Navigating changing EU/UK regulations with our customs clearance team
In today’s fast-moving trade environment, navigating EU and UK regulations is becoming increasingly complex.
The landscape of compliance is evolving rapidly, creating new challenges for businesses moving goods across borders efficiently. With new regulations having come into effect this year, even experienced importers and exporters are facing unexpected hurdles.
In this blog post, we will discuss the key regulatory updates that have come into place, and how our dedicated customs clearance team can help streamline processes, reduce risks, and ensure compliance.
Key regulatory updates in 2025
As of October 2025, several significant changes are impacting customs operations between the EU and the UK. Understanding these updates is essential to maintain compliance and avoid disruptions.
These regulatory changes reflect a broader shift towards transparency, digitalisation, and sustainability across the global supply chain. For businesses, the focus has moved from simply submitting paperwork on time to demonstrating accountability at every stage of trade.
Enhanced data sharing, environmental reporting, and automated customs systems are all becoming integral to compliance. Companies that adapt early will not only avoid disruption but also gain efficiency advantages in an increasingly regulated environment.
ICS2 (Import Control System 2)
The EU’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) became fully operational on 1st September 2025.
All economic operators must submit Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) to provide advance information, enabling authorities to assess potential risks for goods entering the EU, including those transported by road and rail.
ICS2 aims to enhance security while streamlining customs procedures. Non-compliance can lead to delays, fines, and increased scrutiny, making full integration into the ICS2 system critical for smooth operations.
To prepare effectively, businesses should review their internal data collection and validation processes to ensure accuracy before goods are dispatched. Implementing digital systems that automate the submission of ENS data can reduce manual errors and speed up processing times.
Training staff on the specific requirements of ICS2 will also help minimise compliance risks and improve the flow of goods through EU entry points.
CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism)
The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is set to enter its definitive regime on 1st January 2026. During the transitional phase, running until the end of 2025, importers must report direct and indirect carbon emissions for goods in sectors like steel, cement, and fertilisers.
From 2026, CBAM certificates corresponding to embedded CO₂ emissions will be required. Failure to comply can result in penalties and restricted market access.
CBAM is designed to prevent “carbon leakage” – ensuring that products imported into the EU are held to the same environmental standards as those produced within it. This means businesses must now collect accurate carbon data from suppliers, often across complex, multi-tiered supply chains.
Establishing reliable data-gathering systems and engaging with suppliers early will make compliance smoother when the mechanism becomes fully operational in 2026.
UK Customs (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025
In the UK, the Customs (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025 came into force on 18th July 2025. These amendments introduce changes to customs procedures, including updates to the handling of temporary admissions and transit procedures.
Businesses engaged in cross-border trade between the UK and the EU must familiarise themselves with these changes to ensure compliance and avoid potential disruptions in their supply chains.
The operational challenges of regulatory compliance
Even with a clear understanding of the latest regulations, businesses face practical challenges in day-to-day operations.
Submitting Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) on time, preparing accurate CBAM emissions data, and ensuring adherence to UK Customs amendments requires dedicated resources, expertise, and constant attention to detail.
Without robust processes, companies risk shipment delays, increased administrative workloads, and costly errors. Small oversights, such as missing a deadline for ICS2 submission or misreporting carbon emissions, can have significant operational and financial consequences.
For instance, a shipment delayed due to incomplete ENS data can quickly lead to storage fees, contractual penalties, and reputational damage. Similarly, an incorrect CBAM report might trigger manual verification by authorities, tying up resources and delaying future clearances.
These seemingly small issues highlight why consistent accuracy and proactive management are crucial for maintaining trade flow efficiency. This is where strategic planning and professional support from logistics specialists, such as ourselves, have become essential.
How our customs clearance team streamlines processes
Our in-house customs clearance team provides businesses with the expertise and support needed to confidently navigate EU and UK regulations including the latest requirements for ICS2, CBAM, and the 2025 UK Customs amendments.
We manage every aspect of the customs process for our clients, helping them stay fully compliant while keeping goods moving efficiently. We offer:
Comprehensive customs clearance support
We ensure shipments move smoothly across borders, no matter the complexity. Our team has extensive experience in EU and UK trade and will adapt processes to meet the new ICS2 reporting requirements and CBAM transitional reporting obligations.
By integrating these new procedures into our workflow, we prevent delays at the border and reduce the administrative burden on your team.
Expert guidance on import and export procedures
We advise on all aspects of exporting and importing goods under the latest regulations. From explaining terminology and Incoterms to outlining responsibilities, we guide businesses through:
- Preparing accurate Entry Summary Declarations
- Calculating and reporting direct and indirect carbon emissions
This ensures your team fully understands the regulatory requirements and how they apply to your shipments.
Accurate declarations and documentation
We prepare and submit all necessary customs documentation correctly and on time. This includes:
- Export and import declarations for EU and UK trade
- T1 transit documents for goods moving through multiple European countries
- Proofs of origin and preferential trade documentation
- CBAM emission reporting
Coordination with agents and partners
We liaise with your appointed customs agents or trusted European partners to manage clearance efficiently. Our team ensures that everyone in your supply chain is aligned with new regulatory requirements. This coordination prevents potential errors and miscommunication.
End-to-end process management
From departure to final clearance, we manage the entire journey of your goods. Using advanced systems and best-practice procedures, we:
- Monitor shipments through all stages of transit
- Ensure customs formalities are completed at every step
- Advise on trade tariffs, commodity codes, and VAT preferences in light of the 2025 updates
Proactive support and compliance
Regulatory change is constant, and preparation is essential. Our team monitors any developments in EU and UK legislation. We:
- Flag potential compliance issues before they affect your shipments.
- Implement solutions proactively to keep your supply chain running smoothly.
- Advise on process improvements to adapt quickly to new rules.
This proactive approach ensures businesses minimise risk, avoid delays, and maintain efficient, compliant trade flows in a rapidly changing environment.
Our support is tailored to businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a small enterprise new to international trade or a large company with complex supply chains, we provide practical guidance and solutions to maintain efficiency and compliance.
For tailored customs clearance solutions and peace of mind in the face of evolving regulations, contact us today.