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🔒 U.S.-EU trade just changed. Find out which EU products now get zero or reduced tariffs—and what it means for your imports.

🔒 Tech Prosperity Deal | Section 232 Auto Tariffs | FDA Import Alerts | HTS & AD/CVD Shake-Up Edition 30 - Week 39/2025 Period Covered: 15 September 2025 – 22 September 2025 Published: 22 September 2025 Here is what we cover in this edition of The Customs Watch USA:

🔒 US-EU Deal Implementation SPECIAL REPORT | Trump New Tariffs on Pharmaceuticals, Furniture, and Cabinetry 301 | Tariffs Upheld | New 232 Probes | Silicon Metal AD Duties | ACE Modernization | Forced Labor WRO Edition 31 - Week 40/2025 Period Covered: 22 September 2025 – 29 September 2025 Published: 29 September 2025 Here is what we cover in this edition of The Customs Watch USA:

🔓 Pro Plan Subscribers get faster legal insights, save time, cut costs, and stay compliant. Discover how to get the most from your Premium plan. Pro Plan Subscribers stay consistently informed. They grasp legal updates faster, save money, stay compliant, and make sharper decisions. The Pro Plan is built for professionals serious about keeping up to dat e. Our Trade Intelligence Service: Comprehensive, Concise, and Expertly Curated At Customs Manager , we monitor global trade regulations so you don’t have to. By subscribing to our Pro Plan , you get access to our flagship Trade Intelligence Service , which includes up to three weekly publications that distil the most critical updates from multiple sources. No more spending hours searching for updates or deciphering legal jargon—our team of experts does it all for you. Here’s a look at the key resources included in your Pro Plan : 1. The Customs Watch Stay ahead of changing customs policies with The Customs Watch —available in two editions: The must-read magazine for customs professionals in the EU & UK The Customs Watch EU & UK : Published every Tuesday at 10 am (London Time). The Customs Watch USA : Published every Monday at 10 am (EST). These weekly updates bring you all the crucial information you need to ensure compliance with customs regulations. From Brexit  changes to Trump Tariffs , CBAM , and Customs Valuation , we summarise it all for you in a single, expertly curated document. You can rely on these updates to keep you informed and allow you to make quick decisions. Top Tip: Block 15 Minutes in your diary every week at these times to review the content of your weekly Magazine! You will be up to date with the latest in NO TIME - certainly ahead of everyone else. Key Benefits : Consolidated Updates : All critical customs information in one place with official links. Time-Saving : Review updates in minutes rather than hours of research. Compliance-Focused : Stay ahead of changes and avoid regulatory surprises. Find out more about The Customs Watch Find out more bout The Customs Watch USA . 2. The Export Control & Sanctions Watch Export controls and sanctions regulations constantly evolve, with weekly updates emerging . With The Export Control & Sanctions Watch , you’ll receive actionable updates on topics like Export Controls , Sanction s Enforcement , AML , and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act . Stay informed about new export restrictions and compliance obligations that could impact your operations. Key Benefits : Global Coverage : Stay up to date on export controls  and sanctions  developments from multiple jurisdictions. Expert Analysis : Access in-depth explanations of changes, including practical guidance on compliance. Timely Delivery : Receive weekly updates every Friday at 10 am (London time). Find out more about the Export Control & Sanctions Watch 3. Content Library Your Pro Plan  also includes access to Content Library , where you’ll find an extensive collection of essential resources and documents: Government Documents : Official laws, FAQs, and regulations, logically organised by jurisdiction. Content Library : With over 1500+ blog entries, how-to guides, and FAQs, the library is constantly updated to ensure that you have access to the latest information on customs , export controls , and sanctions . To get started with your Pro Plan e-mail: Info@customsmanager.org   4. Discounts on Training & Consulting Being a Premium Member  also gives you exclusive discounts on training courses , consulting , and customs clearance services . Whether you’re looking to enhance your team’s skills or streamline your operations, the savings can easily offset the cost of your subscription. Key Benefits : 10% Off Training Courses 10% Off On-Demand Courses 10% Off Consulting Fees To get started with your Pro Plan e-mail: Info@customsmanager.org Conclusion: Are You Ready for the Changes Ahead? It is certain: The pace of change in global trade will only increase. To stay ahead, it’s crucial to equip yourself with the tools and resources that make compliance easier and more manageable. With the Premium Plan , you’re not just staying informed—you’re positioning yourself as a leader in the ever-changing world of customs , export controls , and sanctions . Are you ready to take control and stay ahead of the curve? Next Steps To get started with your Pro Plan, e-mail: Info@customsmanager.org

