The EU extends the suspension of the EU rebalancing measures against the United States
The decision means that the rebalancing measures, adopted last summer in the context of the risk of very high US tariffs on EU exports, will remain suspended without an end-date. The EU’s decision to suspend its rebalancing measures marks another important step in favour of greater certainty and stability in transatlantic trade, and the determination of the EU to implement what is set out to in the EU–US Joint Statement of 21 August 2025. The EU expects the United States to fully honour its commitments as well under that Joint Statement. In line with the provisions of the Implementing Regulation, the Commission will keep the suspension of the rebalancing measures under continuous review. In case it becomes necessary to defend the EU’s interest, the Commission may at any time take further action, including by reactivating these rebalancing measures. Source
European Union: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism – 4 new TARIC codes
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1740 of 20 July 2026 correcting Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2621 as regards Annexes I and IV thereto has been published. In all the tables in Annexes I and IV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2621, different default values apply to white clinker and grey clinker (CN code 2523 10 00). The same applies to the default values for white hydraulic cement and grey hydraulic cements under CN code 2523 90 00 in those Annexes. In order to reflect those differences more clearly, TARIC codes should be used to distinguish between those goods. The amendment is applicable as of 1.1.2026.
The following TARIC codes have been created with a start date of 1.1.2026:
- 2523 10 00 10 White clinker
- 2523 10 00 90 Other clinker including grey clinker
- 2523 90 00 10 White hydraulic cement
- 2523 90 00 90 Other hydraulic cements including grey hydraulic cements
European: PPWR: New and Updated FAQ Published
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2025/40 – PPWR) becomes applicable on 12 August 2026. On 1 August 2026, the European Commission published the second edition of its PPWR Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), containing 33 new or revised entries. The document is expressly non-binding but will serve as guidance for the national enforcement authorities. The latest FAQ by the Commission have a significant impact on the interpretation of some of the core concepts of the PPWR. Source
European Union 21st package of sanctions: EU hits Russian energy, financial services and crypto hard
Council adopted the 21st package of restrictive measures against Russia in response to its war of aggression against Ukraine. It includes harsh economic sanctions hitting the sectors that have the greatest impact on Russia’s economy and its ability to fuel its war of aggression against Ukraine, and the largest batch of individual listings of the last four years, totalling 218, of which 48 individuals and 170 entities. Highlights of the package include:
- Further restrictions on banking and cryptocurrency sectors, including in third countries.
- Further measures against the Russian energy sector involving crude oil, petroleum products, liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as the shadow fleet.
- A pause in the automatic adjustment mechanism for the oil price cap.
- Additional export restrictions focusing on commodities used by Russia's military industry such as metals and alloys, as well as aviation items specific to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
- Additional import restrictions on certain metals and minerals that generate significant revenue for Russia.
- New entities in Russia, as well as China (including Hong Kong), India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates, have been added to the sanctions list.
- The new package of EU sanctions also includes further measures against Belarus.
At the excel file there are some updates for Brazil Canada and Mexico.
European Commission publishes guidance on deforestation-free products
The European Commission has published a notice providing guidance on the application of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on deforestation-free products (EUDR). This document aims to facilitate the harmonised implementation of the rules, explaining in detail, m.in particular, the definitions of placing on the market, supply chain and the status of micro and small primary entities. From the perspective of the electronics sector and international trade, these guidelines are important due to the precise definition of the scope of products (including the status of packaging or recycled materials). Compliance and supply chain managers gain valuable guidance on due diligence requirements, risk assessment, and production legality. The document also focuses on issues related to the dates of application of the rules and the interpretation of concepts relating to deforestation and agricultural use.
European Union: Record fine for AliExpress for illegal and dangerous products
The European Commission has imposed a fine of 550 million euros on the AliExpress platform under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The violations included, among other things, insufficient content moderation, ineffective enforcement of penalty policies against dishonest sellers, and the ease with which compliance checks could be circumvented through the miscategorization of goods. For the electronics, ICT, and e-commerce sectors, this decision serves as a strong warning regarding the need to ensure the safety of trade and eliminate illegal or counterfeit products. Those responsible for sales and compliance must closely monitor seller verification procedures and recommendation systems to avoid severe financial penalties. The platform now has until October 20, 2026, to submit a detailed corrective action plan to the Commission.
European Union: TikTok is in violation of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) regarding the safety of minors
The European Commission has sent preliminary findings to TikTok, in which it concludes that the platform is in violation of the Digital Services Act (DSA) by failing to ensure a safe environment for minors’ accounts. According to the EC, the default settings and the option for minors to share content publicly expose them to risks related to cyberbullying and unwanted contact. From the perspective of the electronics and ICT sectors, as well as compliance professionals, this case sends a key signal about the need to design systems that prioritize privacy protection by default. For businesses operating commercially and digitally in the EU, this means it is absolutely essential to adapt user interfaces and recommendation algorithms to meet stringent EU standards. If the allegations are confirmed, the platform faces severe financial penalties of up to 6% of its annual global revenue. TikTok now has the opportunity to provide explanations and address the Commission’s concerns.
