket and we are working on guest speakers for each day.

ree

International Women's Day is on Friday, 8 March 2024.


We are looking for female leaders to join our Weekly Wrap that day.


If you'd like to speak about the role of women in customs and global trade and how to make a successful career in this field, just e-mail us at infor@customsanager.org.




I hope you enjoy this edition of The Customs Manager. Any feedback please get in touch at info@customsmanager.org


Arne Mielken

Editor & CEO Customs Manager Ltd.



Content


A

C

D

Duty-Free (and duty reliefs) Updates & Simplifications

E

F

I

N

O

P

T

Transit Updates

U

V

W



Join us This Friday for the Weekly Wrap-Up.


ree

This Friday, we will host the second edition of a weekly live online meet-up service called "Weekly Wrap", free for everyone to attend. During this 30-minute session, we will discuss the highlights from both Monday and Tuesday's publications and answer any questions you may have.


Lunch n'Learn This Friday


ree

This is a live training session regarding customs and export controls/sanctions, and the audience can determine the agenda (but we do propose an agenda below). We will explore a specific topic in more depth during this weekly session. You can sign up here.


Top Tip: If you are a premium paid plan subscriber, you can use your discount coupon with seperate notificaiton. Enter this coupon code at checkout to set the fee to zero.

The tentative schedule for these sessions is (all times UK time - GMT) and how to book:


UPDATES


Anti-Dumping Duty Updates

An anti-dumping duty is an extra import tariff imposed on top of the standard customs duty and applicable throughout a customs region. Its purpose is to enable countries to take action against the sale of goods at a price below their usual value, which is determined as the cost for similar goods sold in the exporter's domestic market. Check out our exclusive blog section on Anti-Dumping Duty for the most recent updates, informative articles, videos, and news. https://www.customsmanager.info/all-news/categories/_add 


Tip: If you are interested in this topic, bookmark this link and check weekly.


⇒ EU: Latest ADD & CVD cases


No Update Noted (What does this mean?)


⇒ UK: Latest ADD & CVD cases


No Update Noted (What does this mean?)



⇒ U.S: Latest ADD & CVD Updates


No Update Noted (What does this mean?)

Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Updates

Please also refer to our constantly updated collection of articles, guides on this topic etc:


No Update Noted (What does this mean?)


CBAM - The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism Updates


If you are interested in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, we recommend you bookmark this link and visit it regularly. You will find all the essential guides there, plus links to webinars (1 Hour), training (4 hours) and more: https://www.customsmanager.info/all-news/categories/cbam


2 FEBRUARY 2024

ree

31 JANUARY 2024

The Commission has prepared a Q&A document which provides answers to the most frequently asked questions about the CBAM. This document will be continuously updated:Questions and Answers: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)






Classification & Tariff Updates (Customs) - HS

  • Why staying up-to-date with customs classification matters, see here

  • Our collection of all previous updates & quizzes on customs classification, see here

  • For customs classification training, live and on-demand, see here and here.


⇒ EU


EU TARIC updates

The EU TARIC gets updated multiple times a week, The changes should be reviewed by the customs manager to ensure that their businesses are not affected. IT content providers also require this data for their customs management solutions. The TARIC is an extensive database that consolidates all the necessary information on EU customs tariffs, commercial, and agricultural legislation. The updates are provided in Excel form, too.


⇒ UK


Latest Classification Decisions

The latest classification decisions of 2024 from the UK, updated last week. Important for any student involved in customs classification.

 


⇒ US


CROSS

CROSS was last updated Feb 1, 2024, 5:46 PM with 14 rulings, bringing the total number of searchable rulings to 213807. The most recent ruling is dated Jan 26, 2024. See here

Customs Updates

You can find all of our customs updates here:


⇒ EU


ree

Application for academic customs programmes prolonged


You can apply until mid-February for EU wide recognition of your academic customs programme.



