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New Foreign Trade Regulations for June

The National Standing Committee has reviewed and approved the "Opinions on Expanding Cross border E-commerce Exports and Promoting Overseas Warehouse Construction";

24 new varieties have been added to the Catalogue of Precursor Chemicals Exported to Specific Countries (Regions);

Suspend tariff reductions for some products under the Cross Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement;

EU updates toy safety regulations;

The United States has released energy conservation standards for various refrigeration products;

Indonesia relaxes import regulations for electronic products, footwear, and textiles;

India releases draft standards on toy safety;

Philippines promotes more electric vehicles to enjoy zero tariff benefits;

South Korea announces consumer chemicals that require safety verification;

Saudi Arabia's SASO has officially implemented new EMC regulations for most electrical products;

Iraq implements new labeling requirements for imported products;

Azerbaijan exempts the import and sale of various fertilizers and pesticides from value-added tax;

Argentina relaxes customs controls on textile imports, footwear and other products;

Brazil adjusts the scope of application of anti-dumping duties on Chinese passenger and freight vehicle tires;

Colombia updates its customs regulations.

The National Standing Committee has reviewed and approved the "Opinions on Expanding Cross border E-commerce Exports and Promoting Overseas Warehouse Construction"

On May 24th, Li Qiang presided over a State Council executive meeting to review and approve the "Opinions on Expanding Cross border E-commerce Exports and Promoting Overseas Warehouse Construction".

The meeting pointed out that developing new forms of foreign trade such as cross-border e-commerce and overseas warehouses is conducive to promoting the optimization of foreign trade structure, stabilizing scale, and creating new advantages for international economic cooperation. We should actively cultivate cross-border e-commerce operators, encourage local governments to support traditional foreign trade enterprises in developing cross-border e-commerce based on their unique advantages, strengthen cross-border e-commerce talent training, provide more display and docking platforms for enterprises, and continue to promote brand building.

We need to increase financial support, strengthen the construction of relevant infrastructure and logistics systems, optimize supervision and services, actively carry out the construction of standard rules and international cooperation. We need to strengthen industry self-discipline, guide orderly competition, and better empower the development of the upstream and downstream of the industrial chain.

24 new varieties have been added to the Catalogue of Precursor Chemicals Exported to Specific Countries (Regions)

In order to further improve the management of the export of precursor chemicals to specific countries (regions), in accordance with the Interim Management Regulations for the Export of Precursor Chemicals to Specific Countries (Regions), the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Emergency Management, the General Administration of Customs, and the National Medical Products Administration have decided to adjust the Catalogue of Precursor Chemicals for Export to Specific Countries (Regions), adding 24 varieties such as hydrobromic acid.

The revised Catalogue of Chemicals for the Export of Precursor Drugs to Specific Countries (Regions) shall come into effect on May 1, 2024. From the date of implementation of this announcement, those who export chemicals listed in the Annex Catalogue to Myanmar, Laos, and Afghanistan shall apply for permission in accordance with the Interim Management Regulations for Exporting Precursor Chemicals to Specific Countries (Regions), and do not need to apply for permission to export to other countries (regions).

Suspend the Cross Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement

Partial tariff reduction for certain products

On December 21, 2023, the State Council Tariff Commission issued Announcement No. 9 of 2023, suspending tariff reductions for some products under the Cross Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement. However, Taiwan has not taken any effective measures to lift trade restrictions on the mainland.

According to the Cross Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, the State Council Tariff Commission has decided to further suspend tariff reductions for some products under the agreement in accordance with regulations and procedures. Starting from June 15, 2024, the tariff rates stipulated in the Cross Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement will be suspended for 134 imported products, including lubricating oil base oils, originating from Taiwan, and will be implemented in accordance with current relevant regulations.

Museums, Education and Research EU

Update toy safety regulations

On May 15, 2024, the European Council adopted a position on updating toy safety regulations to protect children from risks associated with the use of toys. The EU's toy safety regulations have become one of the strictest in the world, and the new legislation aims to strengthen the protection of harmful chemicals such as endocrine disruptors and enhance the enforcement of the regulations through a new digital product passport.

