This Week in Automotive — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Union Customs Code overhauled, Regulation (EU) 2026/2108 published; New safeguard on silicon-electrical steel imports; Batteries: new harmonised EV standard; Bioethanol import surveillance extended.
September 14, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Union Customs Code overhauled, Regulation (EU) 2026/2108 published; New safeguard on silicon-electrical steel imports; Batteries: new harmonised EV standard; Bioethanol import surveillance extended.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission extends bioethanol import surveillance amid rising imports
The European Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2047 on 14 September 2026, extending retrospective Union surveillance on imports of renewable ethanol for fuel for an additional three years, effective from 16 September 2026. The measure responds to a 55% increase in bioethanol imports between 2023 and 2025, with the US accounting for 44% of total imports. The Union sales price decreased by 21% during the same period, and EU producers lost 5% market share. Surveillance allows the Commission to monitor import trends before official statistics are available, using specific TARIC codes to ensure product targeting. The regulation will remain in force until 15 September 2029.
Commission mandates registration of Chinese alkaline manganese batteries imports
On 14 September 2026, the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2049, requiring customs authorities to register imports of primary cells and primary batteries of alkaline manganese dioxide from China. The registration, which lasts nine months, aims to allow for possible retroactive anti-dumping duties following an ongoing investigation initiated on 2 July 2026 (OJ C/2026/3479). The complaint was lodged by VARTA Consumer Batteries GmbH & Co. KGaA, representing over 25% of Union production. Estimated dumping margins range from 20% to 219%, with the injury elimination level between 9% and 134%. The scope covers non-rechargeable, non-spent, non-waste cylindrical cells under CN code 8506 10 11.
Commission endorses harmonised standard for EV batteries under Regulation (EU) 2023/1542
The Commission published Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2048 on 14 September 2026, listing EN 18060:2025 as a harmonised standard for electric vehicle modules and batteries. This standard, drafted by CEN and Cenelec, supports compliance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 for performance, durability, and safety of batteries. Batteries conforming to EN 18060:2025 are presumed to meet key requirements set out in Articles 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, and 78 of the regulation. The reference enters into force upon publication in the Official Journal.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Union Customs Code recast: Regulation (EU) 2026/2108 establishes new EU Customs Authority
Regulation (EU) 2026/2108 of 16 September 2026, published in OJ L, overhauls the Union Customs Code and repeals Regulation (EU) No 952/2013. The new code introduces the EU Customs Authority, headquartered in Lille, France, and sets up the centralised EU Customs Data Hub. The regulation aims to address weaknesses in IT architecture, risk management, and e-commerce oversight. It strengthens risk management, provides for the digital product passport, and introduces new compliance definitions for importers and exporters, especially in distance sales. The main provisions will apply from 12 months after entry into force, with selected provisions on distance sales and the EU Customs Authority applicable from 1 July 2028.
Provisional safeguard on silicon-electrical steel and cores: Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2133
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2133 imposes a provisional safeguard measure on imports of certain grain-oriented flat-rolled products of silicon-electrical steel (GOES) and steel laminations/cores, including those incorporated in transformers. The measure applies for 155 days starting 25 September 2026 and introduces tariff-rate quotas, minimum price thresholds, and specific duties. The regulation responds to a 120% increase in imports between 2021 and 2025 and a loss of 23 percentage points market share for EU producers. Imports from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Kenya, and Ukraine are excluded.
Commission amends deforestation Regulation: Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2102
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2102 of 13 July 2026 revises the list of relevant commodities and products under Regulation (EU) 2023/1115. The amendment adjusts HS codes for cattle and soya, adds frozen cattle tongues and soluble coffee, and removes certain leather and rubber products. The update aims to ensure coherence and proportionality in the scope of due diligence obligations to prevent deforestation and forest degradation.
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2065: Japan joins EU research programmes
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2065 of 14 July 2026 authorises the signing and provisional application of an agreement with Japan on participation in EU programmes. Under the protocol, Japan associates with Pillar II of Horizon Europe (2021-2027), focusing on global challenges and industrial competitiveness. The agreement ensures a fair financial balance and excludes decision-making powers for Japan regarding the programme.
Interbus Agreement: Joint Committee establishes rules of procedure
Decision No 1/2026 of the Joint Committee under the Interbus Protocol, adopted 2 June 2026, sets out the committee's rules of procedure for international regular and special regular carriage of passengers by coach and bus. The rules align with those of the main Interbus Agreement and enter into force upon adoption.
EU Council
Transport ministers to hold informal meeting
An informal meeting of transport ministers under the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council is scheduled for 20 September 2026.
What We're Reading This Week
- Nearly $12bn project pipeline gives new weight to Seoul –Tashkent ties in minerals, AI and transport: Major investments are set to deepen South Korea-Uzbekistan collaboration across mineral extraction, artificial intelligence, and transportation sectors.
- From Madrid to Zagreb, Europe's autonomous vehicles are multiplying: European cities are accelerating the rollout of autonomous vehicles, signaling a shift toward smarter, tech-driven urban mobility.
- Supermarket deliveries: Lidl tests autonomous electric lorry: Lidl trials a driverless electric truck for supermarket deliveries, signaling a shift toward automation and greener logistics.
- Inside the ‘torture chambers’ pushing EV batteries to their limits: Researchers subject electric vehicle batteries to extreme conditions to improve safety, performance, and reliability in real-world scenarios.
