News

BACK TO BRUSSELS: SHAPING EU POLICY AMID GLOBAL SHIFTS

After a summer marked by significant geopolitical events - including ongoing conflicts, a new US presidential candidate, policy shifts in the UK, and the uplifting spirit of the Olympics - CLECAT is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to collaborate with the newly elected European Parliament and policy makers in Brussels.

ELP SUMMIT: LOGISTICS IN TIMES OF TRANSITION

The European Logistics Platform (ELP) is set to kick off its first major event under the new term of the European Parliament. The event, titled "Logistics in Times of Transition," will take place on the 11th of September at the Residence Palace in Brussels.

AUSTRIA ADOPTS E-CMR PROTOCOL

On 6 August, the e-CMR protocol entered into force in Austria, becoming the 36th country to join to protocol, paving the way for digital, paperless road freight transport within the country. With Austria's accession, any road transport involving the country can now be fully digitised, allowing for seamless and efficient operations and administration.

REMOTE TACHOGRAPH READING NOW MANDATORY ACROSS THE EU

Remote tachograph reading is now mandatory across the EU, enabled by the new Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) equipment, which all Member States are required to implement. This technology allows tachographs to be checked remotely, enhancing enforcement of driving time regulations across Europe.

EU TO BAN DB SUPPORT TO DB CARGO

Several press report have indicated that the European Commission plans to ban Deutsche Bahn from providing subsidies to DB Cargo. From next year onward, the freight operator will no longer receive financial support from its state-owned parent company, Deutsche Bahn (DB).

EU DEFORESTATION DATA POSES RISKS TO IMPORTS

As the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) draws closer to its implementation date, the impact on businesses, particularly within the logistics sector, cannot be understated. The EUDR, set to take effect from December 30, 2024, is poised to transform the supply chain landscape by introducing stringent traceability and documentation requirements aimed at preventing deforestation-linked products from entering the EU market.

EU MOVES ON ANTI-SUBSIDY DUTIES FOR CHINESE ELECTRIC VEHICLE IMPORTS

The European Commission is advancing its anti-subsidy investigation into battery electric vehicle (BEV) imports from China. On 20 August 2024, the Commission shared its draft decision to impose definitive countervailing duties with interested parties, allowing for further comments before finalisation.

DEFRA DEFENDS NEW BTOM CHECKS AMID COST CONCERNS

The UK government has defended the recent introduction of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) checks under the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), which began in April 2024. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) insists these measures are crucial for national biosecurity, despite concerns raised by businesses and customs agents regarding the costs and operational challenges.

SHIPPING RATES TO REMAIN HIGH DESPITE HINTS OF END TO PEAK SEASON

According to industry experts shipping market remains in a state of flux as a result of geopolitical tensions. Key indicators have shown that rates are starting to fall, suggesting the end to a peak season, but rates still remain higher than they were in 2023.

AIR CARGO DEMAND CONTINUOUS TO GROW IN JUNE

On 30 July, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its latest data on global air freight markets, highlighting a robust growth in demand.

A BALANCED APPROACH TO AI: WHY THE EUROPEAN AI CONSULTATION MATTERS FOR LOGISTICS

The European AI Office recently launched a Multi-stakeholder Consultation on trustworthy general-purpose AI models under the AI Act, which came into force on August 1. This initiative is crucial as it will shape the rules for AI model providers and other stakeholders

CLECAT Meetings and participation in events

European Logistics Platform: Logistics in Transition
11 September, Brussels

CLECAT Customs and Indirect Taxation Institute
19 September, Budapest

Green Ports Congress
23-25 October, Le Havre

Logistics for Europe CLECAT-ESC Forum
19 November, Brussels

CLECAT General Assembly
20 November, Brussels

EU Meetings

European Parliament

European Parliament Transport Committee
4 September, Brussels

European Parliament Environment Committee
4 September, Brussels

European Parliament Plenary
16-19 September, Strasbourg

Council of the EU

Informal meeting of transport ministers
19-20 September, Budapest

Environment Council
14 October, Luxembourg