Canada's Prime Minister Carney announces new Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations
Canada’s new government is forging a new economic and security relationship with the United States. Prime Minister Carney has secured the best deal of any major U.S. trading partner – 85% of our trade with the United States remains tariff-free, the lowest average tariff rate in the world. As Canada approaches the Joint Review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), our aim is to preserve that unique Canadian advantage and to build on it. To that end, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, today announced the creation of the new Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations. The committee will serve as a forum for expertise and strategy on all aspects of the Canada-U.S. economic relationship.
The Advisory Committee will include leaders from major sectors of the Canadian economy, representing extensive experience in business, investment, trade, and labour. It will be chaired by the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy, Dominic LeBlanc.
The Advisory Committee will hold its first meeting on April 27, 2026.
EU publishes guidance on AEOs on reporting suspicious activities in the supply chain
The European Commission has published guidance on cooperation between customs authorities and authorised business operators (AEOs) to better detect, report and counter suspicious activities in the supply chain. The document highlights that the abuse of legitimate trade and the infiltration of logistics chains by organised crime are a growing phenomenon and that an effective response requires enhanced public-private cooperation. The guidance indicates that AEOs and other logistics operators have key operational expertise that can help customs authorities identify anomalies such as unauthorised cargo manipulation, suspicious behaviour of people on terminal premises, security breaches, anomalies in transport routes or attempts by unauthorised persons. The document contains a sample catalogue of red flags, m.in. unauthorized access, damaged seals, unusual container movements, suspicious transactions or sudden changes in employee behaviour. The Commission recalls that AEOs are already obliged to have procedures for detecting and reporting irregularities (Article 25 UCC IA), and the new guidelines encourage the expansion of cooperation, including: prompt reporting of suspicious events, sharing additional data (e.g. monitoring, smart seal signals, loading plans), use of secure communication channels, use of anonymous whistleblowing channels, participation in training and risk awareness activities. The document emphasizes that this cooperation is voluntary, not legally binding, but is the foundation for future regulations as part of the reform of the EU Customs Code (UCC). The aim is to create a coherent, two-way information exchange system that will make supply chains more resilient to criminal infiltration and improve trade security.
EU considers the situation in the Middle East to be an exceptional market event
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/889 on the recognition of the situation in the Middle East as of 28 February 2026 as an exceptional event causing significant market disturbances has been published. This decision is a formal confirmation that the escalation of the geopolitical situation in the region has triggered systemic disruptions affecting the functioning of EU markets. The recognition of an "exceptional event" allows the Commission and Member States to apply emergency measures, including more flexible rules in sectoral regulatory areas, as well as to activate crisis response instruments. The Decision aims to limit the effects of market destabilisation, in particular in sectors most exposed to price volatility, supply disruptions and disruptions of value chains. The Commission underlines that these measures are temporary and will be applied in proportion to the scale of the disruption. The Decision enters into force on 18 April 2026 and is directly applicable in all Member States.
EU updates the data on the trusted lists of the Member States
Information on the data included in the trusted lists of the Member States, reported on the basis of Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/1505, as amended by Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/2164, has been published. The trusted lists contain information on qualified trust service providers and the qualified services they provide, in accordance with the eIDAS Regulation. The 2025 amendment updates the technical basis of trusted lists by implementing a new version of the ETSI TS 119 612 v2.4.1 standard, allowing for the inclusion of new qualified trust services, such as: remote management of signature and sealing devices, qualified attribute credentials, qualified electronic archiving services or electronic registers. The new version of the standard also introduces changes to the format of signatures and seals used to sign national trusted lists. The information confirms that Member States are obliged to update and publish their trusted lists in accordance with the new technical specifications, and the Commission provides a consolidated List of Trusted Lists (LOTL), which is a reference point for the validation of trust services in the EU.