🔓 Our PRO Plan delivers real expertise, updates, and tools to keep your business compliant to customs, export control, and sanctions rules. The Problem Importing and exporting companies face constant regulatory pressure. Customs, export control, and sanctions rules change constantly. Missing a key update can result in fines, shipment delays, or legal exposure. Why Free Fixes Don’t Work Many professionals turn to free newsletters, marketing emails, or online alerts. The reality: These sources are incomplete, often biased, and can be outdated. They give a false sense of security and don’t cover everything your business needs to stay compliant. For busy customs, export control, and sanctions professionals, relying on these free fixes is simply not enough. Time Drain Once an important, relevant update is identified, customs professional start researching and investing time to find official sources and to get to grips with the update. But researching regulatory updates is a major time drain , and for busy customs, export control, and sanctions professionals, time is the one resource they can’t afford to waste . Understanding and often legal update and being able to quickly evaluate the relevance and impact for one's business is another major headache - eating up time. As a result, more and more professionals are looking for something better, faster yet professional and complete. Why the PRO Plan Works The PRO Plan is designed for professionals serious about compliance, who want to stay always in the know and protect their business. It is part of the Trade Intelligence service offered by Customs Manager Ltd and delivered t hrough e-mails and blog entries through our own dedicated web platform at www.customsmanager.info The PRO Plan offers a smarter solution than anything else on the market. Every update is reviewed by Mr. Arne Mielken, CEO of Customs Manager Ltd and a customs and global trade professional with over 20 years of experience, who serves as Editor-in-Chief. This is a real person—not an AI assistant or bot—who understands the daily challenges customs, export control, and sanctions professionals face. We track all updates each week and present them in a format that can be scanned in just 15 minutes, highlighting relevance and impact. Every update includes an executive summary and direct links to legislation, guidance, and additional resources. Each item is vetted for accuracy, relevance, and practical application—ensuring your business receives trustworthy, actionable information with direct links to the original sources. Get started by e-mailing us at info@customsmanager.org to get more information on the Pro Plan. How the PRO Plan Enhances Your Company’s Compliance Expert Insights:  Trade intelligence and practical guidance for customs, export controls, and sanctions. Timely Updates:  Weekly magazines, webinars, and live meet-ups ensure your team stays current on regulatory changes. Exclusive Resources:   The Customs Watch  and The Export Control & Sanctions Watch  summarize critical weekly updates. Knowledge Hub:  Over 1,200 articles provide guidance on regulations, procedures, and compliance strategies. Training & Networking:  Participate in webinars, live sessions, and meet-ups at no or reduced extra cost. Member Discounts:  Access reduced rates for consultancies, training, and customs services, allowing you to recover the costs of the Pro Plan quickly. Boost Your Professional and Business Capabilities PRO Plan members get priority access to events, early notifications about tools and meet-ups, and career development opportunities. This ensures your team can act proactively and maintain full compliance. Stay Compliant, Stay Ahead The PRO Plan ensures your company always has accurate, actionable information. From weekly updates to expert advice, it helps your business avoid regulatory pitfalls and maintain smooth operations. Conclusion The PRO Plan is the ultimate resource for companies serious about compliance. With real expertise, curated updates, and practical tools, it keeps your business safe and your team informed. Next Steps Get more information by emailing info@customsmanager.org and book a free conversation on our Trade Intelligence Service and how we can help you stay compliant.

🔒Discover how a sophisticated VAT carousel fraud led to a massive €93 million loss across the EU, targeting the trade of consumer electronics.

