Are You Ready for Customs Compliance in 2025?

The short answer: Probably not yet.

Customs compliance is evolving fast. New rules, new technologies, and new sustainability demands are coming in hot.

The real question is: Are you ready to adapt?

From working with traders every day, here’s where we think you should put your energy in 2025:

1: Manage your customs brokers better

Here’s a fact: Most businesses use more customs brokers than they realise. And if you’re not managing those brokers properly, mistakes will happen.

What does “managing properly” mean?

• Provide clear instructions about your products, processes, and expectations
• Monitor performance: Are they following your instructions? Are they making errors?
• Consolidate data: Emma E-Doc helps you collect customs declarations and supporting documents from all brokers, so you can see the big picture

Customs brokers are critical to your operations. Treat them like partners—not afterthoughts.

But keep in mind that you are still responsible for your customs declarations and data, even when you use brokers.

Learn more in our free video session: Effective Broker & Supplier Management – Webinar for International Traders

2: Put sustainability on your customs agenda

Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a priority.

Take the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), for example. CBAM is a regulation that places carbon costs on imports to encourage lower emissions.

And it does not stop with CBAM,  the EU is advancing several measures to address environmental and climate challenges, such as the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which will target imports linked to deforestation.

These efforts reflect the EU’s comprehensive approach to sustainability, aligning with its goals for climate neutrality by 2050. With similar initiatives emerging in the UK and Norway, businesses need to stay prepared for a growing regulatory focus on sustainable trade practices.

Customs data plays a huge role here. It’s the key to understanding what goods are affected, calculating emissions, and staying compliant.

What’s the first step? Look at your customs data.

• Are you importing products subject to CBAM charges?
• Do you have the right documentation at hand?

Your customs data isn’t just for taxes anymore—it’s now a sustainability tool. Use it wisely.

Ready to dig deeper into our customs data? Download our guide on customs data analysis

3: Get serious about product classification

Product classification errors can result in overpaid duties, penalties, or shipment delays. In 2025, expect even greater scrutiny from customs authorities.

To avoid costly mistakes:

• Regularly review and verify your product commodity / HS codes
• Cross-check classifications against the latest regulations
• Use Emma E-Doc [Hyperlinkt to e-doc solution page] to conduct self-audits, random checks and ensure accuracy across all declarations and supporting documents

Classification errors cost time and money—2025 is the year to eliminate them!

Learn more in our free video session: Mastering Product Classification & Commodity Codes for International Trade

4: Prepare for more scrutiny on customs data accuracy

Customs authorities are increasingly leveraging advanced data analytics to detect errors, inconsistencies, and potential fraud.

That means inaccurate or incomplete trade and customs data is a bigger risk than ever.

In the coming year, keep your eye on:  

• Accuracy: Ensure the data in your declarations (value, quantity, origin) aligns with invoices and internal records
• Completeness: Make sure all supporting documents—like certificates, invoices and transport documents—are attached
• Traceability: Maintain a clear audit trail between your declarations and your accounting records

Failing to get this right could lead to delays, penalties, or audits. Tools like Use Emma E-Doc make it easier to consolidate your customs data, perform self-checks, and stay prepared for inspections.

5: Build internal expertise on customs and product compliance

Customs compliance isn’t just an external issue—it’s an internal one, too. Authorities increasingly expect traders to demonstrate robust internal controls.

A strong foundation starts with:

• Training: Ensure your team has up-to-date knowledge of customs regulations. They should understand the processes and stay informed about changes affecting your products, industry, or markets
• Product expertise: Equip your team with in-depth knowledge of your products, including country of origin, commodity/HS codes, and other key data points
• Self-audits: Proactively review your customs data. Spot and fix discrepancies before they become a problem
• Centralisation: Use a platform like Emma E-Doc to consolidate all your customs data in one place. This makes compliance simpler and more efficient

Compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about building a system that works seamlessly.

The Bottom Line

Customs compliance in 2025 won’t just be about keeping up with regulations. It’ll be about proactively managing relationships, leveraging your data, and demonstrating strong internal controls.

With the right tools—like Emma E-Doc—you can simplify the process, reduce risks, and future-proof your operations.

Are you ready to lead in compliance?