Trade and customs activities around the world are impacting the EU. From EU sanctions against Russia to China’s rare earth export controls, here are the highlights for this month.
EU’s 19th Russia sanctions package: EU widens Russia measures across energy, maritime, finance and tech — including LNG phase‑outs, vessel blacklists, tighter export controls and new reporting — raising compliance stakes across the supply chain.
Zero excise for unsweetened plant-based drinks: Belgium to zero-rate excise on unsweetened plant-based drinks, creating immediate SKU cost relief and incentives to reformulate to no‑added‑sugar.
Conflict minerals: The EU recognises the responsible minerals assurance process (RMAP) for smelters/refiners. While this is auseful assurance pathway, downstream importers must still complete full OECD‑aligned due diligence.
Origin rules and the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) on substantial transformation: CJEU narrows non‑preferential origin via substantial transformation to state that processing alone may not change origin, intensifying documentation needs.
EU steel controls proposal: EU steel proposal cuts quotas, hikes out‑of‑quota duties and mandates ‘melt and pour’ traceability to reshape sourcing, pricing and timelines.
China’s rare earth export controls: China’s rare earth controls now reach foreign-made items and processes, expanding licensing, traceability and lead‑time risks globally.
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