The EU updates toy safety regulations, and South Korea announces consumer chemicals that require safety verification丨New foreign trade regulations in June
New foreign trade regulations in June
Overview
The State Council reviewed and approved the "Opinions on Expanding Cross-border E-commerce Exports and Promoting the Construction of Overseas Warehouses";
The Catalogue of Precursor Chemicals Exported to Specific Countries (Regions) has added 24 items;
Suspend tariff concessions on some products under the Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement;
EU updates toy safety regulations;
The United States has issued energy conservation standards for various refrigeration products;
Indonesia eases import rules for electronics, footwear and textiles;
India releases draft standard on toy safety;
The Philippines is promoting more electric vehicles to enjoy zero tariff benefits;
South Korea announces consumer chemicals that require safety verification;
Iraq implements new labeling requirements for incoming products;
Azerbaijan exempts the import and sale of many fertilizers and pesticides from VAT;
Argentina has relaxed customs controls on textile imports, footwear and other products;
Brazil adjusts the scope of anti-dumping duties on Chinese passenger and truck tires;
Colombia updates customs regulations.
The State Council Executive Meeting reviewed and approved the "Opinions on Expanding Cross-border E-commerce Exports and Promoting the Construction of Overseas Warehouses"
On May 24, Li Qiang presided over an executive meeting of the State Council to review and approve the "Opinions on Expanding Cross-border E-commerce Exports and Promoting the Construction of Overseas Warehouses". The meeting pointed out that the development of new foreign trade formats such as cross-border e-commerce and overseas warehouses will help promote the optimization of foreign trade structure and the stability of scale, and will help create new advantages in international economic cooperation. We must actively cultivate cross-border e-commerce business entities, encourage local governments to support traditional foreign trade enterprises in developing cross-border e-commerce based on their unique advantages, strengthen the training of cross-border e-commerce talents, provide enterprises with more display and docking platforms, and continue to promote brand building. We must increase financial support, strengthen the construction of relevant infrastructure and logistics systems, optimize supervision and services, and actively carry out standard rule construction and international cooperation. We must strengthen industry self-discipline, guide orderly competition, and better enable the development of upstream and downstream industrial chains.
24 new items added to the Catalogue of Precursor Chemicals Exported to Specific Countries (Regions)
In order to further improve the export management of precursor chemicals, in accordance with the "Interim Management Regulations on 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 decided to adjust the "Catalogue of Precursor Chemicals Exported to Specific Countries (Regions)" and add 24 varieties including hydrobromic acid.
The adjusted "Catalogue of Precursor Chemicals Exported to Specific Countries (Regions)" will be implemented from May 1, 2024. From the date of implementation of this announcement, the export of chemicals listed in the attached catalogue to Myanmar, Laos and Afghanistan shall apply for a license in accordance with the "Interim Management Provisions on the Export of Precursor Chemicals to Specific Countries (Regions)", and no license is required for export to other countries (regions).
Original announcement:
https://www.mps.gov.cn/n6557558/c9548342/content.html
Suspension of tariff concessions on some products under the Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement
On May 30, the Tariff Commission of the State Council issued an announcement on the suspension of tariff concessions for some products (second batch) of the "Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement". The Taiwan region unilaterally adopted discriminatory prohibition and restriction measures on the export of mainland products, which violated the provisions of the "Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement".
On December 21, 2023, the State Council Tariff Commission issued the Tariff Commission Announcement No. 9 of 2023, suspending tariff concessions for some products of the Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, but Taiwan has not yet taken any effective measures to lift trade restrictions on the mainland. In accordance with the Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, the State Council Tariff Commission decided to further suspend tariff concessions for some products of the Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement in accordance with regulations and procedures. From June 15, 2024, the application of the agreed tariff rates of the Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement to 134 tariff items of imported products such as lubricating base oils originating in Taiwan will be suspended, and will be implemented in accordance with current relevant regulations.
