Heavy machinery trade defence and nomenclature restructuring lead UK tariff activity
The UK Global Tariff saw 165 measures take effect this week across 273 detected change records, balancing targeted enforcement in heavy machinery with widespread technical maintenance. The primary policy action brought trade-defence measures into
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Ireland: Revenue updates VAT guidance on transport hire
Irish Revenue published eBrief No. 152/26 on 16 October 2026, announcing an update to its Tax and Duty Manual on the VAT treatment of the hiring or leasing of means of transport. The revision added a new paragraph 7 addressing the VAT treatment of
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Lithuania: STI issues guidance on 2027 excise duty rates
Lithuania’s tax authority, the State Tax Inspectorate (STI), which operates under the Ministry of Finance, has issued guidance on the excise duty rates that apply from 1 January 2027. The guidance was published on 16 October 2026 and signed by
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Germany: Federal Cabinet proposes excise tax on sugar-sweetened drinks
Germany’s Federal Cabinet approved a legislative proposal on 14 October 2026 to introduce a sugar-sweetened beverage tax, with the government aiming to reduce excessive sugar consumption, protect public health and stabilise statutory health
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Austria updates fiscal receipt rules for electronic payments
Austria has amended Section 132a of its Federal Fiscal Code (BAO) to simplify the electronic issuance of fiscal receipts, effective 1 October 2026. The change covers cash payments, including card payments, vouchers accepted instead of cash and
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Czech Republic: Parliament approves income tax treaty with Malta
The Czech Chamber of Deputies has approved the 2025 Czech Republic–Malta Income and Capital Tax Treaty on 15 October 2026. Following the Czech Senate’s approval on 29 July 2026, the treaty has now been approved by both chambers of the Czech
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Czech Republic: Parliament approves income tax treaty with Tanzania
The Czech Chamber of Deputies has approved the 2025 Czech Republic–Tanzania Income Tax Treaty on 15 October 2026. Following the Czech Senate’s approval on 15 April 2026, the treaty has now been approved by both chambers of the Czech
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Czech Republic: Parliament approves income tax treaty with Kenya
The Czech Republic Chamber of Deputies has approved the 2025 Czech Republic–Kenya Income Tax Treaty on 15 October 2026. Following the Czech Senate’s approval on 6 May 2026, the treaty has now received approval from both chambers of the Czech
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Norway, Thailand sign new income tax treaty
Norway and Thailand have signed a new income tax treaty during the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group in Bangkok on 15 October 2026. The treaty aims to eliminate double taxation on income and
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Lithuania: STI updates personal income tax rules for individual activities
Lithuania’s tax authority (STI) has updated its commentary on Article 18² of the Law on Personal Income Tax on 15 October 2026. The update reflects three laws passed in 2025: Laws No. XV-343, XV-680 and XV-681. From the 2026 tax year, the
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Sweden submits Pillar Two bill with new safe harbours to Parliament
The Swedish government's legislative proposal (Proposition 2026/27:4), submitted to the Swedish Parliament (Riksdag) on 13 October 2026, incorporates the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework's Pillar Two administrative guidance issued between June 2024 and
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Romania maintains diesel excise tax cut through October 2026
Romania’s Ministry of Finance announced on 15 October 2026 that it has extended the temporary 25% reduction in excise duty on standard diesel for 16-31 October 2026. This continues support measures introduced under Law no. 162/2026, which
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EU, China agree to advance tariff talks and stabilise trade relations
The European Commission issued a joint statement following the second EU-China Trade and Investment Consultations, which aim to stabilise bilateral trade and promote a more balanced economic relationship. The statement was published on 9 October
See MoreLithuania: STI clarifies domestic VAT obligations for cross-border businesses
Lithuania’s State Tax Inspectorate (STI) has clarified that businesses required to register for VAT because of cross-border transactions with other EU Member States do not automatically have to charge and pay VAT on domestic sales, provided their
See MoreUK publishes customs assistance agreements with Australia, Bahrain
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office published agreements on cooperation and mutual administrative assistance in customs matters with Australia and Bahrain on 13 October 2026. Both agreements were signed in Brussels on 23 June 2026
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EU, Vietnam to sign free trade agreement
The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Vietnam will sign a comprehensive free trade agreement today, 15 October 2026, in Hanoi, Vietnam. The deal brings close to negotiations that began in 2012 and finally concluded in July this year.
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Germany: Cabinet approves proposal to remove VAT exemptions for business mail
The German government approved proposals, on 14 October 2026, to eliminate tax advantages for Deutsche Post and competing postal operators. An amendment to the Postal Act would remove VAT exemptions currently granted to business mail services, while
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Czech Republic: Lower House advances windfall tax on refinery profits
The Czech lower house of parliament backed a proposed windfall tax, on 14 October 2026, on the country's refinery sector. Lawmakers approved the measure in its first of three readings. The legislation will now move to a parliamentary committee
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