⇒ US


2024 Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security (TFCS) Summit

The 2024 Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security (TFCS) Summit is now open for registration from March 26-28. The event will cover topics such as CTPAT, Broker Continuing Education Requirements, Combatting Illicit Opioids, Artificial Intelligence, International Affairs, Global Business Identifier, Green Trade, Supply Chain Security, E-Commerce, and Forced Labor. Find out more and register here.


Staying Up-to-Date with the Latest US Customs Decisions and Bulletins


Vol. 58, January 24, 2024, No. 03



⇒ UK


Official customs seals and trader sealing

The UK Gov. guide on how to recognise official customs seals and how authorised traders can use their own seals in place of official customs seals has been updated. You can now find out how to apply for approval to use your own seals. Read the guide.


Tariff Suspensions Document published.

The document detailing the tariff suspensions of the import duty that apply has been updated with the latest version “Suspensions of Import Duty Rates, version 2.3, dated 31st January 2024”. This is where you can find the products that can now be imported without payment of duty. If you wish to find out how you can benefit from it, please get in touch.


UK Trade Tariff updates

The most favoured nation tariff rates of the United Kingdom have been revised in "The Tariff of the United Kingdom, version 1.19, dated January 31, 2024." It specifies the applicable duty rates and commodity codes in the United Kingdom. Additionally, these "transposed" tariffs for the United Kingdom are available on Gov.uk.


UK Authorised uses:  List of eligible commodities and uses updated

The authorised used of each eligible product has been updated. Certain prodcuts which are put to specific uses could enter Great Britain without the payment of customs duty under certain conditions. A file attachment has been generated in accordance with Authorised Use: Eligible Goods and Authorised Uses, version 2.13, dated January 31st, 2024.


UK Goods imports without Import Duty payment – List Updated

There is a documents which details of the conditions in which a ‘good’ may be eligible for a relief from the standard tariff rate. The latest version has been updated. It is called “United Kingdom Customs Tariff: Reliefs from Import Duty, version 1.7, dated 31st January 2024”.

 



Customs Declarations (+ CDS) - Updates



⇒ UK


UK CDS: The end of 999L waiver code for imports - What's next?


Discover the upcoming changes in UK CDS imports! Say goodbye to the popular waiver code 999L and find out what code replace it. The new deadlines for utilising the CDS document waiver code 999L are January 20, 25 for exports and January 31, 2024 for imports. Read our report. Our Report (FREE TO READ)


UK – Ireland Customs declaration completion requirements changes for Great Britain

'Tariff Volume 3 Great Britain Supplement CDS and CHIEF' has been revised to incorporate the modifications to the Republic of Ireland to Great Britain movements, which became effective at 00:01 am on January 31, 2024. Organisations may utilise the guide as a supplementary resource when implementing the CHIEF and CDS trade tariffs for the purpose of importing and exporting commodities to and from Great Britain.


CDS For Export: Case Studies and Scenarios for filing customs declarations

In continuation of its exemplary approach to imports, the United Kingdom has developed illustrative case studies for exports, which demonstrate the use of CDS to complete customs declarations and simulate a variety of scenarios. This is an exceptionally valuable resource for anyone interested in learning how to use CDS to generate export declarations. Here you can view the case studies.


Simplified procedures exclusion list of procedure and additional procedure codes for CDS

Find out details of the procedure codes and additional procedure codes that are excluded from use with Simplified Declaration Procedure (SDP) with regular use and Entry in Declarants Records (EIDR). A note has been added covering a temporary easement for certain goods imported from the EU, permitting Entry in Declarants Records (EIDR) to be used for releasing goods at the frontier. The goods will still be subject to pre-notification requirements and documentary requirements will need to be complied with on the Supplementary Declaration. An update will be issued in due course with an end date for this easement. Read here.


CDS for export migration: Alternative arrangements

There is a new provisions for alternative arrangements for making declarations and notifications during the migration of export declarations to the Customs Declaration Service.  Read here.


