This Week in Freight & Ports — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Djibouti-EU security agreement finalised; new CO2 reporting for heavy-duty vehicles; rule changes for South Pacific fisheries; UN electric powertrain approval published.
August 17, 2026 to August 23, 2026
Djibouti-EU security agreement finalised; new CO2 reporting for heavy-duty vehicles; rule changes for South Pacific fisheries; UN electric powertrain approval published.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1282 amending and correcting Annexes IV and V to Regulation (EU) 2019/1242 on CO2 emissions for heavy-duty vehicles
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1282, dated 12 June 2026, amends and corrects Annexes IV and V to Regulation (EU) 2019/1242, which sets CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles. The new regulation introduces more detailed data reporting obligations for manufacturers and member states, including the unequivocal identification of manufacturers of completed vehicles of category M. Additional monitoring parameters and clarifications for the reporting process are included to support in-service verification and risk assessments under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/35. The amendments reflect changes in vehicle technologies and reporting obligations from Regulation (EU) 2024/1610 and Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/258. Annex IV and V corrections address errors affecting substantive provisions, with entry into force set for twenty days after publication in the Official Journal (OJ L 2026/1282; CELEX: 32026R1282).
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1761 amending Regulation (EU) 2018/975 on South Pacific fisheries reporting and port requirements
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1761, published on 17 August 2026, updates Regulation (EU) 2018/975 in line with the latest South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) decisions. Amendments cover time limits for annual scientific report submission and total annual catch reporting, revised line weighting standards in Annex I, updated vessel and observer data requirements in Annexes V and X, and revised port data requirements in Annexes XI and XII. Member States now have until 15 June to report annual scientific and catch data, with provisions for exceptional extensions. The changes align EU law with SPRFMO conservation and management measures adopted in 2026 (OJ L 2026/1761; CELEX: 32026R1761).
UN Regulation No 100 – Approval of vehicles with regard to electric power train requirements
UN Regulation No 100, published in the Official Journal on 17 August 2026, sets uniform provisions for the approval of vehicles regarding specific requirements for electric power trains. The regulation incorporates the 05 series of amendments effective from 26 September 2025. It addresses safety requirements for electric power trains, rechargeable electrical energy storage systems (REESS), and installation standards for approved REESS. Transitional provisions detail the acceptance of type approvals across amendment series. The regulation is documented in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2025/41-43 and is referenced in OJ L 2026/1695; CELEX: 32026R1695.
Notice of entry into force: EU-China tariff-rate quota agreement following UK withdrawal
A notice in the Official Journal dated 19 August 2026 confirms the entry into force on 31 July 2026 of the agreement between the EU and the People's Republic of China regarding modifications to tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) in EU Schedule CLXXV under Article XXVIII of GATT 1994. The adjustment reflects changes required by the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union. The agreement text is published in OJ L 2026/1077 (OJ L 2026/1952; CELEX: 32026X1952).
Exchange of Letters: EU-Pakistan agreement on tariff-rate quota modifications after Brexit
On 21 August 2026, the Official Journal published the agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the EU and Pakistan under Article XXVIII of GATT 1994. The agreement finalises the apportionment of scheduled quantitative commitments (TRQs) following the UK's withdrawal, with Pakistan confirming satisfaction with the EU's proposed methodology. The agreement enters into force upon completion of internal procedures by both parties (OJ L 2026/1954; CELEX: 32026A1954).
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1960 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 881/2002 on ISIL and Al-Qaida sanctions
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1960, signed on 20 August 2026, amends Council Regulation (EC) No 881/2002 for the 359th time, updating the sanctions list regarding persons and entities associated with ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida. Amendments reflect changes decided by the UN Sanctions Committee on 13-14 August 2026. The updated regulation enters into force the day after publication (OJ L 2026/1960).
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1949 on emergency measures for lumpy skin disease virus in Italy
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1949, adopted on 13 August 2026, amends the annexes to Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1582 concerning emergency measures for outbreaks of lumpy skin disease virus in Italy. The updated annexes revise protection and surveillance zones and duration of control measures, based on delays in disease control in Sardinia and current epidemiological risks. The measures are coordinated with the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed and are addressed to the Italian Republic (OJ L 2026/1949; CELEX: 32026D1949).
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1947 approving EU-Djibouti agreement on EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1947, adopted on 21 April 2026 and published on 19 August 2026, authorises the signing and conclusion of the agreement between the EU and Djibouti establishing the legal status of EU-led forces for the maritime security operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES. The agreement supports the operation's logistical, medical, and security needs in response to the Red Sea crisis. The text of the agreement is available in OJ L 2026/1946 (OJ L 2026/1947; CELEX: 32026D1947).
Agreement text: EU-Djibouti status of forces for EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
The Official Journal on 19 August 2026 publishes the full translation of the agreement between the EU and the Republic of Djibouti on the status of EU-led forces for the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES maritime security operation. The agreement details legal immunities, operational scope, privileges, border crossing, and dispute resolution for EU forces within Djibouti, valid for twelve months and renewable. The agreement responds to increased attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea and is referenced under Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/583 (OJ L 2026/1946; CELEX: 32026A1946).