The proposal from the European Commission introduces the Digital Product Passport (DPP), which will include information on toy safety, so that border control authorities can use the new IT system to scan all digital passports. If new risks arise in the future that are not specified in the current text, the committee will be able to update the regulation and order the removal of certain toys from the market.

In addition, the position of the European Council also clarifies the requirements for the minimum size, visibility, and readability of warning notices, so that ordinary people can see them intuitively. Regarding allergenic fragrances, the negotiation authorization has updated the specific rules for the use of allergenic fragrances in toys (including prohibiting intentional use of fragrances in toys), as well as the labeling of certain allergenic fragrances.

The United States releases energy conservation standards for various refrigeration products

On May 8, 2024, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (Department of Energy) of the US Department of Energy issued a TBT notification through the WTO, proposing to release the current energy-saving plan: energy protection standards for various refrigeration products. This agreement is aimed at preventing fraudulent behavior, protecting consumers, and protecting the environment.

The refrigeration products involved in this notification include: refrigerators, freezers, and other refrigeration or freezing equipment (electric or other types), heat pumps; Its components (excluding air conditioners under item 8415) (HS code: 8418); Environmental protection (ICS code: 13.020); General energy-saving (ICS code: 27.015); Household refrigeration appliances (ICS code: 97.040.30); Commercial refrigeration appliances (ICS code: 97.130.20).

According to the revised Energy Policy and Protection Act (EPCA), energy protection standards have been established for various consumer goods and certain commercial and industrial equipment (including various refrigeration products, MREFs). In this regulatory proposal notice, the Department of Energy (DOE) proposes the same new MREFs energy-saving standards as those specified in the direct final rule published in the Federal Register on May 7, 2024.

If DOE receives adverse comments and determines that such comments may provide a reasonable basis for revoking the direct final rule, DOE will issue a revocation notice and continue to enforce this proposed rule.

Indonesia relaxes import regulations for electronic products, footwear, and textiles

Indonesia recently revised an import regulation aimed at addressing the issue of thousands of containers being stranded at its ports due to trade restrictions. Previously, some companies complained about disruptions to their operations due to these restrictions.

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, announced at a press conference last Friday that a range of products, including cosmetics, bags, and valves, will no longer require import licenses to enter the Indonesian market. It also added that although electronic products still require import licenses, technology licenses will no longer be needed. Commodities such as steel and textiles will continue to require import licenses, but the government has promised to process the issuance of these licenses quickly.

India releases draft standards on toy safety

On May 7, 2024, according to knnindia, in order to improve toy safety standards in the Indian market, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) recently released a draft of toy safety standards and will solicit opinions and suggestions from stakeholders such as toy industry practitioners and professionals before July 2.

The standard is called "Safety of Toys Part 12: Safety Aspects Related to Mechanical and Physical Properties - Comparison with ISO 8124-1, EN 71-1, and ASTM F963", EN 71-1 and ASTM F963）， This standard aims to ensure compliance with internationally recognized safety protocols as specified in ISO 8124-1, EN 71-1, and ASTM F963.

Philippines promotes more electric vehicles to enjoy zero tariff benefits

According to Philippine media reports on May 17th, the Philippine National Bureau of Economic and Development has approved the expansion of the tariff coverage of Executive Order 12 (EO12), and by 2028, more electric vehicles, including electric motorcycles and electric bicycles, will enjoy zero tariff benefits.

The EO12, which will take effect from February 2023, will reduce import tariffs on some electric vehicles and their components from 5% to 30% to zero for a period of five years.

Asenio Balisakan, Director of the Philippine National Bureau of Economy and Development, stated that EO12 aims to stimulate the domestic electric vehicle market, support the transition to emerging technologies, reduce the dependence of the transportation system on fossil fuels, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from road traffic.

South Korea announces consumer chemicals that require safety verification

South Korea has released consumer chemical product names and their safety and labeling standards that require safety verification. These products have been designated by the Minister of Environment and publicly notified as products with risks based on risk assessments conducted under the Consumer Chemicals and Biocides Safety Control Act.