EP supports the extension of the road charging reductions for zero-emission vehicles
The European Parliament legislative resolution on the proposal for a directive amending Directive 1999/62/EC as regards the extension of the period during which zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles can benefit from significantly reduced infrastructure charging rates or exemptions from them has been published. The European Parliament adopted its position at first reading, fully supporting the Commission's proposal. The amendment allows member states to continue to apply reduced rates or exemptions from road charges for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles until 30 June 2031. The aim is to increase the competitiveness of low-emission transport, reduce operating costs for hauliers investing in electric and hydrogen vehicles, and support the achievement of the 43% CO₂ emissions reduction target by 2030 for the heavy-duty vehicle sector. The resolution was adopted under the ordinary legislative procedure and constitutes Parliament's position at first reading.
EU publishes a model certificate of origin for Mercosur quotas
European Commission Notice 2026/875 to the Interim Agreement on Trade between the European Union and Mercosur has been published. The document concerns the rules for the use of the "origin certificate" as the EU-recognised statement on the origin of products imported under preferential tariff rate quotas. The notification covers all products imported from Mercosur countries that benefit from tariff preferences under the Agreement. For a period of up to three years from the entry into force of the Agreement, the EU also considers an official certificate of origin issued by the competent authorities of Mercosur as a declaration of origin. This period can be extended by a maximum of two years. The purpose of the publication is to ensure the uniform application of the rules of origin and to enable EU customs authorities to verify entitlements to preferential treatment. The notification contains a full model certificate of origin, including, m.in, the data of the exporter, importer, consignee, tariff position, description of goods, weight, origin criteria and fields for the certificate of the issuing authority. The notification applies from 17 April 2026 and is valid from the entry into force of the EU-Mercosur Interim Agreement.
EU publishes a model certificate of authorisation for tariff rate quotas in trade with Mercosur
European Commission Notice 2026/874 on the model official document used for the export of goods under the tariff rate quotas provided for in the Interim Agreement on trade between the European Union and Mercosur has been published. This includes all products exported from Mercosur to the EU under tariff rate quotas for which an official certificate confirming eligibility for preferential treatment is required. The document is procedural in nature and specifies a uniform model "MERCOSUR Quota Authorization Certificate". The purpose of the publication is to ensure the uniform application of tariff rate quotas and to enable EU customs authorities to verify documents of origin and preference entitlements. The notification presents the full model of the certificate, including fields concerning the exporter, importer, issuing authority, tariff position, description of the goods, weight and security features (signature, digital signature). The notification applies from 17 April 2026 and is valid from the entry into force of the EU-Mercosur Interim Agreement.
EU Commission welcomes political agreement on new EU steel measure
The new measure will protect the sector from rising global overcapacity, support strategic autonomy, and enhance transparency through a “melt and pour” requirement. Additionally it sets tariff-free quotas at 18.3 million tonnes per year, with an out-of-quota duty set at 50% for 30 categories of steel products imported into the EU. Formal adoption is expected ahead of entry into force on 1 July 2026, alongside our continued efforts with global partners to address steel overcapacity.
The end of the era of the lowest price? New EU priorities in public procurement
The published European Parliament Resolution C/2026/1470 highlights the need for a deep modernisation of the public procurement system in the EU. Parliament points out that the dominance of the lowest price criterion leads to a reduction in quality, limits innovation and hinders the achievement of environmental and social objectives. The resolution stresses the need to apply the criterion of the best value for money, greater transparency of procedures, facilitation for SMEs and greater consideration of sustainability aspects, including climate requirements and accessibility. The document also refers to the latest CJEU case law on the participation of non-EU contractors and calls for the simplification of the legal framework and the digitalisation of tender processes.
EU: The price of the first CBAM certificate is now available
The European Commission has published on its new, dedicated CBAM website the first price (€75.36) of CBAM certificates for the first quarter of 2026, which is an important milestone in the CBAM implementation process. The prices of CBAM certificates for 2026 will be set on a quarterly basis. Therefore, in 2026 there will be four prices (one per quarter). Each price will only apply to emissions related to CBAM goods imported into the Union in the quarter concerned. While authorised CBAM notifiers will only start purchasing CBAM certificates from February 2027 (covering their imports in 2026), the Commission will start calculating and publishing four quarterly prices as early as 2026. This early publication aims to increase transparency, keep stakeholders up-to-date, and reduce the risk of inconsistent or unofficial price estimates circulating in the market.