CDS Changes

  • Document codes 9065 and 9066 have been added in advance of tariff measure changes on fluorinated gases.

  • Document code 901Y has also been added.

  • Document codes C092 and Y898 have been added for exports from Northern Ireland.


Court Cases & Law Updates

Please also refer to our constantly updated collection of articles, guides on this topic etc:


No Update Noted (What does this mean?)



Duty-Free (and Duty Reliefs) & Simplifications


Learn about the steps you need to follow to operate a customs warehouse while importing goods to the United Kingdom. We have recently updated the 'How to Apply' section with more detailed information on the documents you'll need to submit with your application. You can also refer to our comprehensive guides on how to apply for customs warehousing.


No Update Noted (What does this mean?)



E-Customs Updates



U.S.CBP Cargo Systems Messaging Service Notices

  • UPDATE: New Date for Post-Deployment Support Call for Automation of CBP Form 6051D for Detentions of Cargo Filed in ACE

  • Update to CATAIR Reconciliation: Entry Summary Create/Update: Added 201 and 202 Class Code

  • ...




Export Procedures Updates


"Mastering the Export Process: A Comprehensive Guide to Exporting"

Export Process Overview Start selling to international markets - blog with a video here



NEW: Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG)


⇒ EU


EU: Forced Labor in Your Supply Chain? Time To Think About How To Ensure Compliance.

How can EU businesses prepare for the upcoming EU forced labour legislation?


⇒  U.S.


CBP has published its latest update to the #UFLPA Enforcement Statistics Dashboard

Since the UFLPA entered into force in June 2021, a total of 6,702 shipments have been targeted for enforcement, totaling a value of approximately $2.4B. For December 2023, #Electronics once again accounts for 86% of shipments targeted (by value) under the UFLPA. Shipment COO is dominated by Thailand, followed by Malaysia and Vietnam. By shipment count, #Apparel, #Footwear, and #Textiles again take second place, with a near banner-month by shipment value at $4M. By value, Nicaragua and the Philippines held the highest dollar value COO for targeted shipments, an escalating trend over previous months.

In keeping with tradition, #BaseMetals maintains second ranking by shipment value ($17M), and a far third by shipment count. Notably, the statistics show a mere 7 shipments, categorized as "#Pharmaceuticals, Health and Chemicals," valued at $3.75M (roughly equaling the $4M in 138 Apparel, Footwear & Textile Shipments) were targeted for UFLPA enforcement.


Free Trade Agreement Updates

For all updates regarding this topic, please view regularly and bookmark: https://www.customsmanager.info/all-news/categories/free-trade-agreement


⇒ EU


EU-Egypt FTA : PEM convention 1

Protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, of the other part, on a Framework Agreement between the European Union and the Arab Republic of Egypt on the general principles for the participation of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Union programmes. Read here


EU-Egypt FTA : PEM convention 2

Council Decision (EU) 2024/412 of 16 January 2024 on the signing, on behalf of the Union, and provisional application of the Protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, of the other part, on a Framework Agreement between the European Union and the Arab Republic of Egypt on the general principles for the participation of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Union programmes. Read here


Who Does the EU trade with?

ree

World leader in trade in goods and services

The EU’s share in world trade in goods and services is 17%

Value in 2020: €5.33 trillion

Trade in goods: €3.65 trillion (+26% in 10 years)

Trade in services: €1.67 trillion (+50% in 10 years)

The top trading partner for 54 countries

EU’s main trading partners are:

  • China 16.1%

  • USA 15.3%

  • United Kingdom 12.2%

  • Switzerland 6.9%

  • Russia 4.8%

  • Turkey 3.6%

The 2nd largest exporter  and 3rd largest importer of goods in the world

(despite the sharp decrease caused by the COVID-19 pandemic).

