News

POLICY UPDATE FROM BRUSSELS

EU policymaking on transport and mobility is gaining momentum. While much attention is currently focused on the European Commission’s Automotive Package, with a first Council discussion expected by the end of the month, the European Parliament will in the coming weeks decide on the allocation of the files between its committees.

CBAM ENTERS INTO FORCE: FIRST OPERATIONAL FIGURES PUBLISHED

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) entered into force on 1 January 2026. According to the European Commission, the launch was supported by coordinated deployment across all EU Member States, with the CBAM Registry integrated into national customs import systems, TARIC and the EU Customs Single Window.

EU–MERCOSUR: COUNCIL CLEARS THE WAY FOR SIGNATURE

On 9 January 2026, the Council of the European Union adopted the decisions authorising the signature of the EU–Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA) and the Interim Trade Agreement (iTA). This marks a major milestone in the EU’s long-standing relationship with Mercosur partners – Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay – and brings to a close negotiations that began back in 1999.

EFTI TECHNICAL GUIDANCES PUBLISHED

The European Commission has made the eFTI Technical Guidance Documentation publicly available, providing a new resource to support the practical implementation of the electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) framework across the EU.

ESPORG LAUNCHES VOLUNTARY GREEN CERTIFICATION FOR SAFE AND SECURE TRUCK PARKING AREAS

ESPORG has launched a new Voluntary Green Truck Parking Standard, together with a voluntary certification scheme to audit and certify safe and secure truck parking areas across Europe. The initiative aims to assess and demonstrate the environmental performance of truck parking facilities and their contribution to greener road freight transport.

CONTAINER SHIPPING WEIGHS A RETURN TO THE SUEZ CANAL

Early 2026 has brought cautious signals of movement on the Suez Canal route, but no broad return of container shipping. While Maersk has confirmed this week limited test sailings, other major carriers, including Hapag-Lloyd and Ocean Network Express (ONE), have made clear that they are not yet resuming regular transits.

CLECAT Meetings and participation in events

CLECAT Customs and Indirect Taxation Institute meeting
20 January, Brussels and online

CLECAT Digitalisation Working Group
4 February, Online

FIATA HQ meeting
30 March - 1 April, Geneva

CLECAT General Assembly
16 June, (place tbc)

EU Meetings

European Parliament

European Parliament Transport Committee
26-27 January, Brussels

European Parliament Environment Committee
19 January, Strasbourg

European Parliament Plenary
19-22 January, Strasbourg

Council of the EU

Informal meeting of Transport Ministers
28-29 April, Lefkosia

Environment Council
17 March, Brussels