This Week in Freight & Ports — Brussels (#29, 2026)
New Union Customs Code adopted; Commission proposes €489m for post-storm transport recovery; Polish rail ETCS exemption approved; Anti-dumping duty revised for UK titanium dioxide.
September 14, 2026 to September 20, 2026
New Union Customs Code adopted; Commission proposes €489m for post-storm transport recovery; Polish rail ETCS exemption approved; Anti-dumping duty revised for UK titanium dioxide.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
European Commission
Commission proposes €489 million to help Portugal, Spain, Italy and Malta recover from severe storms
On 16 September 2026, the European Commission proposed to mobilise €489 million from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to support Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Malta in recovering from severe storms and flooding earlier in the year. The funding is aimed at emergency and recovery operations, including rebuilding transport infrastructure and restoring essential services. Portugal, Spain, and Malta received advances, with the remaining €385.6 million to be paid once the proposal is approved by the European Parliament and Council. The Commission’s proposal follows storm Harry’s impact in Malta and Italy and subsequent flooding in Portugal and Spain. The EUSF operates outside the normal EU budget ceilings and requires approval by both Parliament and Council for mobilisation.
Commission proposes ambitious measures to strengthen fair labour mobility
On 14 September 2026, the European Commission adopted the Fair Labour Mobility package, including a Regulation establishing a European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS), the Skills Portability Act, a Regulation to strengthen the European Labour Authority, an amending Directive on professional qualifications, and a Directive on qualifications of third-country nationals. The measures will enable digital verification of social security and qualifications, simplify recognition procedures, and enhance enforcement of workers’ rights across borders. The package is expected to deliver €6 billion in benefits by 2040 through faster processing, fraud prevention, and reduced administrative costs. Implementation will be phased, with digitalisation of documents starting by end-2026 and full integration of qualifications within three years.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Regulation (EU) 2026/2108 establishing the Union Customs Code and the European Union Customs Authority
Regulation (EU) 2026/2108, adopted on 16 September 2026, establishes the new Union Customs Code and creates the European Union Customs Authority, headquartered in Lille, France. The Regulation repeals Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 and introduces the European Union Customs Data Hub for harmonised digital customs procedures. It aims to address challenges in risk management, e-commerce, and non-financial compliance, including streamlined customs processes, consolidated digital services, and centralised risk analysis. The new legal framework will be phased in from March 2031, with full implementation by March 2034.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2064 amending anti-dumping duty on imports of titanium dioxide from China
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2064, published on 18 September 2026, amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/4 concerning definitive anti-dumping duties on titanium dioxide imports from China. Following LB Group’s acquisition of the Greatham (UK) TiO2 manufacturing site, new TARIC codes have been introduced for UK producers to monitor import flows and prevent circumvention of anti-dumping measures. The Regulation enables enhanced surveillance of titanium dioxide imports from the UK, which are not subject to anti-dumping duties, and provides for possible investigations under Article 13 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 if significant increases in imports are observed.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2059: Poland exempted from ETCS installation on new diesel locomotives
On 17 September 2026, the Commission adopted Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2059 granting Poland an exemption from the requirement to install the European Train Control System (ETCS) onboard 12 new diesel locomotives operating on line No 65, under Directive (EU) 2016/797 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1695. The exemption is based on technical and economic considerations, as line No 65 is not equipped with ETCS trackside and installation would entail significant costs. The exemption applies until 31 December 2056 or until ETCS installation on the line.
EU Council
Informal meeting of transport ministers scheduled
Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council will hold an informal meeting of transport ministers on 20 September 2026.