Largest export partners: US: 18%; UK: 14%; China: 10%

Largest import partners: China: 22%; US: 12%; UK: 10%

Main exports products: Machinery and vehicles, other manufactured goods, chemicals



⇒ UK


UK: Access the Rules of Origin of all UK Free Trade Agreements

In order to be eligible for tariff-free trade under the UK Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), it is imperative that businesses thoroughly review and understand the specific Rules of Origin for each FTA. You can find all the necessary Rules of Origin right here.


⇒  U.S.


Free Trade Agreements of the United States

The United States has comprehensive free trade agreements in force with 20 countries. These are:

The United States has comprehensive free trade agreements in force with 20 countries. These are:

The United States has an agreement focusing on free trade in critical minerals in force with:


Import Procedure Updates


Understanding FOB and CIF Terms: Minimizing Risks and Costs in International Trade

How can you reduce risks and costs with FOB and CIF terms? Read article


Demystifying the Role of a U.S Customs Broker: Everything You Need to Know

The Role of Customs Brokers in the U.S. Supply Chain: Exploring their Importance and Functions. Read blog entry


Northern Ireland Trade Updates

For all updates regarding the Northern Ireland Protocol and the Windsor Framework, please view and bookmark: https://www.customsmanager.info/all-news/categories/northern-ireland


New Rules for IE - GB - NI Trade: What Businesses Need to Know

New rules for trade between GB - Irland and Northern Ireland kicked in on 31 January 2024. We explain...


New solution for EU-UK TRQ

A proposal outlining a new EU-UK joint solution under the Windsor Framework concerning the use of tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) by Northern Ireland enterprises was adopted by the EU Commission last week.


ree

It is a proposal to amend the "goods not at risk" provision of the Joint Committee of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement's decision that establishes the Windsor Framework's arrangements. The objective is to guarantee that businesses in Northern Ireland can utilise UK TRQs when importing various agri-food products from third nations, including livestock from New Zealand. The solution is designed to address the requirements of businesses in Northern Ireland while concurrently safeguarding the integrity of the European Union Single Market.


After extensive technical deliberations with the United Kingdom, the Commission is presently presenting a proposition to the Council. The EU and the UK are anticipated to reach a formal agreement on the solution at the subsequent meeting of the Joint Committee of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, contingent upon the Council's approval of the proposal.



Qualifiying Goods from NI to GB: Guidance updated

You may find this guide useful if you are transporting "qualifying goods" from Northern Ireland to the remainder of the United Kingdom. The guide shows the conditions that need to apply to items that are eligible for unrestricted access during a move from Northern Ireland to the remainder of the United Kingdom. An additional section concerning the creation of a goods movement reference has been appended to this guide.


Moving plants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland

Updates have been made to the guidelines that govern the transportation of plants (including seed potatoes, seed potatoes, used agricultural and forestry machinery and vehicles, and plants intended for sowing) by cultivators and merchants using a Northern Ireland plant health label (NIPHL). The section on obtaining authorization to affix plant health labels in Northern Ireland has been revised as follows: In order to transport seed potatoes from England or Wales to Northern Ireland, authorization must be obtained from the APHA. In order to transport seed potatoes from Scotland to Northern Ireland, authorization must be obtained from the Scottish Government. Read guide



Novice ("Help" I am New to Customs & Global Trade") - the column for newbies

Welcome to the customs newbies section! Our goal is to provide you with bite-sized information and updates to encourage continuous learning and spark your interest in customs and global trade. Join us and learn new things every day. Don't forget to check out our constantly updated collection of articles and guides on this topic.


Decoding Customs Jargon: Authorised Use (UK) / End Use (EU)

Demystify customs jargon one word at a time! Don't get lost in the acronyms. Our "jargon busters" explain in simple terms what important customs abbreviations and words mean.



Origin (Rules of) Updates



No Update Noted (What does this mean?)


