Hello ,
Welcome to Customs Manager ESSENTIALS our look ahead what's to come
I. KEY CUSTOMS DEVELOPMENTS EU, UK & U.S.
European Union
ELO Goes Live: From 20 April 2026, the France–UK 'Smart Border' is getting a major upgrade with the mandatory ELO system—finally proving that while crossing the Channel is complicated, your customs paperwork can be as simple as a single barcode scan, essentially 'zipping' all your declarations into one digital bag to avoid a port-side meltdown.
We published weekly PRO Briefings which provide more details and additonal updates. Please ask for a free test by e-mailing [email protected]
United Kingdom
CDS Upgrade: HMRC has finally upgraded the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) to stop speaking in riddles: as of 31 March 2026, those cryptic error messages have been replaced with clear instructions that tell you exactly which item is broken and how to fix it—because 'Computer Says No' is so last season, and you've got cargo to move.
We published weekly PRO Briefings which provide more details and additonal updates. Please ask for a free test by e-mailing [email protected]
USA
CAPE: Today, April 20, 2026, marks the launch of the CAPE system, a new digital highway that simplifies the IEEPA duty refund process by allowing businesses to bundle claims into a single electronic declaration for faster, direct-to-bank reimbursements
We published weekly PRO Briefings which provide more details and additonal updates. Please ask for a free test by e-mailing [email protected]
Export Control & Sanctions
Iran: OFAC is cranking up the heat on the high seas: as of 15 April 2026, 15 entities and 9 vessels have been blacklisted to dismantle Iranian oil and Hizballah networks, proving that even your most 'harmless' EAR99 goods can trigger a compliance nightmare if they end up on the wrong boat.
We published weekly PRO Briefings which provide more details and additonal updates. Please ask for a free test by e-mailing [email protected]
II. Customs & Global Trade Blog Of The Week
U.S.: Heavy Metal Update 2026: Steel, Aluminum & Copper tariffs have arrived. Learn about the 15% rule, 200% Russia tariffs, and how to save your imports.Message CSMS #68253075 from the CBP is a big deal for those in the metals business. Since 06 April 2026, a new wind is blowing in U.S. ports under Section 232.
III. Insight of the Week
BIS Scrubs Up: The SMIC Brush Case: BIS dropped a $1.7M lesson on why shipping to SMIC—even via distributors—requires a license. On 14 April 2026, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) settled a case involving polyvinyl alcohol brushes sent to SMIC Beijing and SMIC North without a license.
IV. Webinars Of The Week
- FREE WEBINAR: UK CBAM in 2027: Critical update webinar on 24 April 2026 at 1 PM BST (2 PM CET).
- FREE WEBINAR: The IEEPA Duty Refund Process Explained: 24 April 2026 at 4:00 PM BST (11 AM EST).
FREE WEBINAR
FREE WEBINAR:
The first one covers the technical differences between UK and EU systems. The second one how to use the ACE Portal for refunds. To register, e-mail [email protected]
V. Document of the Week
IEEPA Refunds: CBP’s New "CAPE" Lane
CBP's new CAPE system (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries) launches on 20 April. A new factsheet explains how validated duty payments under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) will be returned to bank accounts.
VI.Video of the Week
Your Wooden Pallets Are Under Inspection | Here's Why
This video explains how a single non-compliant $5 pallet can lead to a $500,000 shipment rejection. Learn why wood is treated as a high-risk agricultural threat and how to protect high-value cargo.
VII.Training of the Month
(Bookings via [email protected] or website)
- 01 May: U.S. Rules of Origin Unlocked
- 06 May: CBAM CO₂e Reporting
- 11 May: EU CBAM Fundamentals
- 15 May: AI in Action For Customs & Trade
- 19 May: Navigate Sanctions Like a Pro!
- 20 May: EUDR for Import and Export
- 25 May: U.S. Tariffs Update 2026
- 26 May: Customs Warehousing; IP&OP; CBAM Reporting; U.S. First Sale
- 27 May: EU Sanctions; Customs Valuation; Dual-Use
VIII. Getting Support / X. Contact
Free Support: One hour of face-to-face support available via booking at www.customsmanager.org.
Contact: Arne Mielken, Managing Director, Customs Manager Ltd.
Phone: +44 79 14 650 183 | Email: [email protected].
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