EU: EPPO conducts over 100 searches in probe into damaged vehicles imported from Switzerland
At the request of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Berlin (Germany), 105 searches were carried out yesterday in Poland, in a probe into a criminal organisation importing damaged cars from Switzerland to Poland via Germany, while evading custom duties and VAT. The investigative measures were conducted by 200 police officers in several regions in Poland, at transport companies, customs declarants, repair shops and resellers, as well as in residences of suspects. The police questioned 30 suspects and heard 20 witnesses, and executed eight freezing orders. A total of 32 cars were seized. According to the investigation, Swiss companies, mostly led by Polish or Swiss-Polish directors, buy the damaged cars from Swiss insurance companies via online platforms, and then organise their transport to Poland, via Germany, to be repaired in auto repair shops. The suspects declare the imports at customs offices either at the Swiss-German border or at the German-Polish border. They are believed to have used forged declarations of origin falsely claiming that the vehicles were originally assembled in the EU, in order to fraudulently benefit from a customs exemption. In addition, the members of the criminal network are suspected of having issued fake invoices for the cars, in order to declare a lower value at German customs offices – thus evading additional customs duties and also import VAT. Source
EU adopts rules for reporting and evaluating the collection of waste batteries
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2289 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the data reporting format as well as the assessment methods and operational conditions for the collection and treatment of waste batteries has been published. The document sets out the data reporting format, assessment methods and operational conditions for the collection and treatment of waste batteries, ensuring uniform reporting and control standards across the European Union. The regulation is a key component of the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, which establishes the legal framework for the entire life cycle of batteries in the EU – from design to recycling. The new rules have a direct impact on producers, importers, recovery organisations and treatment plants. The regulation enters into force on 11 December 2025 and is directly applicable in all Member States.
EU clarifies RoHS exemptions for lead in glass and ceramic components
Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2025/2363 of 8 September 2025 amending Directive 2011/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards an exemption for lead in glass or ceramic components has been published. The aim of the regulation was to reduce the use of lead, while taking into account the need for its use in specific technological applications, where the lack of alternatives could compromise the reliability of equipment, as well as to increase the precision and transparency of regulations for electronics manufacturers. The existing broad exclusions for lead in glass and ceramic components have been clarified and broken down into detailed categories. The document updates the existing exceptions, m.in. lead in non-dielectric ceramic electrical and electronic components, lead in dielectric ceramic capacitors, and introduces new, more detailed subcategories, specifying the conditions and dates of their validity. The exclusions are temporary – most of them are valid until 30 June 2027, with the possibility of further review. The directive enters into force on 11 December 2025.
European Commission publishes guidelines for business on product safety
Guidance on the application of the EU legal framework for general product safety by companies has been published. The document explains the obligations of manufacturers, importers, distributors and online platforms, defines the concept of a "safe product" and indicates the practical rules of compliance with the new regulations. The document is a practical guide that supports businesses in adapting to the new requirements and strengthens consumer protection and increases the transparency of the EU's internal market.
CELAC-EU Summit, Europe and Latin America chart a common course for a fair partnership
At the CELAC–EU Summit in Santa Marta, the EU and 33 LAC countries reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful global order grounded in democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms. Leaders agreed to deepen cooperation, protect the UN-led system, and work together on strengthening democracy, advancing green and digital transitions, boosting trade, and enhancing security.
A new platform to increase transparency in mineral supply chains
DG TRADE launched a new platform to increase the transparency of mineral supply chains. This new tool, called ReMIS (Responsible Mineral Information System), enables economic operators to record and share their due diligence policies and initiatives to ensure responsible sourcing of metals and minerals. This will enable them to share best practices with the wider public and showcase their efforts to increase transparency in the supply chain. Business operators must register to use the ReMIS platform. The information is publicly available on the ReMIS public portal.
EU Commission takes steps to modernise European defence and improve military mobility
Building on its plans to protect peace and ramp up our continent’s defence readiness, the European Commission has unveiled a set of measures that should significantly enhance military mobility across Europe. Commission has also presented a roadmap that will transform the EU’s defence industry by boosting disruptive innovation and supporting emerging defence players. To enable military movement at speed and scale, and bring us closer to a ‘military Schengen’, the measures will:
- Remove regulatory barriers
- Create an emergency framework
- Improve readiness of transport infrastructure
- Pool and share capabilities for transport and logistics
- Strengthen governance and coordination
- Deepen EU cooperation with NATO and other partners
EU has issued a roadmap to unleash disruptive innovation – new technologies that fundamentally change how things are done – and modernise Europe’s defence industry. The Commission will start implementing the roadmap’s proposed actions immediately. The military mobility measures will be presented to the Council and European Parliament for adoption.