Prohibitions & Restrictions Updates


CBP seized counterfeit earbuds

Wireless earphones with counterfeit trademarks were seized by CBP officers at the Buffalo port of entry, Lewiston warehouse. A shipment of 119 wireless earbuds was inspected by CBP. The merchandise was seized on February 1 after a thorough inspection revealed that the earbuds were counterfeit due to their configuration trademark violations. If authentic, the MSRP would be $15,350. If imported goods bear an infringing trademark or copyright registered with the USPTO or USCOP and recorded with CBP through the e-Recordation programme, CBP can detain, seize, forfeit, and destroy them. https://iprr.cbp.gov/s/. Product misclassification, false country-of-origin markings, health and safety issues, and valuation issues are other violations. Counterfeit and pirated goods threaten America's innovation economy, business competitiveness, worker livelihoods, national security, and consumer health and safety. It is illegal to import counterfeit or pirated goods, and consumers may be fined even if they did not intend to do so. CBP encourages E-Allegations for counterfeit goods illegally imported into the U.S. The E-Allegation reporting tool lets the public anonymously report suspected trade law violations related to U.S. imports to CBP.

CBP has launched an educational campaign to warn consumers about the risks of buying counterfeit and pirated goods. Learn about the Truth Behind Counterfeits campaign at www.cbp.gov/fakegoodsrealdangers.



Transit Updates

Read the collection of all articles on this topic here https://www.customsmanager.info/all-news/categories/transit


UK Transit Update

The UK will be releasing a number of NCTS5 updates in 2024.


Date of NCTS5 implementation

To give the industry more time to get ready and take advantage of the EU's extended NCTS5 delivery timeline, we announced in October 2023 that the UK would now implement NCTS5 on July 1, 2024. This update is available to read on gov.uk.


All Common Transit Convention (CTC) member nations must upgrade to NCTS5, as mandated by law, and the new system will have more features. Not all CTC member nations will be able to utilise NCTS5's new features at this time.


Now, the following enhancements won't take effect until January 22, 2025:

  • Multiple House Consignments: One declaration may contain up to 99x House Consignments, each with 999x line items.

  • The Movement Reference Number is displayed electronically (MRN)

  • Transit Accompanying Documents (TADs) can be printed and carried on paper, but the MRN can be stored electronically on a phone, tablet, or other device.

  • Incident Management Office

  • The option to report problems in real time straight into NCTS5 by reporting them to a customs office while travelling.


It will also take until January 22, 2025, for the new requirement to include Commodity Codes in transit declarations to take effect.

In our upcoming monthly updates, we will go into further detail about these topics.


What you should take away from this

As of July 1, 2024, you must begin submitting transit declarations on NCTS5. Using the free web portal offered by the Government or purchasing software. In order to submit your transit movements through the Gateway, you must ensure that your subscription is current as of July 1st. Further details are available at gov.uk.


We are assisting your software developer in getting ready for NCTS5 if you submit your transit movements using commercial software. They can provide you with information on when and how to get the new software. To become acquainted with the new features, we advise you to have your new software by the start of May.


The HMRC Trader Test environment is still available, so software developers should carry on with their work and testing in order to meet the updated implementation date.


Please keep an eye out for our upcoming February update, which will contain details on multiple-house consignments.



Tariff Quota Updates


⇒ EU


EU reaffirms trade support for Ukraine and Moldova

The Commission has today proposed to renew the suspension of import duties and quotas on Ukrainian exports to the EU for another year, while reinforcing protection for sensitive EU agricultural products. Read updates


⇒  UK


No Update Noted (What does this mean?)


⇒  U.S.


No Update Noted (What does this mean?)



UNCTAD (Global Trade Update)


Red Sea, Black Sea and Panama Canal: UNCTAD raises alarm on global trade disruptions

The organization warns that escalating attacks on ships in the Red Sea are adding strain to shipping routes already hit by conflict and climate change. Read more


Valuation (Customs)

Read the collection of all articles on this topic here https://www.customsmanager.info/all-news/categories/valuation


EU: Binding Valuation Information (BVI) - Our Briefing

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Binding Value Information (BVI)?

