On 23 April 2026, the EU adopted its 20th package of sanctions against Russia. These measures are contained in (i) Council Regulation (EU) 2026/506 (see here), (ii) Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/509 (see here), and (iii) Council Regulation
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Tariff-refund class actions on the rise: What brands and retailers need to know
As U.S. Customs and Border Protection prepares to launch Phase 1 of its streamlined tariff refund process on April 20, a wave of consumer class action lawsuits is targeting brands, retailers, and importers seeking tariff-related payouts. Because consumers will not
EU Steel safeguard overhaul: Our views on the key implications of the new tariff-rate quota regime, expected to go live on 1 July 2026
Background
With the existing EU steel safeguard expiring on 30 June 2026, the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council addressing the negative trade‑related effects of global overcapacity on the Union steel market (COM(2025) 726)
EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act unveils “Made in EU” and low-carbon push, reshaping trade relations
Key takeaways
- Industrial Accelerator Act introduces Union origin and low-carbon requirements for public procurement (from January 2029) and support schemes in strategic sectors.
- Energy-intensive industries face low-carbon and Union origin requirements; electric vehicles require EU assembly, 70% EU content, and
The upcoming EU Customs Reform: a strategic perspective
In May 2023, the European Commission published its proposal for a reform of EU Customs, describing it as “the most ambitious and comprehensive reform of the EU Customs Union since its establishment in 1968”. Since the launch, significant developments have
Temporary U.S. sanctions relief for Russian seaborne oil products
The U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) issued Russia-related General License 134 (“GL 134”) yesterday, which temporarily authorizes the delivery and sale of Russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products that are already on the water
EU customs targets split shipments and post-entry assembly in classification enforcement push
EU customs authorities are intensifying enforcement around customs classification, with scrutiny of goods assembled in the EU after importation. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) 2025 Annual Report explicitly identifies assembly operations performed after import as a common fraud pattern
Podcast: The SCOTUS IEEPA ruling—Europe’s response and what it means for business
When the U.S. Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, the effects were felt far beyond American shores. European policymakers and businesses are now grappling with
Podcast: What comes next? Trump tariffs after the SCOTUS decision
The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent 6-3 ruling in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump marks a pivotal moment for international trade—but for importers, the questions are only beginning.
In our latest podcast episode, Michael Lowell and Justin Angotti break down what
Carrot over the Stick? Reforms to OFSI Civil Enforcement Processes incentivise early engagement and settlement
Key Takeaways
- OFSI has published updated enforcement guidance introducing a new case assessment matrix, discount structures, a settlement scheme, and fixed penalties for procedural breaches.
- The new framework allows for cumulative discounts for voluntary disclosure (up to 30%), settlement (20%),