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Starting a blog was one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in my career. As someone who loves writing and connecting with readers, having an outlet to share my thoughts while potentially helping others has been an incredible experience.

When I first began blogging a few years ago, I really had no idea what I was doing. I would just sit down at my computer whenever inspiration struck and write whatever came to mind. Sometimes I would publish posts without even proofreading them because I was so eager to get my ideas out there.

Looking back now, those early posts were pretty rough. It’s almost cringe-worthy to read some of my early writing. But we all have to start somewhere, right? Even though I made plenty of mistakes (which I’ll detail later in this post), blogging has enabled me to find my voice, create helpful content, and connect with readers from all walks of life.

If you’re thinking about starting a blog but feel intimidated or don’t know where to begin, I want this post to encourage you. You don’t have to have everything figured out on day one. I certainly didn’t! Consider this your kick in the pants to just take that first step and start writing.

And to help you avoid some of the early pitfalls I encountered, I’ll take you through a step-by-step guide to learn how to write a great post, drawing from my own experience as well as expert insights from top bloggers. Get ready to take notes!

The UK customs landscape has never been static. Since Brexit, it has evolved at pace digitally, procedurally and operationally; as government systems adapt to new trading realities and increasing volumes of data driven compliance.

The UK customs landscape has never been static. Since Brexit, it has evolved rapidly. Not only in regulatory terms, but digitally and operationally, as government systems adapt to new trading realities and significantly higher volumes of data‑driven compliance.

At the centre of that shift sits the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), now the UK’s sole platform for import and export declarations. Its development, rollout and ongoing adjustment reflect both the ambition and the inherent challenge of digitising a national customs system operating at scale.

From CHIEF to CDS 5.1.0: UK Customs Structural Shifts

The transition from CHIEF to the Customs Declaration Service marked a fundamental change in how customs data is structured and processed in the UK. Following a phased migration, CDS became the sole platform for UK import and export declarations in June 2024.

Aiming to improve upon its predecessor, CDS intended to introduce a more detailed, data‑led declaration model intended to support complex trade scenarios; particularly around origin, preference and regulatory alignment, including differentiated movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

This shift was not simply a technical upgrade. It reflected a broader move towards a digital ecosystem where compliance outcomes are increasingly determined by how data is interpreted and validated.

*Note: Trader Support Service (TSS) is also used currently for some NI declarations along with CDS. 

Large‑Scale Digital Customs Need Updates Like CDS 5.1.0

Even in a best case scenario, replacing a long‑established national customs system is not a static event. As with most large‑scale digital platforms, updates and reflective changes while systems are live are commonplace. This is especially true for a system operating across millions of declarations, multiple regulatory regimes and highly nuanced trade flows.

As a live national customs platform, CDS has continued to be updated following its introduction. Successive releases have focused on how declaration data is validated and how tariff measures are derived, reflecting the realities of real‑world usage rather than theoretical design.

“CDS was introduced to support a more data‑driven customs environment,” says Adam Grimshaw, Customs Compliance Expert at Customs Support Group. “The underlying rules haven’t changed. But since launch, HMRC has continued to adjust how the system validates and interprets declaration data, particularly around origin and preference.”

CDS Release 5.1.0: What Has Changed & What Hasn’t

The most recent update, CDS Release 5.1.0, is a practical example of this ongoing adjustment.

The release updates how CDS assesses the relationship between key data elements when determining whether preferential or non‑preferential tariff measures apply, including:

• Declared preference codes
• Country of origin
• and, where applicable, country of preferential origin

The customs rules themselves have not changed. What has changed is how CDS applies validation logic when assessing whether these data elements align.

Grimshaw explains. “What’s changed is how CDS determines whether the information declared actually supports the tariff treatment being claimed.”

As a result, declarations containing mismatched or incomplete origin and preference data may now be identified by the system where they may previously have passed, particularly in more complex scenarios involving Northern Ireland and EU preference claims.

Why CSD 5.1.0 Matters for Businesses

For traders, updates such as Release 5.1.0 highlight a broader reality of digital customs compliance: systems are becoming less tolerant of inconsistency. In practical terms, businesses need to ensure that:

• Preference claims align precisely with origin data
• Supporting origin evidence reflects what is declared
• Northern Ireland movements are handled with particular care where UK and EU preference regimes intersect
• Pre‑lodged or repeat declarations remain compliant following system updates

“As most businesses we work with are aware, this isn’t the bar being raised,” says Grimshaw. “It’s a standard they work to. It’s simply the system applying the bar more consistently than it may have done before.”

Staying Ahead of System Changes like 5.1.0

At Customs Support Group, monitoring CDS releases forms part of day‑to‑day compliance management. Each update is assessed not just for its technical content, but for how it affects live declaration flows in practice.