EC is strengthening its cooperation with the EPPO and OLAF to fight fraud
The European Commission (EC) has proposed a change to the rules to strengthen cooperation between the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and Member States to fight fraud. This proposal provides the legal basis for the exchange of information and access to VAT data, thereby enhancing the EU's ability to fight fraud affecting the Union's financial interests. With the introduction of real-time digital reporting on cross-border trade as part of the VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) package, Member States will receive valuable information needed to step up the fight against VAT fraud, in particular carousel fraud.
Switzerland adopts new EU regulations for aviation
On 26 November 2025, the Joint Committee of the bilateral air transport agreement between Switzerland and the EU decided to adopt several EU decrees. They serve to maintain a high and uniform level of safety in European civil aviation. The Federal Council had approved the adoption of the new provisions on 12 November 2025. The new rules on ground handling, air traffic management and air safety. They will enter into force on 1 February 2026.
UK amends export control regulations
The UK has published the Export Control (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025, which amends the UK’s export control framework under the Export Control Order 2008, and retained EU law including retained Regulation (EC) 428/2009 (the assimilated dual-use regulation), and the retained Regulation (EU) 2019//125 (the assimilated torture regulation). The regulations will come into effect on 16 December 2025. Source
United States Announces Trade Deal with China
The official details have emerged from the U.S.-China trade agreement. As expected, the U.S. will cut fentanyl-related tariffs by 10% from the previous 20%. In addition:
For U.S. Importers
- Section 301 tariff exclusions are extended until November 10, 2026.
- Reciprocal tariff increases and any new maritime duties are suspended for 1 year.
- In the same vein, Section 301 actions targeting shipbuilding are frozen for 1 year.
- The U.S. will also pause enforcement of new End-User Controls that could have affected importers sourcing from China.
For U.S. Exporters
- China will purchase 12 MMT of soybeans and at least 25 MMT annually through 2028 while also resuming imports of logs, meat, fruit, and dairy.
- Retaliatory tariffs on U.S. farm goods are suspended.
- China will end export controls on rare earth metals.
- Semiconductor cooperation resumes, including reopening production at Nexperia plants in China.
- Investigations and sanctions on U.S. tech firms are lifted.
- China will pause retaliatory measures on U.S. maritime companies.
These trade commitments go into effect on November 10, 2025. Source
United States: Change in Submission Method for Individual Broker License Applications – November 14, 2025
CBP is automating the submission method for individual broker license applications. As of November 14, 2025, individual license applicants will complete and submit all applications and associated fees through the eCBP portal. Individual license applications hand delivered, mailed, or emailed on or after November 14, 2025, will be returned to the applicant for submission through the eCBP portal. Individual broker license applicants will log into eCBP using the same login.gov account used when you applied for the Customs Broker License Exam. eCBP accepts credit card and debit card payments. No additional fees are charged for payments, and receipts are provided electronically. The change in submission method does not confer any processing position benefit. Individual license application submissions through eCBP will place an application into the already existing queue of applications. This change does not affect the organization license application process. The organization license application submission remains a manual process. CBP will issue guidance when the organization license application is automated in eCBP. Source
United Kingdom: Update to Export Control on Dangerous Chemicals
This update is due to the Department for Business and Trade correcting their data entry in respect of measure type 479 - Export control on dangerous chemicals on the following commodity code as of 21 November 2025: 2843290000. As of 21 November 2025, Waiver Document Code Y916 has been added to the measures. Y916: Product not subjected to the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 649/2012 on the export and import of dangerous chemicals, Annex I. Source
United Kingdom: Update to CHED-D Measures for China and South Korea
This update is due to the Department for Business and Trade correcting their data entry in respect of measure type 475 - Restriction on entry into free circulation on the following commodity code as of 21 November 2025: 0709590000. As of 21 November 2025, Waiver Document Code Y937 has been added to the measures. Y937: The declared goods are not concerned by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793. Source
United States: CBP Set to Disable Submission of Export Manifest via DIS on December 1
On December 1, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will discontinue the use of the Document Image System (DIS) for submitting outbound cargo declarations. This includes the CBP Form 1302A: Cargo Declaration, supplemental form CBP 168, and any associated documents that comprise the outbound cargo manifest. Beginning on December 1, carriers and vessel agents can either submit in hard-copy or the Electronic Export Manifest (EEM) via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) using the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) EEM application. Source
United States: BIS Lifts Restrictions: One Chinese Entity, Six Aliases Delisted
BIS issued a final rule effective Nov. 10 removing one Chinese entity and six aliases tied to another entity from the Entity List, lifting EAR license requirements for transactions involving them. The agency cited clarified affiliations and commitments to stronger export compliance, concluding these parties no longer pose a significant security or foreign policy risk. Exporters should update screening lists and reassess licensing needs, noting other EAR controls may still apply.
