HMRC and HM Treasury’s call for evidence on customs modernisation is entering its final weeks, with submissions closing on 15 September. This is followed by the separate consultation on the proposed introduction of mandatory registration for customs intermediaries, which closes on 21 September.

The customs modernisation exercise is examining how the UK customs regime can respond to increasingly digital international trade. Areas under consideration include the future use of structured commercial and logistics data, the impact of digitalised business processes on customs requirements, and whether existing customs authorisations remain appropriate for modern trading models.

The themes under consideration, particularly around customs data, digital trade processes and user experience, are also relevant to wider government border transformation initiatives, including development of the Single Trade Window.

Traders, customs intermediaries, software providers and other interested organisations still have an opportunity to contribute evidence and practical experience before the respective closing dates.

The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) began applying across the EU on 12 August, introducing a harmonised framework covering packaging and packaging waste throughout the EU Single Market.

For UK businesses placing packaged goods on the EU market, the Regulation introduces a range of requirements that will be phased in over the coming years, covering areas including packaging composition, recyclability, labelling, waste reduction and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

One requirement applying from 12 August restricts per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) above specified limits in food-contact packaging. Businesses supplying relevant products into the EU should therefore review packaging specifications and supporting compliance information with their suppliers.

Further PPWR requirements will take effect progressively, with some provisions dependent on future implementing legislation. UK exporters should assess which obligations apply to their products and distribution models, including relevant producer registration and EPR requirements within destination markets.

The UK Government has introduced provisional anti-dumping measures on qualifying boom lifts originating from China following a recommendation from the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA).

From 20 August, affected imports are subject to provisional anti-dumping duties ranging from 16.25% to 71.74%, depending on the overseas producer or exporter. The provisional measure will apply for up to six months or until a definitive remedy is introduced, whichever occurs first.

Importers should pay particular attention to producer-specific rates and documentation requirements. Where a specified exporter rate applies, a valid commercial invoice containing the required declaration must be presented to HMRC. Where the necessary documentation is not provided, the residual duty rate may apply.

The TRA has also opened separate investigations into other product groups. A safeguard investigation is examining imports of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), while an anti-dumping investigation is considering imports of suspension polyvinyl chloride (S-PVC) originating from China, Mexico and South Korea.

These developments reinforce the importance of monitoring UK tariff measures and trade remedy notices alongside standard commodity classification checks. Importers and customs intermediaries should ensure that commodity codes, origin, producer details and applicable additional codes are reviewed as part of pre-import compliance processes.