Original announcement:
https://gss.mof.gov.cn/gzdt/zhengcefabu/202405/t20240531_3936149.htm
EU updates toy safety regulations
On May 15, 2024, the European Council adopted a position on updating the toy safety regulation to protect children from risks associated with the use of toys. The EU's toy safety rules are already among the strictest in the world, and the new legislation aims to strengthen protection against harmful chemicals (such as endocrine disruptors) and strengthen enforcement of the rules through a new digital product passport.
The Commission's proposal introduces a digital product passport (DPP) that will include information on toy safety, so that border control authorities can scan all digital passports using a new IT system. If new risks emerge in the future that are not provided for in the current text, the Commission will be able to update the regulation and order the removal of certain toys from the market.
In addition, the EU Council position also clarifies the requirements for the minimum size, visibility and readability of warning notices so that they can be intuitively seen by the general public. Regarding allergenic fragrances, the negotiating authorization updates the specific rules for the use of allergenic fragrances in toys (including a ban on the 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, issued a TBT notification through the WTO to release the current energy conservation plan: energy conservation standards for various refrigeration products. This agreement is to prevent fraud and protect consumers and the environment.
The refrigeration products involved in this notification include: refrigerators, freezers and other refrigeration or freezing equipment (electric or other types), heat pumps; their components (excluding air conditioners under 8415) (HS code: 8418); environmental protection (ICS code: 13.020); general energy conservation (ICS code: 27.015); household refrigeration appliances (ICS code: 97.040.30); commercial refrigeration appliances (ICS code: 97.130.20). Under the amended Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA"), energy conservation standards are set for various consumer products and certain commercial and industrial equipment (including various types of refrigeration products, "MREFs"). In this notice of proposed rulemaking, the Department of Energy (DOE) proposes new energy conservation standards for MREFs that are the same as those set forth 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 notice of revocation and continue to implement this proposed rule.
Indonesia eases import rules for electronics, footwear and textiles
Indonesia on Monday revised an import rule aimed at addressing thousands of containers stuck at its ports due to trade restrictions after some businesses complained of disruptions to their operations.
Airlangga Hartarto, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, announced at a press conference last Friday that a range of goods, including cosmetics, bags and valves, will no longer require import licenses to enter the Indonesian market. He also added that although electronic products will still require import licenses, technical licenses will no longer be required. Commodities such as steel and textiles will also continue to require import licenses, but the government has promised to quickly process the issuance of these licenses.
India releases draft standard on toy safety
On May 7, 2024, according to knnindia, in order to improve the toy safety standards in the Indian market, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) recently released a draft standard for toy safety and solicited opinions and suggestions from toy industry practitioners, professionals and other stakeholders before July 2.
The standard, Safety of Toys Part 12: Safety Aspects Related to Mechanical and Physical Properties - Comparison of ISO 8124-1, EN 71-1 and ASTM F963, is designed to ensure compliance with the internationally recognized safety protocols set out 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 17, the National Economic and Development Authority of the Philippines approved the expansion of the tariff coverage of Executive Order No. 12 (EO12), and more electric vehicles, including electric motorcycles and electric bicycles, will enjoy zero tariffs by 2028. EO12, which will take effect in February 2023, will reduce the import tariffs on some electric vehicles and their parts from 5% to 30% to zero for five years.
Arsenio Balisacan, director of the Philippine National Economic and Development Authority, said EO12 aims to stimulate the domestic electric vehicle market, support the transition to emerging technologies, reduce the transportation system's dependence on fossil fuels, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from road traffic.
South Korea announces consumer chemicals that require safety verification
South Korea has published the names of consumer chemical products subject to safety verification and their safety and labeling standards. These products are designated and publicly notified as risky products by the Minister of Environment based on risk assessments conducted under the Consumer Chemicals and Biocides Safety Control Act.