Individuals or entities producing or importing products listed in the list of consumer chemicals subject to safety verification must undergo safety confirmation with designated inspection and testing agencies every three years. After confirmation, a confirmation application must be submitted to the Korea Environmental Industry Technology Research Institute. Individuals or entities producing or importing consumer chemicals for which safety standards have not yet been published must provide information on the chemical substances contained in the product to obtain approval from the Ministry of Environment.

This requirement applies to products such as humidifiers, infectious disease disinfectants, other preventive disinfectants, insect repellents, hygiene preventive insecticides, and hygiene insect repellents. In addition, individuals or entities intending to sell or distribute consumer chemicals that have undergone safety verification and whose safety has been confirmed or approved for marketing must comply with product labeling standards.

Saudi Arabia SASO targets most

The new EMC regulations for electrical products have been officially implemented

On November 17, 2023, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) issued new EMC regulations for most electrical products. All traders of products related to electromagnetic compatibility technical regulations must submit technical documents including the Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDOC) and EMC testing reports issued by accredited laboratories as certification references when applying for the Product Conformity Certificate (PCOC) through the SABER platform.

This regulation will be officially implemented on May 17, 2024.

Iraq implements new labeling requirements for imported products

Recently, the Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control (COSQC) in Iraq has implemented new labeling requirements for products entering the Iraqi market.

Arabic labels must be used: Starting from May 14, 2024, all products sold in Iraq must use Arabic labels, whether used alone or in combination with English.

Applicable to all product types: This requirement covers all products seeking to enter the Iraqi market, regardless of product category.

Phased implementation: The new labeling rules apply to revisions of national and factory standards, laboratory specifications, and technical regulations issued before May 21, 2023.

Azerbaijan on imports and sales Multiple fertilizers and pesticides are exempt from value-added tax

Azerbaijan's "Trend" website reported on May 14th that recently, Azerbaijani Prime Minister Asadov signed a government order approving the list of mineral fertilizers and pesticides that are exempt from value-added tax for import and sale, involving 48 types of fertilizers and 28 types of pesticides, mainly including ammonium nitrate, urea, insecticides, fungicides, etc.

Argentina relaxes textile imports, footwear, etc

Product Customs Control

According to the Argentine Financial News, the Argentine government has decided to relax controls on 36% of imported products and goods. Previously, these products had to go through the "red channel" with the strongest customs control in Argentina (which requires verifying whether the declared content matches the actual imported goods) for approval.

According to resolutions 154/2024 and 112/2024 published in the official gazette, the government "exempts goods that require excessive customs inspection from mandatory red channel supervision through document and physical supervision of imported goods". The news indicates that this measure greatly reduces container transportation costs and delivery cycles, alleviating the import costs of Argentine companies.

Brazil adjusts Chinese passenger and freight vehicle tires

Scope of application of anti-dumping duties

On May 2, 2024, the Management Executive Committee of the Brazilian Foreign Trade Commission (GECEX) issued Resolution No. 583 of 2024, deciding to include tire components with wheel sizes of 20 inches, 22 inches, and 22.5 inches under tariff lines 8716.90.90, 8708.70.10, and 8708.70.90 originating from China, South Korea, Japan, Russia, and Thailand in the scope of taxation, subject to the anti-dumping duties determined by GECEX Resolutions 198 and 176 of 2021. This resolution shall come into effect from the date of its publication.

Colombia updates customs regulations

On May 22, the Colombian government officially issued Decree No. 0659, updating the Colombian Customs Regulations with the aim of reducing the logistics time and cost of clearing goods, strengthening anti smuggling measures, and improving border controls.

The new law stipulates mandatory pre declaration, and most incoming goods must be declared in advance, which will make selective management and customs clearance processes more efficient and efficient; Clear procedures for selective sampling have been established, which will minimize the flow of customs officials and accelerate the inspection and release of goods;

Customs duties can be paid after selecting and inspecting procedures, which facilitates business processes and shortens the time goods stay in the warehouse; Establish a 'business emergency state', which is set up for special circumstances such as congestion at the arrival point of goods, public disorder, or natural disasters. In such cases, customs inspections can be conducted in warehouses or bonded areas until normal conditions are restored.