French shippers are raising alarm over the disruption of the maritime market
Since the end of 2019, French shippers have gone through several crisis situations in maritime transport. At the national level there were port and rail strikes...
ESC and CLECAT urge carriers to switch to a ‘new normal’
ESC and CLECAT urge carriers to review their operational and business practices, to ensure a regular flow of cargo and containers, and to respect schedule reliability...
Get ready for Brexit: important information for UK transport
No customs document? No digital pre-registration at the ferry terminal? Then no crossing! Due to Brexit there will be customs formalities in freight traffic with the...
TIACA Digital Air Cargo Forum
TIACA is organising its Digital Air Cargo Forum 2020 on 1-10 December 2020. Every day of the event will be devoted to a specific topic. The topic will...
ESC calls European authorities to look into the actions of vessel operators
European authorities should be concerned about the shipping lines not returning benefits to the market users, as stipulated by the Consortia Blok Exemption Regulation (CBER). Main...
Glyn Hughes to Take the Reins of TIACA as Its First Director General
Miami, 11 November 2020, The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) announced that Glyn Hughes will take the newly created role of Director General. He will manage...
50 Days before Brexit: customs formalities
European Shippers’ Council held its seminar “50 Days before Brexit” on the 12th of November. The speakers presented what customs formalities will be introduced in France,...
Mitigating Risks of Marine Fuel Uncertainty
On 10th of November, European Shippers’ Council together with Ecumene Ventures organised a webinar called Mitigating Risks of Marine Fuel Uncertainty and New Emissions Regulations. The...
Lkw Maut (toll) in Germany: violation of European law
On 28th of October, 2020, the European Court of Justice ruled that the level of German Lkw-Maut is in violation of European law. According to the...
ESC at Smart Ports event
ESC chaired panel session New Boost in Shipping: Shippers & Carriers into a Standard Mode of Understanding at the Smart Ports Conference with the participation of...
TIACA’s survey on sustainability
The entire air cargo industry: shippers, forwarders, airlines, airports, ground handlers, manufacturers, and IT solution providers are invited to respond to a sustainability survey organised by...
Implementation of rail noise ban in Germany: no sanctions during 2020-2021
ESC was calling the European and national authorities for a delay in the implementation of the national legislation in Germany on rail noise reduction. The national...
Government inaction will lead to a wave of bankruptcies in the road transport sector
ESC is supporting IRU in its call for action to governments worldwide. The transport sector will collapse without targeted action as government financial packages are failing...
ERM report: COVID-19 crisis led to doubling of EU restructuring job loss
The COVID-19 crisis has led to a doubling of restructuring job loss in the first half of 2020 compared to the rolling average. The labour market...
IMO: crew changes and travel
An important reference set of protocols to ensure safe ship crew changes and travel during the COVID-19 pandemic has been recognised by IMO's technical body, the...
Mitigating Risks of Marine Fuel Uncertainty and New Emissions Regulations
10 November, 2020, ESC , together with Ecumene Ventures, are organising a webinar about new marine fuel emissions regulations and shipper-carrier fuel pricing mechanisms. Shippers need...
Shippers concerned about high rates and disruptions
Shippers are concerned about the rates increase, lack of service, and supply chain disruptions in maritime. This year the lines have been merging services, with blank...
50 days before Brexit, 12 November
Brexit day is coming closer but practical questions in the different modes of transport still remain. To mention just one: will the availability of permits for...
World Ports Conference 2020
Cargo owners are usually among the first victims in a crisis. COVID-19 has taken that to another level, with shipments being delayed, blanked, subjected to demurrage,...
Smart Ports: Piers of the Future, 17-18 November
ESC is supporting Smart Ports: Piers of the Future event which is organised as part of the Smart City Expo World Congress Event and will take...
Commission Communication on Covid-19 response measures and transport Green Lanes
28 October, 2020, the European Commission published Communication on additional COVID-19 response measures and a Communication upgrading the transport Green Lanes, both meant to coordinate Member...
EU Environmental Council on freight traffic
During the EU Environment Council on 23 October, 2020, the Ministers of Environment of the EU Member States asked the European Commission to introduce measures to...
Financing energy transition towards zero emissions in inland navigation
The Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine published initial qualitative results of the in-depth study on the “Financing of energy transition towards a zero-emission...
Phasing in greener engines slowed down by pandemic
Inland navigation currently has only one regulative framework regarding emission standards on vessels. This is the Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) Regulation 2016/1628, also known as the...
Adequate minimum wages in the EU
The European Commission released a proposal for a directive on adequate minimum wages in the EU. BusinessEurope reacted to the publication of the proposal calling it...
Withdrawal Agreement: European Commission sends letter of formal notice to the UK for breach of its obligations
1 October 2020, the European Commission sent the United Kingdom a letter of formal notice for breaching its obligations under the Withdrawal Agreement. This marks the...
