Trade Compliance

EU Law to Protect Vulnerable Adults in Cross-Border Situations

The Council of the EU has agreed on a new law to protect the rights of vulnerable adults in cross-border situations within the EU. This regulation aims to ensure that adults who require support due to conditions like Alzheimer's have their autonomy and choices respected when moving between member states.

Press Briefing for Economic and Financial Affairs Council

The Council of the EU has issued a media advisory for a press briefing preceding the Economic and Financial Affairs Council meeting on March 10, 2026. The briefing will be held on March 9, 2026, and is open to EU accredited journalists.

EU Statement on Third Countries Aligning with Russia Sanctions

The EU has announced that eight third countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, and Ukraine) have aligned with the EU's restrictive measures concerning Russia. This alignment ensures their national policies conform to the EU's Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/432, which added eight natural persons to the sanctions list.

Export Control Joint Unit: Exporter Notices and E-Alert Sign-up

The UK's Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) has issued a notice reminding exporters to sign up for e-alerts. This service provides important updates on training and changes to the UK's strategic export licensing regime.

Notice to Exporters: Customs Licence Transmission Issues

HM Revenue & Customs and the Department for Business and Trade have issued a notice regarding issues with licence transmissions from LITE/SPIRE to the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). This is causing customs clearance delays, and affected parties are advised to report declaration problems to CDS.

Russia Sanctions Update: General Trade Licence for Fertilisers

The UK's Export Control Joint Unit has updated the general trade licence concerning Russia sanctions, specifically financial services and funds related to fertilisers. This notice provides details on the amendments to the existing licence.

Updated Guidance on Open Licence Returns and Exporter Obligations

The UK Export Control Joint Unit and Department for Business and Trade have updated guidance on open licence returns. This update clarifies exporter obligations, return submission requirements, and the process for accurate and timely reporting under revised compliance expectations.

EU Imposes Anti-Dumping Duties on Sweetcorn from China

The European Commission has imposed definitive anti-dumping duties ranging from 31% to 54.3% on sweetcorn imports from China. This action follows a 14-month investigation that found dumped prices were causing injury to the EU's sweetcorn industry, valued at €642 million.

Bank of Scotland Fined for Russia Sanctions Breaches

The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has imposed a £160,000 penalty on Bank of Scotland for breaches of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. The breaches involved processing 24 payments totalling £77,383.39 to or from a designated individual's account.

OFSI Report on Vanquis Bank Limited Financial Sanctions Breach

The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) issued a report against Vanquis Bank Limited (VBL) for breaching financial sanctions regulations. VBL failed to restrict access to a designated person's account for eight days, allowing fund withdrawal and transactions. OFSI deemed the breach moderately severe but not serious enough for a monetary penalty, opting for public disclosure.