Changing global trade landscape

Driven by technological innovations, digitalization and the rise of international e-commerce, over the past decades the volume of the international flows of goods has increased rapidly and the fabric of global trade has changed beyond recognition. Particularly in Asia new markets have emerged producing large volumes of products designated for import into the EU. As it regularly appears that importing products from third countries into the EU triggers discussions with authorities regarding a wide array of customs issues (such as: tariff classification, origin and valuation) as well as on product compliance issues, the growth and increasing complexity of global trade puts pressure and poses unprecedented challenges on both supervisory authorities and businesses in the EU.

An imminent Brexit as well as international trends towards growing protectionism and ensuring safety and security in international trade, increase pressure on businesses to adapt continuously in their need to comply.