400,000 seafarers stuck at sea
24 September 2020, during a high-level event on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly Captain Hedi Marzougui appealed to Governments to act to allow...
New Customs Union Action Plan
28 September 2020, the European Commission launched a new Customs Union Action Plan setting out a series of measures to make EU customs smarter, more innovative,...
The Council approves granting €87.4 billion to support 16 Member States under SURE
The European Commission welcomes the Council's approval to grant €87.4 billion of financial support to 16 Member States under the SURE instrument to help protect jobs...
Allocation key for Next Generation EU instrument
In its answer to the European Parliament, the European Commission explains the grouping of the Member States in the modelling exercise for the Next Generation EU...
European Commission: adopting standards for inland waterways vessels
The European Commission issued the Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union on the technical standards...
ICONET project: improving performance of the supply chain
ICONET is a 30-month EU-funded project focusing on the implementation of the Physical Internet. The Smart PI Container is the cornerstone of the project. It is...
Shippers call for crew changes
European shippers together with the Global Shippers’ Alliance appeal to eliminate obstacles to crew changes. Letters have been sent to the International Maritime Organization and the...
WTO issues report on measures to expedite access to COVID-19 critical goods, services
The WTO Secretariat has published a new information note on how WTO members have used trade measures to expedite access to critical medical goods and services...
2020 WCO Annual Report
The WCO Annual Report 2020 outlines the main activities carried out during the 2019-2020 financial year, the main developments within the WCO and its regional structures,...
Posting in the Netherlands
The Working Conditions Posted Workers Act in the European Union (WagwEU in Dutch) has been in force since 1 June 2016. The Act governs the employment...
Mobility Package: dispute before the EU Court of Justice, hotel for foreign truck drivers, and consequences for shippers
Lithuania disputes the MOBILITY PACKAGE before the EU Court of Justice Some Member States do not approve of the new measures of the EU like the...
Adoption of Mobility Package I. Consequences for shippers
8th of July 2020, the European Parliament voted on the Mobility Package I in the second reading. This means that the text will be published in...
European Commission on the final adoption of the Mobility Package I by the European Parliament
9th July 2020, the European Commission welcomes the social improvements of the Mobility Package I voted by the European Parliament. However, they regret that the new...
European Council on 17-18 July 2020
EU leaders will meet physically in Brussels to discuss the recovery plan to respond to the COVID-19 crisis and a new long-term EU budget. On 19...
German Presidency – “Emerging stronger from the crisis together”
Germany's presidency of the Council of the EU covers the period from the 1st of July till the 31st of December 2020. The priorities of Germany's...
DG TRADE on the tools for economic recovery
DG TRADE presents findings from its in-house analysis regarding the post COVID-19 era. It stresses the importance of trade and highlights that protectionist measures are very...
Longer trains tested in the Netherlands
Rail carrier LTE has tested 740-meter freight trains. The company will continue operating these trains next year. Main advantages of using longer trains include a boost...
European Commission’s annual activity reports
The European Commission has published its Annual activity reports 2019. Every department and executive agency of the European Commission publishes an annual activity report. It details...
Free trade agreement with Vietnam to enter into force on 1 August 2020
The EU has negotiated a comprehensive free trade agreement with Vietnam. This leads to a reduction of 99% of all customs duties and further trade facilitation....
EC Temporary Framework to support micro and small enterprises
12 June 2020, the European Commission proposed to further extend the scope of the Temporary Framework by enabling Member States (i) to support certain micro and...
Motorways of the Sea: detailed implementation plan is ready
Detailed Implementation Plan for Motorways of the Sea sets the priorities for the creation of a sustainable, smart and seamless European Maritime Space. This plan is...
Norway ratifies e-CMR protocol
In June, Norway ratified the e-CMR protocol. In place since 2011, e-CMR, the electronic protocol of the standard consignment note under the United Nations Convention for...
European Commission is undertaking major EU trade policy review
The European Commission’s major review of the European Union's trade policy will include a public consultation seeking input from the European Parliament, Member States, stakeholders, and...
CLECAT joins Drewry-ESC transparent tool for bunker charges
Brussels, London, 30 June 2020 – European forwarders’ association joins industry initiative on a fair, neutral bunker adjustment factor indexing mechanism for shippers, forwarders and shipping...
TIACA launches its 2nd Air Cargo Sustainability Award
The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) announced that the second edition of the Air Cargo Sustainability Award is now open for applications. The competition aims to...
EC guidelines: restoration of transport services and connectivity
The European Commission published Guidelines on the Progressive Restoration of Transport Services and Connectivity – COVID-19 2020/C 169/02. Given the global nature of the COVID-19 outbreak...
Influence of COVID-19 on ports compared to 2008 financial crisis
The normal flow patterns in maritime sector are severely disrupted due to COVID-19. Global container shipping has a decrease of 8-10 % in the volumes transported....
