NineNew foreign trade regulations

Overview

 

my country suspends import of Japanese aquatic products

my country implements export controls on some drones and related items

People coming to China will no longer need to undergo nucleic acid or antigen testing before entry from August 30

The Ministry of Commerce and other four departments adjusted the quality supervision measures for the export of epidemic prevention materials

Canada adds new reporting requirements for 850 chemicals

The UK announced that it will retain the EU "CE" certification indefinitely

Russia announces extension of EAC simplified certification scheme until September 2024

Japan adds more than 750 new categories of goods to Russia's ban

Mexico raises import tariffs on 392 items

Argentina releases regulations on banned ingredients in cosmetic products

Australia releases import requirements for noodles

New Zealand's new food safety rules for food importers come into effect

India releases latest amendments to electronic pre-packaged products

India imposes anti-dumping duties on Chinese non-dispersion-shifted single-mode optical fibers

The United States makes preliminary anti-dumping ruling on tinplate

 

 

my country suspends import of Japanese aquatic products

 

On August 24, the General Administration of Customs issued an announcement. In order to comprehensively prevent the risk of radioactive contamination caused by the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan into the sea, protect the health of Chinese consumers, and ensure the safety of imported food, in accordance with the "Food Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" and its implementing regulations, the "Administrative Measures for the Administration of Import and Export Food Safety of the People's Republic of China", and the World Trade Organization's "Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures" relevant provisions, the General Administration of Customs decided to suspend the import of aquatic products (including edible aquatic animals) originating from Japan from August 24, 2023 (inclusive).

 

 

Original announcement:http://www.customs.gov.cn/customs/302249/302266/302267/5277845/index.html

 

my country implements export controls on some drones and related items

 

On July 31, China's Ministry of Commerce, together with relevant departments, issued two announcements on drone export control, implementing export controls on some drone-specific engines, important payloads, radio communication equipment and civil anti-drone systems, and implementing a two-year temporary export control on some consumer drones. At the same time, all other civilian drones not included in the control are prohibited from being exported for military purposes. The above policies will be officially implemented on September 1.

 

Original announcement:http://aqygzj.mofcom.gov.cn/article/glml/202307/20230703424616.shtml

 

 

People coming to China will no longer need to undergo nucleic acid or antigen testing before entry from August 30

 

The General Administration of Customs issued an announcement on the 29th:

In accordance with the relevant arrangements of the joint prevention and control mechanism of the State Council and the provisions of laws and regulations such as the "Frontier Health and Quarantine Law of the People's Republic of China", from 00:00 on August 30, 2023 (local time), inbound personnel will no longer need to report the results of nucleic acid or antigen tests for the new coronavirus within 48 hours before departure when making health declarations to customs.

 

 

The Ministry of Commerce and other four departments adjusted the quality supervision measures for the export of epidemic prevention materials

 

On August 18, the Ministry of Commerce, the General Administration of Customs, the State Administration for Market Regulation, and the National Medical Products Administration jointly issued the "Announcement on Adjusting the Quality Supervision Measures for Export of Epidemic Prevention Materials."

The announcement stated that at present, the global health emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, and China's epidemic prevention and control has entered a stage of normalized management. In order to adapt to the requirements of the new situation, adjustments are now made to the export quality supervision measures for six major categories of epidemic prevention materials: non-medical masks, COVID-19 testing reagents, medical masks, medical protective clothing, ventilators, and infrared thermometers.

 

Specifically, from the date of the announcement, the Ministry of Commerce will stop confirming the list of epidemic prevention material manufacturers that have obtained foreign standard certification or registration, and the State Administration for Market Regulation will stop providing the list of non-medical masks with substandard quality and enterprises investigated and dealt with in the domestic market. Customs will no longer use the above list as the basis for export inspection and release of relevant products. Relevant export companies no longer need to apply to enter the "List of Medical Material Manufacturers that Have Obtained Foreign Standard Certification or Registration" or the "List of Non-Medical Mask Manufacturers that Have Obtained Foreign Standard Certification or Registration", and no longer need to provide the "Joint Declaration of Exporters and Importers" or "Declaration of Export of Medical Materials" when declaring customs.

 

From the date of the announcement, Announcement No. 5 of 2020 of the Ministry of Commerce, the General Administration of Customs, and the National Medical Products Administration (Announcement on the Orderly Export of Epidemic Prevention Materials) and Announcement No. 12 of 2020 of the Ministry of Commerce, the General Administration of Customs, and the State Administration for Market Regulation (Announcement on Further Strengthening the Quality Supervision of Export of Epidemic Prevention Materials) will be abolished at the same time. Relevant exporters of epidemic prevention materials must ensure product quality and safety, comply with relevant standards and requirements, and consciously maintain the international reputation of Chinese products.

