This Week in Hospitality & Retail — Brussels (#11, 2026)
EU Customs Code reform deal; new handling fee for e-commerce parcels; Parliament-Council select Lille for EU Customs Authority; Commission investigates online discount practices.
March 22, 2026 to March 28, 2026
EU Customs Code reform deal; new handling fee for e-commerce parcels; Parliament-Council select Lille for EU Customs Authority; Commission investigates online discount practices.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🏛️ European Parliament
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission investigates Snapchat’s compliance with child protection rules under the Digital Services Act
On 25 March 2026, the European Commission opened formal proceedings to investigate Snapchat’s compliance with child protection obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The investigation focuses on age assurance methods, the protection of minors from grooming and recruitment for criminal purposes, the adequacy of default privacy settings, and the dissemination of information related to the sale of illegal and age-restricted products. The Commission suspects Snapchat’s reliance on self-declaration for age verification is insufficient and raises concerns over content moderation and reporting mechanisms. This intervention follows an earlier Dutch investigation into vape sales to minors on Snapchat, with the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) now supporting the Commission’s work. The probe uses the 2025 DSA Guidelines on the protection of minors as a benchmark and draws on risk assessment reports, national regulator input, and academic research. The Commission may consider interim enforcement measures as the investigation proceeds.
Commission welcomes historic agreement to reform EU Customs Union
On 25 March 2026, the Commission announced an agreement between the European Parliament and Council on a comprehensive reform of the EU Customs Union. The reform introduces new measures for e-commerce, including the removal of the duty exemption for parcels under €150 and a new €3 duty on such parcels starting 1 July 2026. A handling fee will also be introduced no later than 1 November 2026. The reform establishes the EU Customs Authority (EUCA), based in Lille, France, and a central EU Customs Data Hub. These measures aim to modernise customs procedures, streamline data sharing, and enhance risk management. The new framework strengthens responsibilities for e-commerce operators and online platforms, who will be required to provide customs information and ensure product compliance. The reform’s phased implementation will see the Customs Data Hub open for e-commerce in 2028 and become mandatory for all traders in 2034.
Commission and consumer authorities find one in three traders incorrectly display online discounts during Black Friday and Cyber Monday
On 25 March 2026, the European Commission and consumer protection authorities from 23 Member States, as well as Iceland and Norway, published results from a coordinated sweep of online discount practices during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales events. Of the 314 traders screened, 30% referenced discounts incorrectly, failing to comply with the Price Indications Directive, which requires reference to the lowest price in the past 30 days. Authorities also identified misleading pressure-selling tactics, unclear price comparisons, and practices such as 'drip pricing.' The sweep forms part of ongoing enforcement under the Consumer Protection Cooperation network, with potential follow-up action by national authorities.
Commission welcomes selection of Lille as seat for EU Customs Authority
On 24 March 2026, the European Commission welcomed the selection of Lille, France, as the seat of the EU Customs Authority (EUCA) following agreement by the European Parliament and the Council. The decision concludes the seat selection process launched in October 2025, during which nine Member States applied. The EUCA will coordinate and modernise customs operations, manage the EU Customs Data Hub, and support the implementation of the Customs Union reform package. The seat location will be included in the upcoming regulation establishing the new Union Customs Code and the EUCA.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/729: Amendment to the product specification of the geographical indication 'Marc de Champagne / Eau-de-vie de marc de Champagne'
On 26 March 2026, the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/729, approving a Union amendment to the product specification for the geographical indication 'Marc de Champagne / Eau-de-vie de marc de Champagne' under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. The amendment includes a name change to 'Marc champenois / Eau-de-vie de marc champenois.'
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/736: Registration of 'Erbazzone Reggiano' (PGI)
On 27 March 2026, the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/736, entering 'Erbazzone Reggiano' (PGI) in the Union register of geographical indications under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. The Regulation grants a transitional period for the company Sfoglia Torino S.r.l. to continue using the name until 31 December 2028.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/707: Cancellation of 'Colline Teatine' (PGI)
On 25 March 2026, the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/707, cancelling the registration of the protected geographical indication 'Colline Teatine' (PGI) at Italy’s request. No opposition was received during the procedure.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/708: Cancellation of 'Terre di Chieti' (PGI)
On 25 March 2026, the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/708, cancelling the registration of 'Terre di Chieti' (PGI) following a request from Italy. The measure is in line with Regulation (EU) 2024/1143.
European Parliament
Parliament debate: Non-application of customs duties on imports of certain goods
On 26 March 2026, the European Parliament held a plenary debate on the proposal for a regulation on the non-application of customs duties on imports of certain goods (COM(2025)0472; rapporteur: Bernd Lange, Committee on International Trade).
EU Council
Agriculture and Fisheries Council discusses Vision for Agriculture and Food and energy transition in fisheries
On 30 March 2026, the Agriculture and Fisheries Council reviewed progress on the Commission's Vision for Agriculture and Food and discussed the energy transition in fisheries and aquaculture. Ministers considered the impact of ongoing geopolitical challenges on agri-food supply chains and adopted an amendment to the fishing opportunities Regulation for North-East Atlantic mackerel.
EP Committee Work
IMCO Committee discusses EU scrutiny of AliExpress and enforcement of the Digital Markets Act
On 24 March 2026, the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) held exchanges on EU scrutiny of AliExpress regarding the systemic sale of unsafe and counterfeit goods. The meeting also included adoption of a motion for a resolution and oral question on the enforcement of the Digital Markets Act, co-authored by Andreas Schwab and Anna Cavazzini.
What We're Reading This Week
- Labour migration - European Commission: The European Commission advances new policies to manage labour migration and address workforce shortages across EU member states.
- visa facilitation agreement - European Commission: The European Commission advances plans to simplify visa procedures, aiming to boost travel and strengthen international cooperation.
- Spanish court orders Airbnb to pay €64 million fine and refuses to suspend sanction: Airbnb must pay a €64 million fine in Spain after the court denies its request to halt the penalty.
- Tourists cool on Cyprus and Turkey as Iran war upends travel plans: Rising regional tensions linked to Iran are prompting travelers to reconsider trips to Cyprus and Turkey this season.
- Here’s why European coolcations are still on trend this summer: Travelers are increasingly opting for cooler European destinations to escape summer heatwaves and overcrowded tourist hotspots.