Galileo Green Lanes application
The Galileo Green Lanes App is now open for use by all interested parties, companies, and drivers in the EU and neighbouring countries. The application was...
ESC and evofenedex focus on Turkey’s trade barriers
Due to COVID-19, Turkey has increased the import duties on products originating from third countries. Besides, European exporters will be asked to provide a declaration of...
Container transport: Drewry-ESC satisfaction survey
Availability of cargo space is number one customer requirement, according to the fourth annual shipper satisfaction survey of Drewry and ESC. Container shipping lines’ ability to provide...
COVID-19: WTO reports growing number of export restrictions
Eighty countries and customs territories so far have introduced export prohibitions or restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic according to a new report by...
COVID-19: Galileo Green Lane, easing pressure at the EU’s internal borders
The European GNSS Agency is working together with the European Commission on an application to facilitate the movement of goods and freight within the EU in...
COVID-19: more news
ESC is following closely the developments related to COVID-19. For the measures per country and links to different organisations taking steps to respond to the coronavirus...
Post-COVID-19: ESC, CLECAT, and EEA on Green Lanes and Air Cargo guidelines
Brussels, 27 April 2020, European Shippers’ Council, CLECAT, and the European Express Association welcome last week’s Joint European Commission and European Council Roadmap towards lifting COVID-19...
Interim appeal arrangement for WTO disputes
30 April 2020, the EU and other WTO members have formally notified the 'Multi-party interim appeal arbitration arrangement' (MPIA) to the World Trade Organization (WTO). This...
Decarbonization matters. Launch of Smart Freight Procurement Questionnaire
13 May 2020, Smart Freight Centre launches its Smart Freight Procurement (SFP) Questionnaire. Shippers and logistics service providers are welcome to join the online webinar sessions...
New Council positions on Mobility Package files and e-freight transport information
On 7 April 2020, Council adopted its position on the 3 "Mobility Package I"-files (Posting of drivers, Driving times and rest periods/tachographs, and Access to the...
COVID-19: state aid for railway sector
There are possibilities to support the railway sector with state aid. EU regulation allows this under the current exceptional circumstances. Railway lobby organisations have been shouting...
COVID-19: shippers and forwarders question air cargo handling surcharges
European shippers are challenging new cargo handling surcharges being imposed by air freight handlers. Together with freight forwarders they call on air freight handlers to justify...
Update: ESC COVID-19 measures
Please see updated information on COVID-19 measures implemented by EU Member States and other links related to COVID-19 response.
COVID-19: deadline extension for autonomous tariff suspension requests
Following the decision of the European Commission, the French Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Rights (DGDDI) published a Notice to importers of certain agricultural and...
#EUvsVirus Pan-European Hackaton: 24, 25, 26 April 2020
The European Commission, in close collaboration with EU Member States, will host a pan-European hackathon to connect civil society, innovators, partners, and buyers across Europe to...
COVID-19: EU state and temporary framework
On 19 March 2020,1 the European Commission adopted a State Aid Temporary Framework to enable EU Member States to use the full flexibility foreseen under EU...
COVID-19: WTO and WCO pledge joint efforts to facilitate trade in essential goods
6 April 2020, the heads of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and World Customs Organization (WCO) issued a joint statement pledging to work together to facilitate...
Mobility package: Council adopts truck drivers reform
7 April 2020, the Council adopted a major reform of the EU road transport sector, known as the Mobility Package. The new rules will improve drivers'...
Additional customs duties on imports from the USA
The European Union shall apply additional customs duties as specified in Regulation (EU) 2020/502 of 6 April 2020 on certain commercial policy measures concerning certain products...
Regular update on measures related to COVID-19
ESC prepares a regular update on the measured introduced by the EU Member States related to COVID-19. For the recent information, please see here.
Supply chain stakeholders alert President Von der Leyen about their disapproval of the CBER decision
The supply chain stakeholders alert the President of the European Commission, Ms Ursula Von der Leyen, that they disapprove of the prolongation of the Consortia Block...
COVID-19: loading and unloading sites. ESC and CLECAT joint recommendations
ESC and CLECAT reach out to drivers, road hauliers, logistics service providers, consignors, and consignees to work together to diminish the impact of COVID-19 at loading...
Overview of open service points for truck drivers
Transportation of goods across and between countries is essential. However, truck drivers are facing more and more issues, caused by the presence of COVID-19 restrictions. Due...
Update on the waiting times at the border
Corona has led to many new rules within the European Union. These rules are not only on the national level, but they are also focused on...
Coronavirus: ESC calls for additional freight flights after US entry ban
President Trump of the United States (USA) announced last night that, from Friday noon until end of April, an entry ban applies to residents of the...
Anticipating the impact of COVID-19 for logistics partners
This week, Lisbon, ESC Secretary General Godfried Smit will speak to Portuguese shippers on the challenges that COVID-19 brings to shippers and ways to anticipate the...