EU seals steel protection measures: changes in rebar quotas
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/846 of 9 April 2026 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/159 imposing definitive safeguard measures on imports of certain steel products has been published. The Regulation creates the new TARIC codes listed in Annex I to this Regulation. The Commission is thus responding to the unusual import flows of rebar that have started to arrive in the EU not only under the relevant quota (category 13) but also under a different tariff code in category 12 since 2025, following a slight change in chemical composition. This phenomenon disrupts traditional trade flows and leads to the circumvention of existing quotas, which is why the regulation adapts the backstop to restore its effectiveness. The regulation enters into force on 11 April 2026 and is directly applicable in all Member States.
US is radically tightening tariffs on steel, aluminum and copper – new rules from April 6, 2026
On April 2, 2026, the administration of President Donald J. Trump announced a comprehensive tightening of tariffs on imports of steel, aluminum and copper, based on Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. The new measures are intended to strengthen the domestic metals industry, reduce circumvention of existing tariffs and increase the economic resilience of the United States. Key elements of the announced actions: (1) Customs duties charged on the full customs value of the product. The presidential proclamation introduces the principle that tariffs will be calculated on the full customs value of the entire product, not just the value of the metal it contains. This is to close the loopholes exploited by importers. (2) Increased duty rates: 50% – on most steel, aluminium and copper products and some derived products; 25% – on selected copper products and some products derived from steel and aluminium; 10% – for products made entirely of metals from the USA. UK Preferences – reduced rates (25% or 15%) for products whose metal was smelted/cast in the UK. (3) End of existing exclusion procedures. The administration has completed the derivatives exemption process and introduced a new mechanism: The Secretary of Commerce and the USTR can add more products to the tariff list if their imports threaten national security or circumvent existing tariffs. (4) Changes to the scope of tariff products. Some derived products are excluded from customs duties (Annex II). Other – added or subject to higher rates (Annex I-A, I-B, III). Note: Products from Russia are still subject to 200% duty. The new tariffs are effective from 6 April 2026. Some of the transitional rates (e.g. 15%) are valid until the end of 2027.
Europe must become independent from China – a key resolution on raw materials
The European Parliament adopted resolution P10_TA(2025)0166 on countering China's restrictions on exports of critical raw materials, including rare earths. MEPs point out that China's restrictions – including export licences, technology controls and restrictions on products containing Chinese components, for m.in part – pose a serious threat to the EU's strategic supply chains. The resolution stresses the need to: (1) fully implement the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) and the Net-Zero Industry Act in order to increase Europe's mining and processing capacity; (2) diversification of imports through strategic partnerships with third countries; (3) monitoring and responding to Chinese measures in the WTO, including actions similar to previous rare earth disputes; (4) coordinating actions in the run-up to the EU-China Summit, stressing the need for a coherent Union position. The resolution sends a strong political signal that the EU cannot remain dependent on a single supplier for key raw materials for the energy and technological transition.
EU is simplifying support for sustainable transport
The European Commission has adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/562, which declares selected categories of state aid in the rail, inland waterway and multimodal transport sectors compatible with the internal market. The new rules – based on Articles 93, 107 and 108 TFEU (Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union) – significantly simplify the rules for granting public support, allowing Member States to implement certain forms of aid without the need to notify the Commission in advance. The regulation supports the EU's climate objectives, including the green and digital transitions of transport, and promotes the shift of transport from road to more sustainable modes of transport. It includes, m.in, infrastructure investments, the development of interoperability, the launch of new rail and inland waterway services, and compensation for the provision of public services. Support can also be targeted at SMEs, making it easier for them to enter the sustainable transport market. The regulation enters into force on 30 March 2026 and is directly applicable in all Member States.