“Our role is to translate system updates into operational clarity,” Grimshaw says. “That means understanding how CDS will apply validation following a release, adjusting internal processes where necessary, and ensuring clients understand how their declarations may be assessed differently as a result.”

While digital systems increasingly drive customs decisions, Grimshaw stresses that expert oversight remains essential.

“Trade is complex and fast‑moving. Digital tools bring scale and consistency, but experienced compliance teams are still needed to review outcomes, interpret edge cases and ensure decisions align with regulatory intent.”

This approach enables Customs Support Group to:

• Align internal declaration logic with CDS updates
• Brief operational teams ahead of go‑live dates
• Identify risk areas, including NI‑specific validation scenarios
• Support traders reviewing pre‑lodged or repeat declarations

Compliance as a Strategy, Not a CDS 5.1.0 or 5.1.1, 5.1.2 Reaction

CDS Release 5.1.0 is one of many updates reflecting how the UK’s digital customs infrastructure continues to operate and adapt in real time. Each release reinforces the need for ongoing oversight as compliance becomes increasingly system‑driven.

“Digital customs systems don’t stand still, and neither can compliance,” Grimshaw says. “It’s no longer enough to understand the rules alone. Businesses also need to understand how those rules are applied by systems in practice and, at times, where system logic may not fully reflect expectations. Every digital tool should be critically analysed from your internal platforms to the government systems. That’s why we work closely with accredited bodies and government agencies to stay close to this conversation”

In this digitally evolving environment, Grimshaw argues, specialist focus matters.

“Working with organisations that have a dedicated focus on this business‑critical function helps businesses maintain oversight, challenge outcomes where necessary, and respond effectively as systems and requirements change.”

By combining regulatory expertise with ongoing monitoring of CDS releases, Customs Support Group supports traders in navigating the practical impact of digital customs change. This helps to ensure compliance decisions are informed not only by regulation, but by how customs systems apply those rules in real‑world scenarios.

Looking to speak with an expert customs brokerage team about customs or trade support? Contact one of our experts today.

Rotterdam, 30 March 2026 – Since the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) entered full operation on 1 January this year, importing companies of certain goods have been facing tangible implementation challenges. In its day-to-day advisory work, the Customs Support Group (CSG), Europe’s leading independent provider of customs clearance and trade solutions, has identified five typical mistakes that can result in significant additional costs, compliance risks, and extra administrative effort.

Companies importing CBAM goods must have applied for authorised CBAM declarant status by 31 March 2026. Without authorisation, continued imports into the EU are at risk.

CBAM is a key instrument of the EU Green Deal and is intended to ensure that certain imported products, such as iron, steel, aluminium, cement and fertilisers, bear the same CO₂ costs as goods manufactured in the EU. Following a three-year transition period, during which companies were primarily able to set up reporting structures and test notification processes, the reported emissions will be mandatorily allocated to the imported goods from 1 January 2026.

On this basis, companies that import more than 50 tonnes of CBAM goods annually had to submit their application for the status of authorised CBAM declarants by 31st of March 2026. The authorisation ensures companies can continue importing CBAM goods into the EU without disruption. As authorised CBAM declarants companies need to purchase and surrender CBAM certificates for the goods imported in the previous year from 2027 onwards. This has immediate financial implications. Errors in data collection, classification or process integration can thus directly lead to additional burdens.

For many companies, CBAM is no longer a reporting exercise, but a new cost component affecting margins and sourcing decisions.

CBAM puts customs and financial processes in the spotlight

“CBAM is evolving from a pure reporting obligation to an operational control instrument that deeply affects customs, supply chain and financial processes,” says John Wegman, CEO of the Customs Support Group. “In our daily work, we see five typical operational errors that can directly lead to additional costs as well as compliance risks – and clear starting points for how to avoid them.”

1. Lack of CBAM governance and integrated data management

Many companies treat CBAM as a purely technical reporting task, while in reality it requires coordinated ownership across customs, procurement, sustainability and finance. Without clear responsibilities and integrated data flows, companies face inconsistent reporting, delays, and increased risk of errors.

2. Inadequate or incorrect classification of goods

Correctly assigning customs tariff codes is crucial to determining whether and how CBAM obligations apply. Errors in classification lead to incorrect reporting, delays and additional effort. Companies should regularly check and coordinate origin, classification and CBAM relevance.

3. Failure to obtain authorised CBAM declarant status in time

Importers of CBAM goods exceeding the 50-tonnes threshold must now urgently apply for the status of authorised CBAM declarants. With 31 March 2026 widely considered a critical operational deadline, companies that have not yet submitted their application are exposed to significant risks. In practice, failure to apply in time may lead to delays, penalties, or even temporary inability to import CBAM goods, depending on how national authorities manage pending or late applications.

