Customs and trade - February 2026 highlights

US Supreme Court strikes down IEEPA tariffs. 
The US Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration exceeded its authority when imposing broad-based tariffs, directly impacting the EU-US trade framework negotiated at Turnberry.

Belgium and the exit of goods from the EU customs territory. 
Belgium has consolidated and modernized the national guidance on the exit of goods from the EU customs territory in Circular 2026/C/23 which is fully aligned with the Union Customs Code (UCC). 

EU-Mercosur agreement. 
After signing the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA) and interim Trade Agreement (iTA), the European Parliament voted to refer the agreements to the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) for a legal review, delaying ratification by an estimated 12-18 months.

A landmark free trade agreement (FTA) for the EU and India. 
Creating a unified market of approximately two billion people, the recently signed free trade agreement between the EU and India eliminates or reduces tariffs on 96.6% of EU goods exported to India.

Statistical data in customs valuations for the EU. 
The CJEU clarified when customs may use statistical pricing thresholds to challenge declared customs values. This remains a measure of last resort.

Post-release addition of tariff quote numbers is not allowed. 
The General Court ruled that importers aren’t permitted to amend previously submitted customs declarations to add tariff quota numbers after the fact.

Updated overview of the EU’s FTAs and Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). 
Reflecting recent developments and agreements around the world, the European Commission published an updated overview of the EU’s FTAs and EPAs.