New EU guidelines for public aid for land and multimodal transport
The European Commission has published new Guidelines on State aid for land and multimodal transport (C/2026/1645), which replace the existing rules from 2008 and adapt the state aid framework to today's challenges – in particular the green transition, digitalisation and the development of interoperability. The guidelines specify the conditions under which Member States can provide support for infrastructure investments, the launch of new services, compensation for the provision of public services and measures to reduce the external costs of transport. The document covers rail, inland waterway transport and multimodal transport, highlighting the need to shift transport from road to more sustainable modes of transport. The guidelines harmonise the rules on the compatibility of aid with the internal market, introduce greater transparency, facilitate access to finance for SMEs and take into account new technologies, including digital traffic management systems and safety solutions.
EU is strengthening consumer protection in online trade
The European Parliament adopted a resolution P10_TA(2025)0154, which calls for a strong strengthening of the security of products sold online and stricter requirements for goods imported from outside the EU. The resolution draws attention to the growing risks associated with e-commerce and the influx of non-compliant products from outside the EU. MEPs point out that the dynamic development of e-commerce requires modern supervisory tools, greater accountability of platforms and more effective cooperation between customs authorities. The document highlights m.in: (1) the need for products sold online to fully comply with EU law, including safety and labelling rules; (2) greater accountability of e-commerce platforms for removing unsafe products and verifying sellers; (3) the use of new digital tools for import control and risk identification; (4) strengthening consumer protection, in particular for high-risk products. The resolution also refers to new pieces of legislation, such as the ban on products made from forced labour (EU 2024/3015) and the Due Diligence Directive (EU 2024/1760), stressing the need for their effective enforcement in online commerce.
EU Commission takes preparatory steps on financial support for Ukraine and boosting drone production
The Commission proposes the Council to adopt a decision setting out the provision of €45 billion to Ukraine by 31 December 2026. Following its adoption, the Commission will proceed as soon as possible with the first disbursement to Ukraine.
New rules for importing natural gas into the EU
From 18 March 2026, the new obligations resulting from Regulation (EU) 2026/261 of the European Parliament and of the Council (the so-called REPowerEU Regulation) began to apply. The regulations concern the gradual phasing out of natural gas imports from Russia and the monitoring of the energy dependencies of the European Union (EU). The rules cover natural gas: both LNG (CN 2711 11 00) and natural gas in gaseous state (CN 2711 21 00), including those transported by pipeline. Imports of Russian gas to the EU will only be possible on the basis of temporary authorisations for natural gas supply contracts concluded before 17 June 2025. A system of prior authorisations for imports of natural gas produced in third countries other than Russia is introduced, with the exception of selected countries indicated by the European Commission.
EU maintains suspension of retaliatory tariffs against the US – new Commission notice
European Commission Notice PUB/2026/253 concerns the suspension of the application of the additional EU retaliatory duty imposed on the United States in connection with the so-called CDSOA (Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act). The Commission notes that in the last year for which data is available, the total amount of payments made by the US from anti-dumping and countervailing duties collected on imports from the EU was less than USD 30 000. According to Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2018/196, if US payments are less than USD 30 000, the EU does not apply an additional retaliatory duty.
EU is tightening its rules on mercury
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/55 of 17 December 2025 updates the list of mercury-containing products whose production, import and export are prohibited in the European Union. The aim of the amendments is to further reduce the use of mercury in line with the EU's strategy and obligations under the Minamata Convention. A new item has been added to the list; Ultra-high-accuracy capacitive and reflectometric bridges and high-frequency switches and relays used in monitoring instruments and controllers with a mercury content not exceeding 20 mg per bridge, switch or relay, except for those used for research and development purposes. The ban on this item has been in force since 31 December 2025 and is directly applicable in all Member States.
