In a year where geopolitical tensions, supply chain vulnerabilities and environmental trade policies are reshaping the global marketplace, businesses may be surprised to learn that the biggest risk to delivery timelines is not congestion or capacity shortages – it’s customs compliance failure.
According to the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade in its latest forecast, “The Year Ahead in International Trade”, 2026 will mark a fundamental shift in how customs and regulatory systems impact global logistics. From new environmental taxes to stricter origin rules, traders will need to invest more heavily in staying compliant to avoid shipment holds, financial penalties and reputational damage.
The Real Cost of Non-Compliance
Many delays in global shipping are rooted not in physical limitations, but in paperwork problems:
- Incorrect or incomplete documentation
- Misclassification of goods
- Failure to meet new environmental and digital customs requirements
- Delays in excise or tariff settlement
These errors trigger customs queries, inspections or re-routings – often resulting in multi-day delays or additional fees. The latest report from the Chartered Institute highlights key regulatory changes this year:
- Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) roll-out by the EU
- Stricter origin tracing and deforestation compliance
- Potential loss of simplified procedures for non-EU goods
- UK-EU customs alignment reviews
- Possible reform of de minimis thresholds for imports
The message is clear: regulatory expectations across key trade lanes are tightening, and businesses that fail to adapt will be left behind.
How Terminals Can Help
Customs is no longer just about filing a form. Terminals – especially those operating bonded and excise facilities -play an increasingly strategic role in enabling compliance from the point of entry.
At NG-Terminal, our bonded warehouse and customs clearance teams ensure:
- Accurate HS code classification and tariff management
- Real-time coordination with HMRC and CDS
- Support with excise declarations and duty-suspension regimes
- Compliant storage and labelling solutions for alcohol, tobacco and other controlled goods
- Up-to-date guidance on FTA usage, EMCS and regulatory shifts
By handling compliance at the terminal level, we help businesses reduce border friction, control costs, and speed up time-to-market.
The NG-Terminal Advantage
NGT’s customs professionals work closely with importers, exporters and freight forwarders to offer:
- On-site bonded storage at Heathrow with direct airline handling
- Excise duty suspension support under WOWGR-approved systems
- MyNGT portal for real-time customs status and document uploads
- API connectivity to CDS and port community systems
As regulatory pressures rise, our proactive approach helps ensure your goods keep moving – smoothly, legally, and without delay.
Get Ahead of 2026 Compliance
Whether you’re managing UK-EU trade, navigating excise tax updates, or preparing for sustainability-linked customs changes, NGT is ready to support.
Contact us at ngtbd@ng-terminal.com 
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Source: Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade. The Year Ahead in International Trade: Tariffs, Spring Forecast and Customs Changes. Jan 2026.
https://www.export.org.uk/insights/trade-news/the-year-ahead-in-international-trade-tariffs-spring-forecast-and-customs-changes