United States: CBP Requires eCBP Portal for Individual Broker License Applications
Effective Nov. 14, CBP will require all individual customs broker license applications and fees to be filed through the eCBP portal; hand-delivered, mailed, or emailed submissions will be returned. Applicants will use their existing login.gov credentials, pay by credit/debit with no added fees, receive electronic receipts, and enter the current processing queue. Organization license applications remain manual for now, with CBP signaling eventual automation—adjust internal workflows accordingly.
United States: Deployments Related to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Supplemental Guide, DRAFT Version 2.6 are Scheduled for November 20 and 21, 2025
The following changes with a WARNINGS severity will be deployed to Production on November 20, 2025.
- PG01 and PG02 records – Add validation for consumer use products. PIC CODE in Product Code must be ‘A’ if Processing Code is ‘CSU
- PG01 and PG06 records – Enhance validations for US goods returned. IUC 920.000 must have Source Type Code ‘39’ and Country Code of ‘US’ OR ‘PR.’
- PG23 record – Update Tobacco Submission Tracking (TST) Number Affirmation of Compliance qualifier syntax
The following changes with a REJECT severity will be deployed to CBP’s Certification environment on November 21, 2025.
- PG01 and PG02 records – Add validation for consumer use products. PIC CODE in Product Code must be ‘A’ if Processing Code is ‘CSU
- PG01 and PG06 records – Enhance validations for US goods returned. IUC 920.000 must have Source Type Code ‘39’ and Country Code of ‘US’ OR ‘PR.’
- PG23 record – Update Tobacco Submission Tracking (TST) Number Affirmation of Compliance qualifier syntax
- PG01 – Enforce Intended Use Code (IUC) requirements for all processing codes
- PG07 – Trade Name only required for Processing Code CSU (Consumer Use)
- PG23 – No longer accept the following Affirmation of Compliance Codes: ‘SE’ (Substantially Equivalent), ‘EXE’ (Exemption from Substantial Equivalence), and ‘PMT’ (Premarket Tobacco Application)
- PG23 – Accept new Affirmation of Compliance Codes with qualifier: ‘FLV’ (flavor), ‘NIC’ (nicotine concentration), ‘PID’ (product identification number). Source
United States: Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is Providing Clarifying Guidance for Pistachio MO5 Message Set Filings
AMS is issuing this message to inform industry of a filing update. AMS monitors the aflatoxin sampling and testing of raw and blanched, shelled and inshell pistachios under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes 0802.52.0000 and 0802.51.0000. These products must be filed under the MO5 message set. Please ensure to include the Estimated Arrival Date in the MO5 filing. The MO5 message set must be filed to expedite the release process and reduce unnecessary burdens for raw and blanched, shelled and inshell pistachios. The testing requirement applies to any importer who handles 5,000 pounds or more of dried pistachios during the pistachio fiscal year (from September 1 to August 31 annually). The level of aflatoxin must not exceed 15 parts per billion in any lot. USDA or USDA-approved laboratories accredited by the AMS, Science and Technology Program will test the aflatoxin levels for imported raw and blanched, shelled and inshell pistachios and will send the results to AMS. Importers may be asked to provide results as verification of sampling. Additional testing requirements and information is available at AMS website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/section8e/pistachios
United States: Additional Parties Qualified for the Payment of Duty on International Mail Shipments Pursuant to Executive Order 14324 “Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries”
Pursuant to Executive Order 14324 of July 30, 2025, (“Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries”), effective August 29, 2025, de minimis duty-free treatment under 19 U.S.C. § 1321(a)(2)(C) will no longer be available for shipments entering into the United States not covered by 50 U.S.C. § 1702(b), including those entering through international mail. As outlined in the Executive Order, duty on international mail shipments must be paid by the international mail carrier or a qualified party acting in lieu of the carrier. CBP has certified the following parties in the attachment as qualified to collect and pay duty on international mail, using the process outlined in CSMS # 66311990 - UPDATED GUIDANCE: Payment of Duty on International Mail Shipments pursuant to Executive Order 14324 “Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries”. CBP will be posting the list of qualified parties to the CBP website and updating it as additional parties are certified at: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/e-commerce. We advise that interested parties always check the CBP.gov website for the most current list of approved qualified parties. Source