| | | | | | Industry News Customs Brokerage News Eastern News
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DOT Finalizes Rule Tightening CDL Eligibility for Foreign Drivers | | The U.S. Department of Transportation finalized a rule restricting commercial driver’s license (CDL) eligibility for certain foreign drivers following at least 17 fatal crashes and 30 deaths in 2025 linked to non-domiciled drivers. Key updates include: -
Eligibility limited to H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 visa holders subject to enhanced vetting -
Elimination of EADs as acceptable proof of CDL eligibility -
Mandatory SAVE system verification of lawful immigration status -
Increased enforcement of English-language proficiency requirements The rule addresses compliance failures identified in a nationwide audit of several states and takes effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. | | | | | | | | | | | | EU–India Free Trade Agreement: Key Outcomes, Tariff Reductions, and Market Opportunities | | On January 27, the EU and India finalized negotiations on a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The agreement now moves through legal review, approval, and ratification before entering into force.
What This Means for Trade - Tariffs removed or reduced on 96.6% of EU exports
- Up to €4 billion in annual duty savings
- Simplified customs procedures
- Stronger intellectual property protection
- Expanded access to India’s services market
- Dedicated support framework for SMEs
Industrial Goods: Tariff Reductions and Staging| Product Category | Current Tariffs | Future Tariffs | Staging |
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| Machinery & electrical equipment | Up to 44% | 0% for almost all products | Up to 10 years (mostly 5–7) | | Aircraft & spacecraft | Up to 11% | 0% for almost all products | Up to 10 years (mostly 5) | | Optical, medical & surgical equipment | Up to 27.5% | 0% for 90% of products | Up to 10 years (mostly EIF, 5 or 7) | | Plastics | Up to 16.5% | 0% for almost all products | Up to 10 years (mostly 7) | | Pearls, precious stones & metals | Up to 22.5% | 0% for 20%; reductions for 36% | Up to 10 years (mostly 5) | | Chemicals | Up to 22% | 0% for almost all products | Up to 10 years (mostly EIF) | | Motor vehicles | 110% | 10% (quota of 250,000 vehicles) | Phased | | Iron & steel | Up to 22% | 0% for almost all products | Up to 10 years (mostly EIF, 5 or 7) | | Pharmaceuticals | 11% | 0% for almost all products | Up to 10 years (mostly 5 or 7) |
Agri-Food: Major Market Opening India will reduce or eliminate high agricultural tariffs, which currently average 36% and reach up to 150%. | Product | Current Tariffs | Future Tariffs |
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| Wine | 150% | 20% (premium); 30% (medium) | | Spirits | Up to 150% | 40% | | Beer | 110% | 50% | | Olive oil & vegetable oils | Up to 45% | 0% | | Kiwis & pears | 33% | 10% in-quota | | Fruit juices & non-alcoholic beer | Up to 55% | 0% | | Processed foods | Up to 50% | 0% | | Sheep meat | 33% | 0% | | Sausages & meat preparations | Up to 110% | 50%
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Sensitive EU sectors remain protected, and all imports must meet EU health and safety standards.
Services, IP & Sustainability -
Preferential access for EU service providers, including financial services -
Enhanced protection of trademarks, copyrights, designs, and trade secrets -
Commitments on labor rights, environmental protection, and climate cooperation -
Up to €500 million in EU climate funding planned for 2026 | | | | | | | | U.S. Eliminates 25% Additional Duty on Indian Imports | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Eric Wagner Gears Up for Final Rounds of Concours Cup Season 3 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Our mailing address is: One Pierce Place, Suite 460 E, Itasca, IL 60143
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