- Ensuring the legal certainty of accurately determining the customs value of the products.

What are the disadvantages of the BVI. But, acquiring a BVI typically requires a time frame of six months. It is incongruent with the dynamics of economic interactions. The determination of specific values by customs officials, such as pricing of commodities and transit expenses, poses a significant difficulty for BVI holders, particularly because of the current high volatility of prices. The government may use the BVI as a benchmark, below which the reported transactional values of comparable or similar products would need to be validated retrospectively and might potentially be disputed. Gain more knowledge find out what the Binding Valuation Information (BVI) and how it works and how it operates.


Veterinary Border & SPS control updates

If you are looking to stay informed about the latest developments in veterinary border and SPS controls, we have got you covered. Our collection of weekly articles is a comprehensive resource that provides in-depth coverage of veterinary controls in the EU, UK, and the US. In our articles, you can find detailed information about the latest regulations, policies, and procedures related to veterinary border and SPS controls. We cover a broad range of topics, including SPS and veterinary border and controls. Our team of experts works tirelessly to ensure that our articles are up-to-date and accurate, so you can trust the information you are reading. Whether you are a veterinarian, animal health professional, or policymaker, our collection of articles is an invaluable resource that can help you stay informed about the latest developments in veterinary border and SPS control: https://www.customsmanager.info/all-news/categories/food


Watch On Demand: The New UK Veterinary Border (Afternoon Online Conference)

The online conference discussed the preparedness of EU and UK industries and businesses for new UK SPS Veterinary Border requirements. Hear from industry, trade associations, businesses, port authorities, Border Inspection Posts and DEFRA.


SPS & Veterinary Border 

RESOURCE HUB

Guidance, Explanatory Documents, Support Tools and More for SPS and Veterinary Border Professionals: https://www.customsmanager.info/sps-veterinary-border


Press release: UK Government takes major step in improving biosecurity and preventing diseases

Our summary: The UK has introduced new border controls to prevent the import of diseases and pests from animal and plant products. These controls are part of the Border Target Operating Model, designed with traders and consumers at the forefront. The controls aim to manage the risk of diseases carried from imported products and ensure only safe, high-quality products are imported. The model will minimize burdens for traders by making smart use of data and technology. The controls are being applied on goods from Ireland for the first time, but Northern Ireland (NI) goods will benefit from full and unconditional unfettered access. The government has worked extensively with traders to ensure the new controls are clear and have ample time to prepare.

The UK government has introduced a new model for importing sanitary and phytosanitary goods, aiming to minimize costs for traders and consumers. The model categorizes animals, germinal products, products of animal origin, and animal by-products into high, medium, or low risk categories based on inherent risks to animal health, food safety, biosecurity, and public health. Controls introduced include simplified export health certificates and phytosanitary certificates for medium-risk animal products and phytosanitary goods imported from the EU, documentary checks on medium-risk goods, and pre-notification requirements for EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods entering Great Britain via West Coast ports. The UK Single Trade Window will simplify processes, reduce administrative tasks, and transform user experiences at the border. Read the press release


Guidance on Import risk categories for animals and animal products imported from the EU to the United Kingdom updated

The import rules for each category and the guidance on the import risk categories under the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) for animals or animal products imported to Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) from the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein have been revised. Some textual modifications have been implemented by DEFRA in an effort to further examine this information.A number of risk category descriptions in the risk category spreadsheet have been revised to account for the presence of multiple prospective risk categories associated with a given commodity. This is intended to facilitate comprehension of the risk categories. The risk categories are consistent across all cases.A clarification has been made to the risk category summary tables regarding fishery species that are linked to histamine. Specifically, the phrase "histamine (including scombroids)" has been replaced with "histamine (including species belonging to the families Scombridae, Clupeidae, Engraulidae, Coryfenidae, Pomatomidae, or Scombresosidae)." Read guidance 


SPS & Veterinary Border Gov.uk guides updates

The following guides provide a comprehensive overview of the SPS, import and export rules applicable in the UK. They have been updated last week to reflect the latest changes after the entry into operation of the veterinary controls in the UK.



