Level 2 minimal - vdma.eu
The UK is no longer a member of the EU, which means that the EU's export controls for third countries apply here. Although they are rarely a problem, formal restrictions and procedures must still be complied with.
There are also EU export controls for business with the USA. Although they are rarely a problem, formal restrictions and procedures must still be observed.
The EU has postponed the introduction of the deforestation regulation for another year.
Vertiefter fachlicher Einblick und wertvolle Anregungen für die Exportkontroll- und Sanktionsprüfungs-Praxis in Unternehmen.
With the 22nd Ordinance amending the Foreign Trade and Payments Ordinance (AWV9 of October 29, 2025, the German export lists (goods lists) were amended, among other things. The amendments came into force on November 1, 2025.
With Amendment Regulation No. 2025/2003, the updated version of the EU Dual-Use Goods List in accordance with Annex I to EU Regulation No. 2021/821 was published in the Official Journal of the EU on November 14, 2025. It entered into force on November 15, 2025.
Approximately 40 percent of our exports to the U.S. are affected by tariffs on steel and aluminum derivatives. VDMA is working to find a solution to these trade barriers with our most important export market.
In 2025, Beijing tightened its export controls on rare earths — first in April, then with an expanded set of measures in October. These developments have had a significant impact on the mechanical engineering industry.
The European Commission has published the Combined Nomenclature (commodity codes) for 2026. There are only a few changes relevant to mechanical engineering.
CBAM: The EU has decided on simplifications.
Egypt is expanding the mandatory CargoX system to air freight shipments.
The introduction of universal base tariffs feared last year in the event of Donald Trump's election victory has now become a reality with a tariff rate of 15%.
Brazil offers great opportunities, and there is strong support for overcoming the obstacles to market entry, including from the VDMA in Brazil. A further improvement in the general conditions is to be expected.
On October 23, 2025, the EU also published and implemented its 19th sanctions package against Belarus. These are two amending regulations that extend the Embargo Regulation No. 765/2006.
On October 23, 2025, the EU published and implemented its 19th sanctions package against Russia. It consists of 3 amending regulations, which amend or extend the Embargo Regulations No. 833/2014 and No. 269/2014.
The "customs deal" is increasingly being called into question by the US - is now being investigated whether robotics and industrial machinery pose a threat to US security. The EU must make it clear: European mechanical engineering is not a security risk!
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is building on Europe's industrial strength. To achieve this, however, the poor customs deal with the USA must be renegotiated.
When exporting cranes, industrial trucks, continuous conveyors and storage and retrieval machines to the USA, 50 percent duty will be levied on the steel content. Members are advised to check whether they are affected.
The tariff agreement between the US and EU at least reduces uncertainty somewhat. However, it is hardly worth more than the paper it is written on if more and more products fall under the steel and aluminum tariffs.
The VDMA Foreign Trade Department regularly organizes professional web events focused on current customs regulations.
The EU has updated the content of one of its two embargo regulations against Sudan. Among other things, two new companies have been added to the blacklist.
The EU has updated the content of two of its embargo regulations against Iran. For the third Iran embargo regulation, a completely up-to-date consolidated text version is once again available.
On July 18, 2025, the EU published its 18th sanctions package, which also includes measures against Belarus. It includes two amending regulations. Some of the tougher sanctions are also relevant for the mechanical and plant engineering sector.
On July 18, 2025, the EU published its 18th sanctions package against Russia. The measures (2 amending regulations) all come into force on 19.07.2025. Some of the tightened sanctions are also relevant for the mechanical and plant engineering industry.
US punitive tariffs of 30 percent would be damaging for all parties involved, for the EU and the USA. Investments and reindustrialization would be slowed down.
The Export Controls and Sanctions Working Group provides impulses for your daily work. It shows examples of best practice, provides suggestions and promotes contacts between members.
The new Chinese export controls on rare earths and some products made from them are increasingly becoming a massive problem. China cannot keep up with issuing the export licenses that are now required.
We always report on changes to major embargoes or embargo changes with significant relevance for mechanical and plant engineering at short notice. Here is an overview of less relevant embargo changes since January 2025.
The tabular VDMA overview "Country-related embargoes" makes it easy to find out which countries are currently subject to EU embargo measures and what the current status of the embargo texts is.
US tariffs harm trade worldwide
With effect from May 29, 2025, the EU has largely, but not completely, lifted its sanctions against Syria. This is in response to the change in US policy towards Syria announced by President Trump in Saudi Arabia.
New VDMA Austria Working Group Export Control
Sentiment among companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in Baden-Württemberg remains low
The EU provides consolidated versions of its sanctions regulations. In the case of the Russia sanctions, the consolidated legal texts have now been updated to the 16th sanctions package.
On May 20, 2025, the EU published its 17th package of sanctions against Russia. The measures (5 amending regulations) all come into force on May 21, 2025. Some of the tightened sanctions are also relevant for the mechanical and plant engineering industry.
Foreign exchange market was deregulated in March 2024. But expectations that exports would pick up afterwards were not fulfilled. VDMA members in Egypt nevertheless report good business.
New tariffs for European goods in trade with the USA.
The mechanical engineering industry in Brazil will benefit from the simplification of certificates of origin through self-certification in Mercosur.
What impact will tariff decisions have on transatlantic relations or the global agricultural machinery trade? And how will the EU's change of course away from the Green Deal affect our industry?
Tariffs of 25 percent on the import of cars and car parts have been effective since April 3 and May 3, respectively.
On March 12, the USA imposed tariffs of 25 percent on all steel and aluminum products, including some steel and aluminum derivatives. This affects the mechanical and plant engineering sector, especially the spare parts business.
The EU's 16th sanctions package against Russia and Belarus has been somewhat lost in the excitement surrounding US President Trump. But there are new risks and details that VDMA members have to deal with.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk may appear to be saviors - in reality, they are more like "wrecking balls". VDMA President Bertram Kawlath argues against this in an interview.
The US tariffs for Canada and Mexico also affect the mechanical engineering industry - and its American customers. Quick negotiations are needed to get the tariffs off the table.
The EU and U.S. should finally bury the hatchet on this half-decade-long trade dispute that has triggered uncertainty and increased costs for manufacturers in both markets.
Mechanical engineering is one of the world's strongest export industries. Almost every company is involved in customs-related processes when exporting machines, spare parts, or complete systems.
The latest customs information for your daily work – exclusively for members.
The VDMA offers events on current foreign trade topics, on the web and live on site.
Different procedures apply for proving preferential origin when trading with countries that benefit from preferential treatment. Older EU agreements rely on authorized exporters, while newer agreements use the REX system.
Export control is sometimes underestimated, sometimes overestimated. VDMA members can get advice and help from the VDMA to identify and comply with export restrictions and avoid unnecessary expense.
