Home
»
News
»
Logistics Articles

What’s new in Logistics: digital shifts, regulatory delays & transatlantic trade trends

02 October, 2025

September marked an eventful month for the logistics sector across Europe and beyond. German ports are preparing to roll out a new digital clearance system for container imports. Meanwhile, the EU’s ambitious customs reform — Import Control System 2 (ICS2) — has hit a roadblock, with 15 member states postponing its third phase due to implementation challenges.

On the trade front, container flows between the EU and the U.S. are stabilizing, particularly for industrial goods and pharmaceuticals, although automotive exports continue to struggle under persistent tariffs. Read more below.

Logistics News

1. Digital clearance in German ports:

The transition to the new digital clearance procedure for container imports will soon begin in German ports. A new three-step plan has been introduced. Starting October 1st, 2025, German ports (Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven) will implement a new mandatory digital system for container imports, replacing the old PIN method with a Secure Release Order (SRO).

2. Regulatory Complience:

Regulatory complexity is also intensifying in the EU. The third phase of the Import Control System 2 (ICS2), originally scheduled for September 1, has been postponed by 15 member states due to readiness concerns and the burden of new customs data requirements.
Forwarders are facing challenges with stricter compliance expectations, especially around pre-arrival declarations and data quality.

3. The EU–US trade relationship:

Is showing signs of stabilization in container flows, especially for industrial goods and pharmaceuticals. A new framework agreement, while not yet legally binding, is helping to steady volumes on core transatlantic lanes.
However, automotive exports remain constrained due to persistent tariffs, with EU car exports to the U.S. dropping 16.8% in the first half of the year.

Fill out the form

Our specialist will contact you!

Fill out the form below and our specialist will contact you!