#5 - Stop and Go: Schengen suspended, EUDR detectives and titanium in crisis!

Today we tell you about borders closing, regulations tightening and materials ... vanishing. Also, European borders coming back “in fashion” with surprise checks, EU regulations turning us into Sherlock Holmes of the supply chain, and strategic materials like titanium becoming almost mythological. If you sleep soundly, you probably don't work in this industry! 😩💤

🌍 Global Look.

Every man for himself... 🚛

Last week, the Netherlands announced that starting next Dec. 9 it will tighten border controls with Belgium and Germany for the next six months. In short, Schengen free movement, now suspended, seems more like an optional extra lately. 🙄

But what is the impact on the supply chain? Well, with these new controls, the risk of delays for goods in transit is almost guaranteed. Organizations such as Evofenedex, the Dutch haulers' association, commenting on Germany's similar decision on border controls, warned that long queues at the border could turn supply chain efficiency into a distant memory, especially for fresh products such as flowers (which, let's face it, don't like to wait). One suggested solution? Bring back the “green lanes” used during the pandemic, to avoid a real “traffic heart attack.” Six months of inspections could cost tens of millions in waiting time--and we're not just talking about traffic, we're talking about frayed nerves. 🚛💸

Source: The Post, Loadstar

⚖️ Focus Compliance

EU: The Challenge of EUDR🌿🇪🇺

As of June 2023, the European Union has introduced the European Union Regulation Against Deforestation (EUDR) to combat global deforestation caused by the consumption of certain commodities. But what does it mean for supply chains? Well, products such as soybeans, coffee, cocoa, timber, rubber and others must be 'deforestation-free' to enter or leave the European market. In other words, your cup of coffee must do its part to save the Amazon!

Companies will need to make sure their suppliers comply with the laws of their countries of origin and implement traceability systems to ensure that each bean or board is produced without devastating forests. Oh, and don't forget the satellite images to show that everything is in order. As of December 2025, all set: those not in compliance risk steep fines (up to 4 percent of annual sales), so better not miss the sustainability train! Don't worry, given the complexity of the topic, we're putting our heads down to create a dedicated guide for you: coming soon: the buy compass. 🧭🌿

Source: EU Commission 1, EU Commission 2

🖼️ Memes of the Day

Get through this (insert yet another global mess) and it's done. We must have repeated this phrase many times over the past few years: covids, pirates, wars, new regulations, and we could go on and on. It looks like we will just have to resign ourselves to years of constant instability. May it be time to make one's supply chain bullet proof?

🎙️ Podcast section

In this episode we have with us Marco Moscatti, CEO of Tec Eurolab, excellence in materials testing, training and certification in the manufacturing world. Marco tells us how the current geopolitical situation also has repercussions on the availability of specific materials such as titanium, which is crucial for the aeronautical industry. He also suggests a new style of operating in business, leveraging AI in Purchasing as well. Marco dreams of the idea of a professional who can devote himself to high value-added activities, such as creating a trusting relationship with suppliers, leaving the more repetitive tasks to efficient AI tools. In short, it seems that our product philosophy is aligned with others! 😂🙏🏻