Customs regulatory watch — week of 27 July to 2 August 2026
Selected customs regulatory developments (EU, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg) over the past seven days. A Customs Conform IT publication.
European Union
A new round of sanctions, relayed this week by the national customs administrations. Main measures: the price cap on Russian oil frozen at $44.10 per barrel until July 2027; a further 41 “shadow fleet” vessels barred from EU ports and services, bringing the total to 692; a short-stay visa ban for Russian military personnel and veterans; and sanctions targeting close to 100 Russian banks and companies, 216 individuals and entities in the military and energy sectors, and 51 non-EU companies involved in circumvention.
Also of note: the Commission's report on customs controls at the external borders, calling for reinforced checks (20/07), and the EU–Türkiye agreement on mutual recognition of Authorised Economic Operator programmes, AEO MRA (16/07).
Belgium
Since 1 July 2026, certain goods of US origin benefit from reduced or nil customs duties on the basis of the EU's non-preferential rules of origin (the “Turnberry deal” measures, Regulation (EU) 2026/1455). No standard proof of origin is provided for: it falls to the importer to demonstrate the non-preferential origin of the goods.
France
The French customs administration (DGDDI) has restated its remit on sanctions: freezing the funds and economic resources of designated persons and entities, identifying the goods concerned, and prosecuting infringements. Since March 2022, three vessels have been seized and eight vessels or yachts subject to freezing measures are currently identified in mainland or overseas ports.
Netherlands
Dutch customs set out what the 21st package means for operators: the possible consequences for commercial and financial dealings with Russia, with customs enforcing compliance.
Luxembourg
Nothing significant this week.
Key points this week
- 21st sanctions package against Russia: the dominant subject of the week. Operators active in banking, energy and maritime transport, or dealing with non-EU entities, should reassess their exposure and update their screening — including the 41 new shadow-fleet vessels, bringing the total to 692. The price cap on Russian oil is frozen at $44.10 per barrel until July 2027.
- US tariff preferences: with no standard certificate of origin available, importers of US goods must assemble and retain proof of non-preferential origin themselves — a point of exposure in the event of a post-clearance control.
- EU–Türkiye AEO mutual recognition: the agreement opens up facilitations for AEO operators trading with Türkiye.
Customs Conform IT — weekly customs regulatory watch. Sources: DG TAXUD, European Commission, AGD&A / National Forum (BE), DGDDI (FR), Douane (NL), ADA (LU). Provided for information only; refer to the official texts.