This guidance handbook from HMRC explains customs authorisations in detail, covering their purpose, eligibility, application procedures, compliance requirements, guarantee types, authorisation management, appeals, renewal, and the legal framework. It serves as a technical reference for businesses and customs officials to correctly apply for and manage customs authorisations.

The EU Official Gazette published a preliminary ruling from the ECJ on Jan. 12, 2026, concerning Croatian VAT rules for intra‑community supplies of goods. The case involved a Croatian trading company supplying oak logs to Slovenia and claiming a VAT exemption, which was challenged for lack of documentation under Article 45a of Regulation 282/2011. The ECJ held that Directive 2006/112/EC and Regulation 282/2011 must be interpreted accordingly.

Effective 1 January 2026, Romania expands the RO e‑Factura reporting scope to include supplies to non‑resident VAT‑registered customers, shifts the invoice transmission deadline from five calendar days to five working days, and removes several compliance notification requirements. Suppliers using a personal numeric code (CNP) that started before 15 January 2026 must register in the mandatory RO e‑Factura Register, while VAT‑on‑receipt scheme businesses remain exempt from notification obligations until 30 September 2026.

This IRAS guidance outlines the steps for GST registration in Singapore, including e‑learning requirements, GIRO processing, effective dates, and special provisions for overseas entities. It details processing timelines, backdating rules for compulsory registration, and agent appointment obligations for foreign suppliers.

The European Parliament’s ViDA package introduces mandatory e‑invoicing and near real‑time digital reporting for cross‑border EU transactions from 1 July 2030, requiring the EU electronic invoicing format. Businesses must report transaction data within 10 days of the taxable event, and member states may extend domestic e‑invoicing to before, on, or after that date with transitional periods up to 2035. The initiative aims to harmonise VAT rules, reduce fraud, and lower compliance costs across the EU.

Slovakia’s Financial Administration has released accreditation requirements for digital postmen and announced a mandatory e‑invoicing mandate for domestic taxpayers from 1 January 2027, expanding to cross‑border transactions on 1 July 2030. The draft law requires e‑invoices in the EN16931 format and allows voluntary testing with certified providers starting spring 2026.

Egypt's tax authority announced a new facilitation package that reduces the VAT rate on medical devices to 5%, fully exempts inputs for kidney dialysis equipment, extends VAT payment suspension up to four years for industrial machinery, and exempts transit services under customs supervision. It also standardizes the 14% VAT rate on soap and industrial detergents for household use, allowing input deductions. These measures aim to support healthcare, manufacturing, and transit trade.