All news & events

The 2021 edition of the WTO’s World Trade Report examines why the interconnected global trading system is both vulnerable and resilient to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, how it can help countries to be more economically resilient to shocks, and what can be done to make the system better prepared and more resilient in the future.

As of 18 November 2021, the online version of the 2022 edition of the Harmonized System Nomenclature is available through the website of the World Customs Organization (WCO). The HS 2022 edition, as the world’s global standard for classifying goods in international trade, will enter into force on 1 January 2022.

On 18 November, the UK Government published an updated Border Operating Model. The new iteration of the model reflects the revised timetable for the introduction of UK border import controls, as announced on 14 September. It also provides additional material on the detailed implementation of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) controls and the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS). This update will bring the Border Operating Model in line with other guidance available on GOV.UK.

On 24 November, the European Commission approved, under EU State aid rules, a €2.5 million Spanish scheme to support the purchase of intermodal road semi-trailers suitable for use on rail. The scheme will be partly funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (‘RRF'), following the Commission's positive assessment of the Spanish Recovery and Resilience Plan and its adoption by Council.

On 26 November, EUROPOL announced that an organised criminal group involving 30 Romanian nationals has been apprehended following an operation conducted by law enforcement authorities in France, Germany and Romania, supported by Europol and Eurojust. The group is suspected of thefts targeting cargo transport rest areas along main road haulage routes between Romania, France and Germany. The group mainly targeted cargo shipments of alcohol and small electronics, stealing goods worth an estimated €2.5 million.

On 25 November, the European Parliament’s plenary adopted a resolution on the safety of truck parking areas in the EU, previously adopted by the Petitions (PETI) Committee on 25 October, asking for more co-ordination among Member States to tackle criminality against drivers and their cargo, and for increased funding to improve facilities, with 681 votes in favour, 1 against and 13 abstentions.

On 22 November, CLECAT’s Supply Chain Security Institute met virtually to discuss developments in the area of land transport-, aviation-, and cybersecurity.

On 26 November, the Air Freight Institute of CLECAT met virtually to discuss legislative and non-legislative developments in the areas of sustainability, digitalisation, aviation security, as well as the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

On 17 November, the US White House issued a statement on the situation in US ports and policy measures to mitigate current disruptions in the maritime supply chain. Although there are signs of progress in easing congestion in the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the White House recognises more work is still needed to improve the supply chain.

Paul Bartlett from Seatrade Maritime News reported yesterday that the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) has decided this week to delay a decision on the launch of the industry’s $5bn decarbonisation fund until next year, pending further discussion on the operation and priorities of the fund. This will further delay a significant number of research projects in maritime decarbonisation which are currently on hold due to a lack of funding.