Key trends affecting customs in 2025 and how Firstpoint Logistics can help

As we head into 2025, several key trends are shaping customs and trade processes. With stricter compliance regulations and evolving geopolitical landscapes, businesses must adapt quickly to maintain smooth operations. Below, the major trends affecting customs in 2025 are explored and how Firstpoint Logistics is equipped to help businesses navigate them.

1. Digitalisation & Data Management: Embracing Smarter Systems

The customs landscape is changing rapidly, and businesses need to keep up if they want to stay compliant and efficient. Customs regulations are becoming more complex, and the need for businesses to track, manage, and visualise their trade flows has never been more important.

For example, with the Union Customs Code (UCC) update coming in 2028, businesses will have no choice but to adopt smarter systems to ensure their customs processes are transparent and their data is up-to-date in real-time. 

As the world of trade becomes more interconnected and fast-paced, relying on digital tools is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Tools that simplify processes and give you a real-time view of where your goods are will be essential for staying ahead.

At Firstpoint, we’ve developed Onepoint technology to help businesses do just that. Our system offers seamless tracking and provides a transparent audit trail, so you’re always in the know. It’s about more than just meeting regulations it’s about future-proofing your operations and keeping you competitive in an ever-evolving market.

2. Regulatory Change: The Impact of Safety & Security Declarations

Starting in January 2025, businesses importing goods from the EU into the UK will be required to submit a Safety and Security Declaration (SSD). This change is expected to significantly impact customs processes, with increased administrative workloads and the potential for compliance risks. Businesses that fail to meet the new SSD requirements could face delays, fines, or penalties for incorrect submissions.

For businesses relying on cross-border trade, this new regulation poses a potential challenge. However, it also presents an opportunity to partner with a logistics provider that can help simplify and streamline the process.

Firstpoint Logistics ensures accurate and timely SSD submissions, helping businesses stay compliant and avoid costly disruptions to their supply chains. Our expert-led customs solutions make the process smoother, ensuring that your goods clear customs on time, every time.

3.  Geopolitical Influences: Navigating Uncertainty in Global Trade

Global trade is always evolving, and in 2025, geopolitical events will play a huge role in shaping how businesses import and export goods. With a new president in office, we’re likely to see changes to tariffs that could impact international trade, especially for businesses that rely on a steady flow of goods across borders. At the same time, the UK’s post-Brexit recovery continues to shift trade patterns, bringing new tariffs and agreements into play.

For businesses, this kind of uncertainty can make planning ahead feel impossible. That’s where having the right logistics partner can make all the difference.

At Firstpoint Logistics, we help businesses navigate these changes with expert advice and tailored solutions, so you’re never caught off guard. Whether it’s understanding new tariffs or adapting to evolving regulations, we make sure your customs processes stay compliant and your supply chain keeps moving—no matter what’s happening in the world.

4. Sustainability and Carbon reporting

Sustainability is more than just a trend. It’s becoming a driving force in global trade. It's expected that the European Union is going to roll out new regulations requiring businesses to track and report the carbon footprint of products coming into the EU from non-EU countries. For many businesses, this will add complexity, increase compliance efforts, and potentially raise costs - all of which can affect the smooth flow of your supply chain.

However, staying ahead of these changes doesn’t need to be a burden. At Firstpoint Logistics, we’ve developed Onepoint technology to help businesses gain clear visibility into the carbon footprint of each delivery. Our system is designed to make tracking emissions simple, so businesses can stay compliant with the new rules while keeping costs manageable.

Consumers, suppliers, and regulators are increasingly focused on environmental responsibility, and showing you’re on top of these changes can boost trust in your business. Onepoint allows clients to view their individual carbon impact for each consignment, helping businesses make more environmentally conscious decisions. This transparency not only supports companies in meeting their sustainability goals but also promotes a culture of accountability. 

As customs regulations evolve in 2025, staying compliant and efficient is more important than ever. From digitalisation to new regulations, geopolitical shifts, and sustainability requirements, businesses need a proactive approach.

Firstpoint Logistics simplifies these challenges with expert-led solutions and Onepoint technology, ensuring smooth customs processes and real-time visibility. 

Check out our customs declarations page here for information or get in touch with one of the team today to see how we can support your business!