EU extends the suspension of the EU rebalancing measures against the United States
The European Commission adopted an Implementing Regulation extending the suspension of EU rebalancing measures on US exports to the European Union.
The EU’s decision to suspend its rebalancing measures marks another important step in favour of greater certainty and stability in transatlantic trade, and the determination of the EU to implement what is set out to in the EU–US Joint Statement of 21 August 2025. The EU expects the United States to fully honour its commitments as well under that Joint Statement. In line with the provisions of the Implementing Regulation, the Commission will keep the suspension of the rebalancing measures under continuous review. In case it becomes necessary to defend the EU’s interest, the Commission may at any time take further action, including by reactivating these rebalancing measures.
EU list of CBAM institutions
The Official Journal of the European Union publishes a list of the competent authorities designated by the Member States empowered to carry out their functions and responsibilities under Regulation (EU) 2023/956 on a CO₂-based border price adjustment mechanism (CBAM). This document identifies national institutions – such as environmental protection agencies, customs authorities or ministries – responsible for supervising and implementing the CBAM rules in each EU country. From the perspective of the international trade sector and compliance professionals, knowledge of the competent authorities is crucial for the proper fulfilment of reporting and administrative obligations. Although the regulation directly affects carbon-intensive industries, it also indirectly affects companies in the electronics and ICT sectors importing components and goods covered by the border price adjustment mechanism (aluminium, steel, iron). This publication increases institutional transparency and facilitates contact with the relevant national authorities. The list is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
European Union: Revision of the Toys Requirements Regulation: Implementation of the EU Cobalt Directive
The Regulation of the Minister of Finance and Economy of 28 July 2026 amending the Regulation on requirements for toys (Journal of Laws of 2026, item 1019) has been published. This act formally implements Commission Directive (EU) 2026/192 on the restriction of cobalt content in toys into the Polish legal system. The change is mainly technical and orderly and consists in updating the legal references relating to Directive 2009/48/EC on the safety of toys. From the perspective of the trade, electronics and toys equipped with electronic components sector, the amendment specifies the legal framework for product compliance. Compliance officers should note the entry into force of the regulations on 29 August 2026.
United Kingdom Included in the EU Funding Mechanism
The Council of the European Union adopted Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1879 of July 24, 2026, on the participation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in assistance to support the defense industry capacity of Ukraine pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2026/467. This decision includes the United Kingdom—on an equal footing with the EEA-EFTA states and Ukraine—in the eligibility and procurement mechanisms under the EU loan supporting Ukraine for the years 2026–2027. From the perspective of the electronics, ICT, and defense technology sectors, the document directly addresses advanced systems such as cybersecurity, C4ISTAR systems, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and small drones and anti-drone systems. For those involved in compliance and international trade within the defense and technology industries, it is crucial to note that the decision applies retroactively as of July 13, 2026, which is linked to the signing of the agreement granting the UK’s financial contribution. The act enters into force on July 30, 2026, and is directly applicable in all member states.
United States: BIS Issues Final Rule Restricting Tungsten and Black Mass Exports
In a temporary final rule published in the Federal Register on August 6, 2026, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced that it was restricting the exportation of black mass and tungsten waste and scrap without a license. BIS defines black mass as “shredded lithium-ion battery scrap that contains cathode material (which may include lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese), anode material (graphite, silicon) or other residual battery cell materials.” Under this rule, U.S. person who engage in the sale of black mass and tungsten waste and scrap must “allocate 100 percent of monthly sales to U.S. persons, unless an adjustment or exception is obtained in advance from BIS.” BIS is accepting public comments through the Federal rulemaking portal at https://www.regulations.gov by November 4, 2026, on this temporary final rule. This temporary final rule will be effective from August 27, 2026, through August 27, 2027.
United States: CBP Reminds Trade of Electronic Payment Requirements for PSCs
In a Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) bulletin published on August 3, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reminded the trade community that, effective August 5, 2026, filers must electronically submit payment for any increases in duties, taxes in fees resulting from a Post Summary Corrections (PSCs). PSC filers must submit payment via the Automated Clearinghouse (ACH). If you are not a participant in the ACH debit or ACH credit programs, CBP recommends visiting its website to learn how to join.
The CSMS also outlines the process of the ACH credit and ACH debit programs, full payment requirements, applicable interest charges, and PSC timeframe exceptions.
United States: BIS Streamlines Sound Suppressor Export Controls
In a press release published on July 27, 2026, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced that, effective November 20, 2026, exports of “certain silencers, mufflers, and sound suppressors is subject to BIS’s Export Administration Regulations, rather than the State Departments U.S. Munitions List.”
According to BIS, this regulatory change aligns export controls for suppressors with those that already apply to firearms. As part of the transition, suppressors, silencers, and mufflers will be added to the Commerce Control List (CCL) and will require a BIS license for “certain exports, reexports, or in-country transfers of the newly controlled suppressors, including releases of related software and technology to foreign persons.” BIS also noted that license exceptions currently available for firearms will be available for eligible suppressor transactions. This change in export regulations will go into effect on November 20, 2026.