The Customs Watch EU&UK: Edition 34

Arne Mielken
Sep 29, 2025
2 min read

Edition 34 - Week 40/2025

Period Covered: 23 September 2025 – 29 September 2025

Published: 30 September 2025

Colleagues,

The past week brought major trade and customs developments across the EU and UK, with important implications for businesses navigating compliance and market access.

U.S. CBP and USTR implemented the U.S.–EU Framework Agreement, revising HTSUS codes, refund rules, and Section 232 tariffs on autos, aircraft, and pharmaceuticals. We have a special report and invite you to an exclusive briefing for PRO subscribers.
In the second special report, we look at the EU Commission’s proposal to delay the entry into force of EUDR to 30 December 2026.
In a third special report, we look at the implementation of the EU’s VAT plans.
The EU and Indonesia concluded their CEPA and Investment Protection Agreement, while the EU–UAE FTA held its second negotiation round, and the EU–Moldova Association Committee adopted new tariff duty cuts and TRQ amendments.
The EU approved the CBAM simplifications. We analyse and provide a massive CBAM update – including a “90 Day to CBAM Definite Period Countdown Note” + meet us for a live CBAM update this Thursday to analyse the CBAM simplification.
The UK TRA proposed extending ADD on ironing boards from China, while the EU imposed definitive ADD on glyoxylic acid from China and confirmed hot-rolled steel measures on Egypt, Japan, and Vietnam.
HMRC issued key Customs Declaration Service (CDS) updates, including fresh guidance on DE 2/3 codes (Union & National), country and currency codes, VAT valuation rules, and special Freeport/damaged goods valuation procedures. There is also a new guide “Help with Freeports”.
Tariff changes included a UK MFN duty reduction for preserved sweetcorn (2005590000), new commodity code alignments with the EU, an SPV update for fruit and vegetables, corrections to tariff suspensions and Russian import controls, and reinstatement of excise duties on certain beverages.
The HSE expanded the PIC export control list on dangerous chemicals, adding over 100 commodity codes, further tightening compliance obligations.
Finally, the Council approved Moldova and Montenegro’s accession to the transit and trade facilitation conventions, strengthening regional integration and alignment with EU customs frameworks.