 

Original announcement:http://wms.mofcom.gov.cn/article/zcfb/ax/202308/20230803436393.shtml

 

 

Canada adds new reporting requirements for 850 chemicals

 

Under Regulation 71(1)(b) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), the Minister of the Environment requires that, in certain circumstances, the production, importation or use of 850 chemicals listed in Schedule 1 of the CEPA, or mixtures, products or articles containing these chemicals, must be notified by January 17, 2024.

The reporting objects include: production, import or use of substances listed in Annex 1, or mixtures, products and articles containing ≥ 0.1% of the substances, and the tonnage exceeds 100kg or 1000kg in the calendar year 2022.
Items include, but are not limited to:

• Products for children under 14 years old;
• Intentional contact with an individual's mucous membranes (excluding eyes);
• Intentional release resulting in possible inhalation or dermal contact by individuals;
• Cookware or tableware that comes in direct contact with hot food or beverages;
• Food packaging materials, including disposable bowls, plates, cups, other tableware, and cans and lid liners that come in direct contact with food or beverages;
• clothing or footwear;
• Bedding, sleeping bags or towels;
• Furniture, mattresses, cushions or pillows used in domestic dwellings where the substance is contained in foam, leather or textile fibres, yarn or fabric;
• Carpet, vinyl or laminate flooring used in domestic homes, or foam padding for flooring.

The Government of Canada will use the information collected to inform prioritization decisions, risk assessment activities, and risk management measures.

Please note that the requirements issued this time are mandatory. Failure to comply or violation of the regulations will result in a fine. The amount of the fine varies depending on the severity of the offense, up to 25,000 Canadian dollars or 500,000 Canadian dollars. For the second or subsequent offenses, the maximum fine will be doubled.

 

 

 

The UK announced that it will retain the EU "CE" certification indefinitely

 

The British government announced on August 1 that it is committed to reducing the burden on businesses and helping economic growth by "eliminating barriers and red tape", and announced an indefinite extension of the period for companies to use the "CE" mark. This is seen as the latest concession in a series of reforms and changes after Brexit.

The UK Department for Business and Trade pointed out that the decision to retain the EU product safety mark was made after discussions with the industry, and described it as a "key request from businesses", saying it would help reduce the burden on businesses and promote UK economic growth.

 

Russia announces extension of EAC simplified certification scheme until September 2024

 

Russia issued Resolution No. 1133, extending the implementation date of the EAC simplified certification scheme to September 1, 2024. Before this date, products can be imported into Russia without labeling.

According to the new resolution, applicants for the simplified certification scheme can decide whether to publish the relevant certification (EAC DoC) information on the government website. If not, such products cannot be sold on the market.

 

In addition, if the information is published, the applicant must complete the relevant certification according to the regular program before the expiration of the simplified EAC DoC.

 

 

Japan adds more than 750 new categories of goods to Russia's ban

 

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry began to implement an administrative order on August 9, adding more than 750 categories of products to the embargo against Russia in order to increase sanctions against Russia.

According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's amended decree on the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (Foreign Exchange Act), the 750 categories of products banned by Japan this time include passenger cars with a displacement of more than 1,900cc, including used cars, as well as other categories that support the industrial base, such as hybrid cars, pure electric vehicles (EVs), fibers, plastic products, and movie projectors.

 

 

Mexico raises import tariffs on 392 items

 

On August 15, the President of Mexico signed the "Executive Order on Amending the General Import and Export Tariff Law", which will increase the most-favored-nation tariffs on a variety of imported products including steel, aluminum, and chemical products from August 16.

The tariff increase will affect the trade of hundreds of products, raising import tariffs on 392 tariff items. Among the above tariff items, except for certain textiles that will be subject to a 15% tariff, all other products will now be subject to a 25% import tariff.

 

The products affected by the decree include: most-favored-nation tariffs on a variety of imported products such as steel, aluminum, bamboo products, rubber, chemical products, oil, soap, paper, cardboard, ceramic products, glass, electrical equipment, musical instruments and furniture.

