EC

DSA Transparency Reports Clarify Content Moderation

The EU has published harmonised transparency reports under the Digital Services Act (DSA), standardising content moderation data reporting for online services. This follows the adoption of an Implementing Regulation in July 2025, with the first reports due by March 2026.

EU-Canada CETA Trade Agreement Updates and Digital Trade Negotiations Launched

The EU and Canada have advanced their trade relationship under the CETA agreement by adopting an interpretation on investment provisions and expediting dispute resolution for SMEs. They also agreed to amend the GMP Protocol to include active pharmaceutical ingredients and launched negotiations for a Digital Trade Agreement.

EU and Canada Launch Digital Trade Agreement Negotiations

The EU and Canada have launched negotiations for a Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) to facilitate digital trade and enhance consumer protection. This agreement aims to establish clear rules for digital transactions, building on the existing CETA framework and complementing the non-binding Digital Partnership.

European Commission Competition Case Search Portal

The European Commission has launched a new competition case search portal, providing public access to information on competition cases. This portal aims to increase transparency regarding the Commission's enforcement activities in antitrust and merger control.

CBAM Certificate Price Publication Schedule and Tender Deadline

The European Commission has announced the publication schedule for the first Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) certificate prices, which will be based on EU ETS auction clearing prices for 2026. Importers will need to purchase these certificates starting February 2027. A call for tenders for the Common Central Platform has also been issued, with offers due by March 20, 2026.

EU Commission Updates Training for Customs and Tax Professionals

The European Commission has introduced a new training course for SMEs and tax officials on the Special Scheme for Small Enterprises, effective January 1, 2025. Additionally, the SAMANCTA training program for customs professionals has been updated. Both resources are available on the EU Learning Portal.

EU Taxation: Call for Evidence on Simplifying Direct Taxation Rules

The European Commission has launched a call for evidence to gather feedback on simplifying EU direct taxation rules. The initiative aims to streamline corporate tax directives and reduce administrative burdens for businesses, with feedback requested until March 16, 2026.

EU Customs Operation Finds Non-Compliance in Online Purchases

An EU-wide customs operation found that a significant majority of cosmetic products, personal protective equipment, and food supplements purchased online from third countries do not comply with EU product standards. The operation checked over 11,000 items between October and December 2025, with non-compliance rates ranging from 60% to 65%.

CBAM Common Central Platform Services Call for Tender

The European Commission has published a call for tender for services related to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Common Central Platform (CCP). Interested economic operators must submit their offers by 20 March 2026. The CCP will be operational from 1 February 2027.

EU Customs Recognition Cycle 2026: Next Steps and Timelines

The European Commission has published the timelines and next steps for the 2026 EU Customs Recognition Cycle. Applicants, including educational institutions and importers/exporters, can expect eligibility checks, assessments, and final decisions by September 30, 2026.