World Customs Organisation Updates (WCO)


The World Customs Organization (WCO) is a hub of activity with regular updates, insightful reports, and informative conferences being published every week. To keep yourself abreast of the latest developments at the WCO, you can bookmark this link and visit it regularly. This will help you stay informed and up-to-date about the latest happenings in the customs world.https://www.customsmanager.info/all-news/categories/wco


 The World Customs Organization (WCO) celebrated International Customs Day 2024 in Brussels, Belgium, with its theme "Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose."

WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders emphasized the importance of the day in commemorating the establishment of the Customs Cooperation Council, which aims to advance Customs harmonization, provide guidance, and help administrations execute their functions. The theme calls for strengthening existing relationships and seeking new, diverse contacts to enhance their work and amplify its impact. The event, co-organized by Netherlands Customs, highlighted the need for collaboration with both public and private partners for trade facilitation and border security. The event featured video screenings, a tasting of Dutch specialties, and a musical combo from Dutch Customs. Read more.

World Trade Organisation (WTO)


Join Us For LIVE daily briefing sessions during the WTO Ministerial

ree

In the course of the Ministerial Meeting, Customs Manager Ltd. will offer online sessions for daily updates. Arne Mielken, the Managing Director of Customs Manager Ltd., has announced that there will be free debriefing sessions lasting thirty minutes each day during the WTO MC 13 Meeting. The purpose of these events is to provide customs managers and professionals working in global trade with information on the most recent developments and results at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). These events are now available for registration, and you may do so by visiting www.customsmanager.org/events.


EU establishes position on WTO MC 13

Council Decision (EU) 2024/444 of 29 January 2024 establishing the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union in the World Trade Organization’s 13th Ministerial Conference as regards the incorporation of the Agreement on Investment Facilitation for Development into the Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. Read here


13th WTO Ministerial Conference

ree

The WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) will take place from 26 to 29 February 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Ministers from across the world will attend to review the functioning of the multilateral trading system and to take action on the future work of the WTO.



I Have A Question Regarding These Updates, Who Can I Ask?

Please consider using the chat function on the website www.customsmanager.org to ask any questions you may have about this update. You may also e-mail info@customsmanager.org. Finally, you can join our weekly LIVE wrap-up, a 30-minute live YouTube Broadcast dedicated to reviewing the key events of this update. You can book your free slot at www.customsmanager.org/events



Upcoming Training Courses & Events


Multiple Dates

Weekly Customs & Global Trade Wrap Up

09 Feb 2024, 12:00 – 12:30 GMT

Weekly Online Wrap-Up

Are you aware of the latest changes in customs and export controls? Join us for our new weekly online call, where we review recent changes that we published in our two magazines, "The Customs Manager" and "The Export Control & Sanctions Manager". It's free for anyone to attend. Just sign up.


Multiple Dates

Weekly Lunch N Learn Session (Customs & Global Trade)

09 Feb 2024, 12:30 – 13:00

Virtual Online Training

A weekly learning opportunity on changes and updates to customs and global trade matters, diving deeper into current topics and providing insights and additional information that export, import, and customs professionals need to know to trade compliantly and save money.


Two Years Of War In Europe: What Did Sanctions Achieve? (Free Webinar)

23 Feb 2024, 11:00 – 12:00 GMT

Virtual Event using Zoom

Explore the development of EU and UK Sanctions Against Russia over the last 24 months - on the eve of the outbreak of the war in Europe.