OLAF takes on new tasks in the control of waste shipment
On 20 March 2026, the European Commission adopted Decision (EU) 2026/681, which gives the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) new competences in the area of enforcement of rules on cross-border shipments of waste. OLAF takes over the Commission's powers of inspection and coordination of illegal shipments of waste across borders. The powers cover cases where the infringements are complex in nature and involve two or more Member States. The Commission services and executive agencies are required to transmit to OLAF without delay all relevant information and documents relating to suspected infringements. The aim of the regulation is to strengthen the enforcement of waste shipment rules, increase coordination between EU countries and reduce illegal practices that can harm the environment and public health. The decision enters into force on 17 April 2026.
United States: CAPE Portal Phase One Launched
In a Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) bulletin published on April 20, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed the launch of the first phase of the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) tool within the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Portal.
The CAPE tool is intended to support the consolidation and processing of refunds of International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) duties. According to CBP, Phase 1 of CAPE applies to “certain unliquidated entries and certain entries within 80 days of liquidation.” Additional functionality is expected to be introduced in future phases.
The CSMS bulletin also provides links for CAPE resources, such as upcoming webinars, training guides for ACH refund enrollment, and CBP email addresses to send technical questions about the CAPE process.
CBP Publishes Phase 1 CAPE Guidance
In a Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) bulletin published on April 13, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided guidance on the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) system for the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) duty refunds first phase. This first phase is limited to certain unliquidated entries and certain entries within 80 days of liquidation.
When the CAPE tab is available in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Portal, importers and brokers will be able to upload a comma-separated values (CSV) file that lists up to 9, 999 entry numbers. CBP requests that this CSV file contains only the entry numbers as no other entry information is needed. If an importer has more than 9,999 entries, additional CSV files can be uploaded.
Once submitted, the CAPE declaration and the entry numbers listed within it will be validated by CBP to determine that the entry numbers are properly formatted, the submitter of the declaration is the IOR or the authorized broker that originally filed the entry, and that the CSV file is not corrupted. If any of these validations fail, the CAPE declaration will be rejected.
Once the declaration passes the CSV file validations, CAPE will run the following entry-specific validations:
- Each entry number listed exists in ACE and has at least one Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) Chapter 99 number for IEEPA declared on that entry.
- The entry is not flagged for reconciliation.
- The entry is not a type 09 reconciliation.
- The entry summary is not associated with a drawback entry.
- The entry is not a type 47 drawback entry.
- The entry is not a type 08 United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) duty deferral entry.
- The entry does not have an open or suspended protest.
- An entry with an “open” or “closed” liquidation status.
- Antidumping or Countervailing duty entry summary in pending liquidation status.
- Entry summary is not over 80 days past the liquidation date.
- The entry has the value of the imported product on the chapter 1-97 classification.
If an entry on the CAPE declaration fails any of the above validations, ACE will remove that entry from the declaration and continue processing the remaining listed entries. After all the entry specific validations have been completed, ACE will display any rejected entries and their reason for rejection. If the filer can correct the entry specific error, it can be resubmitted on a separate CAPE declaration.
Mass processing will be done on all entries that were accepted on the CAPE declaration. The duties will be recalculated as if the IEEPA duties were never owed. “The projected refund will be the difference between the duties, taxes, and fees paid on the entry summary and the recalculated duties, taxes, and fees owed on the entry summary.” Interest will be calculated on any interest-eligible refund.
Once the processing is completed, unliquidated entry summaries will be set to liquidate 45 days from the CAPE declaration acceptance date, except for entries in suspended, extended, or “under review” liquidation status. Liquidated entries will reliquidate the next business day. Warehouse and warehouse withdrawal entries will continue to be performed by CBP as normal. After all withdrawals have been made and the warehouse entry is ready for liquidation, CBP will process the IEEPA refund.
If a protest has been submitted solely for an IEEPA refund, and the entry summary is within 80 days of liquidation, the importer may withdraw the protest and add the entry to a CAPE declaration. If the protest is in “suspended” status, you can reach out to the processing center to request the suspension to be removed so an importer can withdraw the protest.
All refunds will be submitted in lump sums through automated clearing house (ACH) payments. To receive a refund, the importer of record or the designated 4811 party must be signed up for ACH refunds. CAPE phase 1 is scheduled to go live on April 20, 2026.