June 29, 2026

📌 High Street First: Government Accelerates Scrap of Cheap Import Duty Relief

The UK government has accelerated its plans to remove customs duty relief for low-value imports (LVIs). Bringing the implementation date forward by six months to October 2028, ministers confirmed that goods entering Great Britain valued at £135 or less will become subject to the standard customs duty regime, where applicable.

The reform is intended to create a more level playing field between UK high street retailers and overseas online marketplaces. Revenue generated from the change will help fund business rates support for pubs and hospitality businesses, while customs intermediaries, importers and e-commerce retailers should begin preparing for the operational changes that will accompany the new requirements.

📌 July Approaches: EU Introduces €3 Charge on Low-Value Imports

UK businesses shipping goods to European consumers are facing one of the most significant changes to cross-border fulfilment since Brexit. From 1 July 2026, the European Union will abolish its customs duty exemption for low-value consignments, introducing a temporary €3 customs charge on eligible business-to-consumer imports valued at €150 or less.

The charge is applied for each different tariff heading represented within a consignment, meaning orders containing multiple product categories may incur multiple €3 charges. With a significant proportion of EU-bound consumer shipments expected to be affected, businesses are encouraged to review their customs declarations, tariff classifications and Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) arrangements to minimise delivery delays and unexpected costs.

📌 Under Lock and Key: Heavy Freight Target of Port Security Operation

Logistics providers moving oversized cargo and heavy machinery are operating within an increasingly focused border security environment. A coordinated enforcement operation at Harwich International Port recently saw Essex Police working alongside the National Construction and Agricultural Theft Team (NCATT) to inspect more than 200 outbound HGVs and shipping containers.

The operation focused on disrupting the illegal export of stolen construction and agricultural machinery. Officers paid particular attention to abnormal loads and freight consignments requiring specialist documentation and transport arrangements, reinforcing the importance of maintaining robust compliance procedures and accurate export documentation for high-value and specialist freight movements.