4. Failure to assess the financial impact of CBAM

Many companies still approach CBAM as a reporting exercise, without quantifying its financial implications. However, from 2026 onwards, CBAM will directly affect import costs through the purchase of certificates. With the publication of default values and CBAM benchmarks, companies already have sufficient information to estimate their exposure. Failing to do so can lead to significant unexpected costs, margin erosion, and pricing issues. 

5. Underestimation of operational consequences and sanctions

Incorrect or incomplete reports can result not only in rework and manual corrections, but also – in the worst case –  in financial penalties aligned with EU ETS levels. Beyond fines, companies may face increased scrutiny, delays, and ongoing administrative burden. CBAM should therefore be treated as a continuous operational process with regular controls – not as a one-off reporting exercise.

Practical example: When CBAM only becomes apparent during reporting

A typical case from industry shows how quickly CBAM risks can materialise in 2026: An EU importer of steel components from a third country enters the definitive phase without having assessed the financial implications of CBAM and without early engagement with its suppliers.

When preparing its first CBAM declaration, the importer requests emissions data from its supplier. However, the supplier considers the products to fall outside CBAM scope, as they are internally classified as “parts” rather than CBAM-relevant goods. As a result, no preparation work has been carried out and no emissions data is available.

It is only at this stage that it becomes apparent that the goods are in fact covered by CBAM based on their correct customs classification. Due to the lack of prior alignment and missing data, the importer is forced to rely on default values.

This results in significantly higher-than-expected CBAM costs, urgent coordination efforts, and pressure to renegotiate supplier terms and adjust pricing.

“CBAM is not a theoretical reporting project, but an operational stress test for customs, supply chain and data processes,” says Wegman. “It is not the rules themselves, but their implementation that determines whether companies manage risks or incur unnecessary costs.”

Free webinars on CBAM implementation

To support importing companies, the Customs Support Group regularly offers free webinars in which experts provide practical guidance on how to efficiently implement data structures, supply chain communication, and CBAM reporting. Current dates and topics are available at www.customssupport.com/resources/webinars.

About Customs Support Group

Customs Support Group (CSG) is Europe’s leading independent provider of customs clearance and trade solutions, enabling seamless cross-border operations through cutting-edge digital innovation and deep industry expertise. With a presence in 14 European countries at major strategic locations, CSG offers the most comprehensive range of customs services in the market. Serving over 60,000 customers and backed by a team of 1,700 dedicated customs professionals, CSG helps businesses enhance operational efficiency and regulatory compliance in an increasingly complex trade environment.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Customs Support Group
Julia Verbunt
Email: julia.verbunt@customssupport.com

In global trade, packaging is usually seen as something practical. It protects goods, keeps shipments stable and helps products move efficiently from one place to another. What is less often considered is that packaging itself can introduce risks. Not visible risks, but ones that build up quietly over time. One of those risks is formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde is widely used in supply chains around the world, yet many companies are only partially aware of how it behaves in real transport conditions. To better understand this, we spoke with Kevin van Tienen, Safety Expert, who works closely with containerised goods on a daily basis.

What is Formaldehyde & Why is it Used in Packaging?

Formaldehyde is a chemical substance with a strong, recognisable smell. It is mainly used in the production of resins and adhesives, especially in wood-based materials. In practice, the reason is quite straightforward.

“It’s strong, relatively cheap and cures quickly. That makes it very suitable for large-scale production,” says Kevin van Tienen.

Because of these properties, formaldehyde in packaging is more common than many people expect. It plays a role in materials that are used every day in logistics operations.

Where Formaldehyde Appears in the Supply Chain

Formaldehyde is most often found in:

• Wooden pallets, particularly plywood
• Particleboard and other composite wood materials
• Adhesives used in packaging

Within container logistics, formaldehyde exposure is frequently linked to shipments that include wooden pallets. In some cases, concentrations are noticeably higher than expected.

For that reason, it is sometimes referred to as “chipboard gas”, a term that reflects its connection to engineered wood products.

How Formaldehyde Builds up During Transport

Formaldehyde does not remain contained within materials. Over time, it is released into the air through a process known as off-gassing. In open environments, this may not immediately lead to high concentrations. But inside a shipping container, the situation is different. Containers are enclosed spaces with limited ventilation. During long journeys, temperature and humidity can increase, which accelerates the release of formaldehyde.

“What we often see is that concentrations build up during transport. By the time a container is opened, the levels can be significantly higher than people expect,” says Kevin van Tienen.

This is what makes formaldehyde in containers particularly relevant. From the outside, nothing seems unusual, but the air inside can tell a different story.

Health Risks of Formaldehyde Exposure

The risks associated with formaldehyde are not always immediately visible, but they are well documented.