Individuals or entities that produce or import products included in the list of consumer chemicals subject to safety verification must obtain safety confirmation from designated inspection and testing agencies every three years. After confirmation, an application for confirmation must be submitted to the Korea Institute of Environmental Industrial Technology. Individuals or entities that produce or import consumer chemicals for which safety standards have not yet been announced must provide information on the chemical substances contained in the products to obtain approval from the Ministry of Environment. This requirement applies to products such as humidifiers, infectious disease disinfectants, other preventive fungicides, insect repellents, sanitary preventive insecticides, and sanitary insect repellents. In addition, individuals or entities that intend to sell or distribute safety-verified consumer chemicals whose safety has been confirmed or approved for marketing must comply with product labeling standards.
The original text of the regulation can be found on the WTO official website:
https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2024/TBT/KOR/24_02243_01_x.pdf
Iraq implements new labeling requirements for incoming products
Recently, the Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control (COSQC) of Iraq implemented new labeling requirements for products entering the Iraqi market.
Arabic labeling is mandatory: From May 14, 2024, all products sold in Iraq must use Arabic labeling, either alone or in conjunction with English.
Applicable to all product types: This requirement covers all products seeking access to the Iraqi market, regardless of product category.
Phased implementation: The new labelling rules apply to revisions to national and factory standards, laboratory specifications and technical regulations published before May 21, 2023.
Azerbaijan exempts import and sale of many fertilizers and pesticides from VAT
Azerbaijan's "Trend" website reported on May 14 that recently, Azerbaijani Prime Minister Asadov signed a government decree approving a list of mineral fertilizers and pesticides that are exempt from value-added tax on import and sales, involving 48 types of fertilizers and 28 types of pesticides, mainly including ammonium nitrate, urea, insecticides, fungicides, etc.
Argentina relaxes customs controls on textile imports, footwear and other products
Argentina's El Financial newspaper reported that the Argentine government has decided to relax controls on 36% of imported products and goods. Previously, the above products had to be approved through the "red channel" (which requires verification of whether the declared content is consistent with the actual imported goods) where Argentine customs has the strictest control.
According to Resolutions 154/2024 and 112/2024 published in the Official Gazette, the government "exempts goods that are subject to excessive customs inspection from mandatory red channel supervision through documentary and physical supervision of imported goods." The message said that this measure greatly reduced container transportation costs and delivery cycles, reducing import costs for Argentine companies.
Brazil adjusts the scope of anti-dumping duties on Chinese passenger and truck tires
On May 2, 2024, the Executive Committee of the Brazilian Foreign Trade Commission (GECEX) issued Resolution No. 583 of 2024, deciding to include tire components with rim sizes of 20 inches, 22 inches and 22.5 inches under tariff numbers 8716.90.90, 8708.70.10 and 8708.70.90 originating from China, South Korea, Japan, Russia and Thailand in the scope of taxation, and apply the anti-dumping duties determined by GECEX Resolution No. 198 and GECEX Resolution No. 176 of 2021. This resolution will take effect from the date of issuance.
Colombia updates customs regulations
On May 22, the Colombian government officially promulgated Decree No. 0659, updating the Colombian Customs Regulations, aiming to reduce the logistics time and cost of customs clearance of goods, as well as strengthen anti-smuggling measures and improve border control.
The new decree stipulates mandatory advance declaration, which must be made for most incoming goods, which will make the selective management and customs clearance process more efficient and faster; clarifies the procedures for selective sampling, which will minimize the movement of customs officials and speed up the inspection and release of goods; customs duties can be paid after the selection and inspection procedures, which facilitates business processes and shortens the time that goods stay in warehouses; establishes a "business emergency state", which is established for special circumstances, such as congestion at the point of arrival of goods, public order disturbances or natural disasters. In this case, customs inspections can be carried out in warehouses or bonded areas until normal conditions are restored.
Source: Focus Vision
If there is any infringement, please contact us to delete it.