Multiple Dates

Course: Origin of Goods & Free Trade Agreements

23 Feb 2024, 13:00 GMT – 24 Feb 2024, 17:00 GMT

Virtual Training Event

This course develops the competencies that professionals need to deal with all aspects of the origin of Goods, including how to leverage Free Trade Agreements, including how to identify the correct term and apply it in the business context (Course ID: OC7)


All courses can be booked online at:




Sources


EU

  • Official Journal of the EU

  • DG TAXUD Website

  • DG TRADE Website

  • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc).

  • Information on the National Customs Website of Member States


U.S.

  • Customs & Border Protection (CBP)

  • Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

  • Department of Commerce

  • Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC)

  • International Trade Administration

  • United Stated Internation Trade Commission

  • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc).

  • Information on the National Customs Website of Member States


UK

  • Information on gov.uk 

  • Information on legislation.gov.uk 

  • Department of Business and Trade

  • HMRC

  • DEFRA

  • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc).


Other

  • World Trade Organisation (WTO)

  • World Customs Organisation (WCO)

  • United Nations (Sanctions) - UNCTAD

  • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc).What if I have a question regarding these updates


4-In-1 Support Services: How to get more support

1. Customs & Global Trade Updates (Fee Subscription): www.customsmanager.info

2. Customs & Global Trade Consultancy & Advice (Free First Call): https://www.customsmanager.org/consultancy

3. Customs & Global Trade Training & Education: https://www.customsmanager.org/education-training

4. Compliant & efficient UK Customs Clearance: https://www.customsmanager.org/customs-agent


Connect with us on socials

X: @customsmanager


Get in Touch


About Customs Manager’s Customs & Global Trade Intelligence Services

The Premium Professional Legislative Monitoring Service (PLM) is a research and curation service which checks for legislative updates from official government websites based on the selected jurisdictions and topics. Paid Plan subscribers can access regular law change notifications to ensure they never miss a significant legal change on www.customsmanager.info – a website dedicated to customs & trade intelligence. At the same time, they save valuable time by engaging our dedicated trade specialists to carry the monitoring out for them. Premium subscribers also unlock all content on the Customs Manager’s Ltd. website, including our Customs & Trade Blog on www.customsmanager.info , providing vital thought leadership development services to empower them to trade effectively, efficiently and, of course, compliantly, across borders. Premium Subscribers can add jurisdictions and topics for an additional charge.


About Customs Manager Ltd.

We aim to empower people with import, export and transport responsibilities with helpful advice, insightful training and relevant trade intelligence services. We devote all our passion and energy to helping businesses grow faster cross-border. Working with us means having your own multilingual Customs Manager on standby to help you trade effectively, efficiently and, of course, compliantly wherever you want to go. Includes Brexit support and the ability to lodge customs declarations + Rules of Origin

Stay in Touch

· Twitter: @customsmanager


Important Notice

Customs Manager Ltd. owns the copyright in this document, except for external documents and links we refer to or make available.

You are not allowed to use this information in any way that infringes its intellectual property rights. You may have to hold a valid licence to use this information. A licence can be obtained by becoming a Paid Plan subscriber to the Customs Managers’ Customs & Trade Intelligence service, also known as Professional Legislative Monitoring (PLM). As a Paid Plan subscriber, you may download and print this information which you may then use, copy or reproduce for your internal non-profit-making purposes.

However, you are not permitted to use, copy or reproduce this information to profit or gain.

In addition, you must not sell or distribute this information to third parties, not members of your organisation, whether for monetary payment or otherwise.

This information is intended to serve as general guidance and not constitute legal advice. The application and impact of laws can vary widely based on the specific facts involved. This information should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional legal or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking action, consult a Customs Manager Ltd. professional.

In no circumstances will Customs Manager Ltd be liable for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information contained within this document or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.



Comments

Terms of Website Use

Cookie policy

Privacy policy

© 2025 by Customs Manager Ltd.

bottom of page