Short-term effects

According to Dutch public health guidance (RIVM), inhalation of formaldehyde at higher concentrations can irritate the eyes and airways and may cause short-term symptoms such as headaches or dizziness.

Long-term risks

While the mechanisms are complex, long-term studies suggest that repeated exposure to formaldehyde, including at low concentrations, may be associated with elevated cancer risk. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), as cited by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), classifies formaldehyde as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).

For workers in logistics, especially those who open and enter containers regularly, this creates a situation where exposure can occur repeatedly.

“You cannot rely on smell alone. By the time you notice formaldehyde, the safe limit may already be exceeded,” says Kevin van Tienen.

It is also worth noting that formaldehyde can continue to off-gas for a long time. In some cases, this can last months or even years, meaning exposure is not limited to transport alone.

Why Formaldehyde Risks are Often Overlooked

One of the reasons formaldehyde in packaging is often underestimated is that it does not fit the typical image of a hazardous material.

Companies tend to focus on clearly labelled dangerous goods. Packaging materials such as pallets or wood products are rarely seen as a source of risk.

“Pallets and packaging are often seen as harmlesss. In reality, they can still contribute to gas exposure,” explains Kevin van Tienen.

At the same time, global supply chains introduce variation. Materials come from different regions, with different standards and cost considerations.

Even when products meet emission standards, those tests are carried out under controlled conditions. Real-life transport environments are rarely the same, which can lead to higher formaldehyde levels in practice.

Measuring Formaldehyde in Containers

Detecting formaldehyde is not always straightforward.

Many commonly used gas detection methods do not measure formaldehyde accurately, especially at low concentrations. Smell is not a reliable indicator either.

This is why measurement plays such an important role.

Kevin van Tienen explains:

“Measuring is knowing. You need to understand what is actually present in the container at that moment,”

Advanced equipment, such as FTIR analysers, can measure formaldehyde alongside hundreds of other substances within a short time. Timing is essential. A container that was measured earlier in the supply chain can still develop higher concentrations during transport. That is why formaldehyde testing should always take place immediately before opening or entering a container.

Reducing Formaldehyde Risks in Practice

Managing formaldehyde exposure starts with understanding where it originates. From there, companies can take practical steps to reduce risk.

The most effective approach is to address the source.

“If you can replace materials that contain formaldehyde, that is always the best solution,” says Kevin van Tienen.

There are alternatives available, such as:

• Formaldehyde-free pallets
• Slipsheets
• Other load carriers made from alternative materials

At the same time, these decisions are often influenced by cost and availability. Especially in large-scale operations, even small differences can have a significant impact.

This makes cooperation within the supply chain important. Suppliers, logistics providers and importers all play a role in reducing formaldehyde exposure.

In practice, companies that manage this well tend to follow a structured approach. They start by measuring, build a data history and use that information to carry out risk assessments.

Over time, this allows for more targeted monitoring, rather than applying the same level of control to every shipment.

A Growing Awareness of formaldehyde in Global Trade

Formaldehyde in packaging is not a new issue, but awareness is gradually increasing.

More companies are starting to recognise that formaldehyde is not just a theoretical concern, but something that can influence daily operations in logistics and warehousing.

At the same time, it remains a relatively quiet topic.

“Once you start looking for it, you realise how often it appears,” says Kevin van Tienen.

For many organisations, that realisation is the starting point. Not for immediate large-scale changes, but for a more informed way of working. One where formaldehyde risks are better understood, measured and managed over time. In a supply chain that continues to evolve, that kind of awareness makes a real difference.

Looking at Your Own Situation

For companies working with international shipments, formaldehyde is not always visible, but it can still be present in daily operations.

At Customs Support Safety, we help organisations gain insight into these risks through gas measurements, risk analysis and practical safety advice. This makes exposure visible and helps create a safer working environment.

If you would like to understand how formaldehyde may play a role in your supply chain, it often starts with gaining the right insight. Contact us to discuss your situation and explore the next steps.

The Strategic Radar Customer Survey, conducted by Customs Support Group among 200 European manufacturers, confirms a clear shift: customs and trade compliance are gaining strategic importance, yet most organizations remain resource-constrained and reactive in managing growing regulatory and geopolitical complexity.

As we progress through 2026, goods owners continue to navigate supply‑chain disruption, geopolitical tensions, tariff volatility, and rapidly evolving regulations. In this climate, customs is no longer “just compliance.” It is a critical decision-making lens influencing routing choices, sourcing strategies, cost management, and market expansion.

Yet while customs teams play a growing strategic role, many organisations still operate with limited specialist knowledge, constrained resources, and reactive processes. This is Resulting in heightened exposure to compliance risk, rising costs, and operational inefficiencies.

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