🔒 Rules of Origin Explained: The Complete Guide to Reading, Understanding & Using RoO in Any Free Trade Agreement (FTA) By Arne Mielken, Managing Director of Customs Manager Ltd Whether you're navigating the EU–UK TCA, EU–Japan EPA, UK–Singapore FTA, or USMCA — understanding how to read and apply Rules of Origin  (RoO) correctly is mission-critical. This guide shows you how to decode, interpret, and apply any FTA’s RoO, ensuring full compliance and maximizing preferential duty savings. 📚 Table of Contents Introduction: What Are Rules of Origin? When and Why You Need to Read the Rules Find the Right Section: Where Are RoO Located in FTAs? Understand Key Definitions How to Classify Your Product First Step 1: Determine Wholly Obtained vs. Sufficiently Processed Step 2: Identify Product-Specific Rules (PSRs) Step 3: Apply the Correct Rule Type Step 4: Use Tolerance Rules Correctly Step 5: Handle Accessories, Spare Parts & Packaging Neutral Elements: What’s Excluded from Origin Calculations Understand Cumulation: Combining Origin across Countries How Inward Processing, Duty Drawback, and Non-Manipulation Affect Origin Using Fungible Materials and Accounting Segregation The Principle of Territoriality Explained Rules That Apply Only to Imports Rules That Apply Only to Exports Proving Origin: Acceptable Documentation Split Consignments and Large Machinery Imports How to Get an Official Origin Ruling (BOI) Now, here's the full guide content , starting with:

🔒 Unlock 10 practical steps, in the right order, to fully prepare for EUDR by 30 Dec 2026—don’t risk being caught off guard! Even with a potential delay, customs professionals must prepare for enforcement. The EUDR requires that importers demonstrate deforestation-free sourcing  for commodities including: Palm oil Soy Cocoa Coffee Timber Beef Rubber Derivatives  are also included. Non-compliance can result in shipments being blocked at the border , causing operational, legal, and reputational consequences. Key Compliance Requirements Customs officers should be aware that importers must conduct robust due diligence: Traceability:  Identify the origin of goods and all suppliers. Risk Assessment:  Evaluate deforestation or land degradation risks. Mitigation:  Document measures to reduce identified risks. Geolocation:  Provide precise land coordinates, verified via satellite imagery or on-site checks. Importers must submit a formal due diligence declaration  to EU authorities prior to clearance. Customs may request these records during inspections, audits, or routine enforcement. EUDR Operational Checklist for Customs Professionals 1. Verify Importer Registration Confirm the importer is registered as an economic operator in the EUDR system. Note potential delays if the IT system is not fully operational. Flag incomplete registrations for follow-up once the system is fully functional. 2. Commodity Scope Verification Confirm the shipment falls under EUDR coverage: Palm oil, soy, cocoa, coffee, timber, beef, rubber. Derivatives of the above commodities. Flag mixed or processed products for additional checks. 3. Identify Your Role in the Supply Chain Determine whether you are an operator, a trader, or another actor. Understand that upstream operators carry heavier compliance obligations; downstream traders have lighter duties.

🔒 EU and Indonesia Conclude Free Trade Agreement Negotiations: Implications for Customs and Trade

