Lawyers expect tougher customs enforcement across Europe

CUSTOMS enforcement is set to tighten across Europe and the Middle East, according to a survey by Reed Smith.

Of the 19 law firms surveyed in 21 countries, almost 70% of respondents indicated an increased level of enforcement in the past 12 months.

This was driven by traditional areas of scrutiny, such as customs valuation and tariff classification, but also export controls and sanctions compliance.

“The increase in customs enforcement has direct and growing implications for the shipping industry,” Reed Smith partner Leigh Hansson said.

“Heightened security, particularly in sectors like e-commerce, consumer goods and electronics will result in more inspections, delays at ports, and increased operational costs for carriers and logistics providers.”

Many companies remained underprepared to respond to enforcement actions, leaving them exposed to significant legal and financial risks.

Shipping companies should proactively engage with customs authorities, invest in trade compliance infrastructure and in a strong understanding of regulatory trends across jurisdictions, the firm said.

Reed Smith partner Phillippe Heeren said: “This is especially important amid rising tariff tensions and the EU’s ongoing efforts to strengthen enforcement through its Customs Reform Initiative.”

Criminal investigations were most commonly triggered by false declarations of the origin or classification of goods, suspicious trade flows such as transhipment or production relocation, and movement of controlled or high-value goods such as alcohol, tobacco and energy products.