🔓 Stay ahead of global trade changes. Explore WTO 2026 priorities, impacts on customs, digital trade, sustainability, and compliance. The World Trade Organization (WTO)  is the primary international body governing global trade. It provides a framework for negotiating trade agreements, resolving disputes, and monitoring trade policies. Key features include the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) , which sets rules for trade in goods; the WTO Valuation Agreement , which ensures uniform customs valuation practices; and the Agreement on Rules of Origin , which defines the criteria for determining the origin of goods. Together, these agreements aim to promote transparency, predictability, and fairness in global trade. As the WTO heads toward its 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in March 2026, the global trade landscape is facing both challenges and opportunities. With rising protectionism, climate concerns, and digital transformation reshaping markets, the WTO’s role as a multilateral forum has never been more critical. Here’s a look at the key priorities and what businesses and policymakers can expect. Why This Matters to Customs Professionals For customs and trade compliance professionals, WTO developments are directly relevant. Rules on valuation, origin, and trade agreements affect duties, documentation requirements, and risk assessment. Changes in dispute settlement, digital trade rules, or sustainability-related regulations can have operational impacts on import/export procedures, audit readiness, and supply chain management. Staying informed ensures compliance and avoids costly penalties or delays. 1. Reforming the Dispute Settlement System The WTO’s dispute settlement system has been hampered since 2019 when the Appellate Body became non-functional due to a lack of quorum. Resolving trade conflicts efficiently is essential for global stability. In 2026, we can expect continued negotiations to restore and reform the system, potentially introducing new mechanisms to prevent long delays and ensure disputes are resolved fairly and transparently. 2. E-Commerce and Digital Trade Digital trade continues to grow at an unprecedented pace. The WTO has extended the moratorium on e-commerce duties until 2026, giving members time to shape rules that govern digital goods and services. Expect discussions on integrating digital trade into the multilateral framework, balancing innovation with consumer protection, data governance, and fair competition. Companies operating online or in cross-border digital markets will need to watch these developments closely. 3. Fisheries Subsidies and Environmental Sustainability Environmental considerations are now central to trade policy. The WTO’s Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, effective September 2025, sets limits on subsidies that contribute to overfishing. In 2026, the WTO will focus on implementing and monitoring compliance, signaling a broader trend of embedding sustainability into trade rules. Businesses in fisheries and related sectors should prepare for stricter reporting and due diligence requirements. 4. Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) China’s decision to forgo seeking SDT benefits in future WTO negotiations marks a historic shift. SDT provisions have traditionally allowed developing countries greater flexibility in trade commitments. This move will likely spark a broader reevaluation of how SDT is applied to major economies, reshaping negotiations and potentially impacting developing countries that rely on these provisions. 5. Trade Forecast and Policy Uncertainty The WTO has lowered its 2026 global trade growth forecast to 1.8%, down from 2.5%, reflecting rising uncertainty. Protectionist measures, geopolitical tensions, and uneven recovery from economic shocks are all influencing trade flows. Businesses and policymakers should anticipate volatility and plan strategies that are resilient to policy shifts and market disruptions. Consultancy and Support on WTO and Global Trade Matters At Customs Manager Ltd, we provide expert consultancy and strategic advice on all WTO and global trade matters. Changes in WTO trade policy—whether on tariffs, subsidies, or dispute settlement—can directly affect a company’s costs, supply chain, and market access. We help businesses interpret these rules, assess their impact, and implement compliant and efficient trade strategies. Our support ensures you remain fully informed and operationally ready in an evolving global trade environment. WTO Training and Technical Expertise We offer comprehensive training on WTO-related topics, including customs valuation, rules of origin, classification, and the effective use of free trade agreements. Our courses cover both the regulatory framework and practical application, equipping your teams with the knowledge to manage compliance confidently. From understanding preferential trade benefits to applying complex origin rules, our tailored sessions make these technical areas clear, actionable, and directly relevant to your operations. Trade Intelligence and Weekly Updates Customs Manager Ltd provides regular trade intelligence, monitoring developments at the WTO and global trade policy level. Our weekly updates summarize critical news, regulatory changes, and emerging trends so you don’t have to track them yourself. This keeps your team ahead of potential impacts on supply chains, market access, and compliance obligations, allowing you to make informed decisions quickly and strategically. Conclusion The WTO in 2026 faces a pivotal moment. Rebuilding its dispute settlement system, addressing digital trade, enforcing sustainability measures, and recalibrating SDT are all critical for maintaining a stable and predictable global trade environment. For customs and trade compliance professionals, understanding these developments is essential to ensure operational readiness, compliance, and strategic planning.

🔓 EU may delay EUDR to Dec 2026 due to IT challenges. Prepare now to ensure smooth compliance and avoid border disruptions. The European Commission is considering a one-year delay  to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which was already postponed from 2024 to December 2025. This follows the conclusion of trade negotiations with Indonesia , the world’s largest exporter of palm oil—a commodity historically linked to deforestation. EUDR Delay EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall  has highlighted operational challenges in implementing the EUDR, particularly the IT system  that will manage compliance data for all covered products. In a letter to the European Parliament and the Danish Presidency, she detailed that the system is intended to support transactions initiated by economic operators both upstream and downstream, inside and outside the EU .

🔒EU tightens sanctions on Russia, targeting energy, finance, and tech. What businesses must know to stay compliant and manage risk. The EU’s 19th sanctions package ramps up pressure on Russia, targeting energy, finance, technology, and human rights abuses. Businesses must navigate transaction bans, export controls, and supply chain restrictions. Compliance, risk management, and strategic adjustments are critical to avoid penalties, protect operations, and adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape. Official Statement 1