 

 

Argentina releases regulations on banned ingredients in cosmetic products

 

On August 2, 2023, according to the Official Gazette of the Argentine Republic, the Argentine Drug, Food and Medical Technology Administration (ANMA) issued Announcement 5978/2023, announcing the regulations on banned ingredients in cosmetic products, which will take effect from the date of publication. Main contents:

1. The following substances are prohibited from being used in cosmetics, personal hygiene and perfume:

• 4-Amino-3-hydroxytoluene (INCI: 6-amino-M-cresol; CAS No. 2835-98-5)
• 1,2,4-Trihydroxybenzene (INCI:1,.2,4-Trihydroxybenzene; CAS No. 533-73-3)
• 2-[(4-Amino-2-nitrophenyl)-amino]-benzoic acid (INCI:2-[(4-Amino-2-nitrophenyl)-amino]benzoic acid

2. It is prohibited to place cosmetics containing the substances listed in the previous article on the market;

 

3. Provide 90 working days for the owners, manufacturers and importers of cosmetics, personal hygiene and perfume products obtained under this regulation, in accordance with Resolution No. 155/98 and the supplementary provisions, to make the necessary adjustments and start the corresponding cosmetic formula and label modification procedures with ANMAT. If the alternative provided for in the previous paragraph is not chosen within the above period, the access of these products will be completely cancelled;

4. Failure to comply with this provision will make those responsible for the sanctions provided for in Law 6463 and Decree 341/92 liable, without prejudice to other actions that may be taken.

 

 

 

Australia releases import requirements for noodles

 

Recently, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry issued import requirements for noodles, which will be implemented from the date of issuance. Main contents:

1. No import license from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is required;

 

2. Products must provide labels and invoices describing the ingredients of imported products;

 

3. The following must be presented in the manufacturer's declaration: proof of the product's egg content (e.g.

 

4. Product packaging must be clean.

 

 

New Zealand's new food safety rules for food importers come into effect

 

According to the website of the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries, in order to better ensure the safety of imported food for local consumers, new regulations for all New Zealand food importers came into effect on August 1.

The rule changes are detailed in the Food Notice issued by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries in February 2023, which sets out detailed requirements for food importers in four key areas. Food importers must conduct safety and suitability assessments before food arrives in New Zealand, ensure that food is stored and transported in a safe manner, keep appropriate records, and have a recall plan in place in case problems arise.

 

Food importers who fail to comply with safety regulations can face fines of up to S$500,000 for companies, and up to S$100,000 for individuals and can be jailed for up to two years.

 

Guidance for importers is available on the New Zealand Food Safety Authority website. If you have any questions, food importers can contact the New Zealand Food Safety Authority on 0800008333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz.

 

 

India releases latest amendments to electronic pre-packaged products

 

The Department of Consumer Affairs under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution of India recently announced the latest amendments for electronic pre-packaged products.

The amendment modifies specific parts of the previous notification issued on July 14, 2022. According to the notification revised on June 23, 2023, entities are now allowed to provide the following information that is not included in the product packaging through a QR code:

(1) Address of manufacturer/packer/importer;

(2) Common name;

(3) Size and dimensions;

(4) Other relevant information.

 

According to the new import tax regulations for cross-border online shopping announced by the Brazilian Ministry of Finance, starting from August 1, orders placed on cross-border e-commerce platforms that have joined the Brazilian government's Remessa Conforme program and with a value not exceeding US$50 will be exempt from import tax. Otherwise, a 60% import tax will be levied.

 

Since the beginning of this year, the Pakistani Ministry of Finance has repeatedly stated that it will cancel the tax-free policy for cross-border online purchases of US$50 or less. However, under pressure from all parties, the ministry decided to strengthen supervision of major platforms while maintaining the existing tax-free rules.

 

 

 

India imposes anti-dumping duties on Chinese non-dispersion-shifted single-mode optical fibers

 

On August 3, 2023, the Taxation Bureau of the Ministry of Finance of India issued Notification No. 07/2023-Customs (ADD), stating that it accepted the anti-dumping affirmative final ruling recommendation made by the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry on May 5, 2023 on dispersion-unshifted single-mode optical fiber (SMOF) originating in or imported from China, Indonesia and South Korea, and decided to impose anti-dumping duties on the products involved in the above-mentioned countries for a period of 5 years, of which China is US$122.41-537.30/KFKM, South Korea is US$807.88/KFKM, and Indonesia is US$857.23/KFKM (for details of the taxation, see the final ruling announcement of this case).

The measures will take effect from the date of publication of this notification in the official gazette. The products involved are non-dispersion-shifted single-mode optical fibers (G.652) and bend-insensitive single-mode optical fibers (G.657), involving products under Indian customs code 90011000. The anti-dumping measures in this case do not apply to dispersion-shifted optical fibers (G.653), cut-off wavelength-shifted single-mode optical fibers (G.654) and non-zero dispersion-shifted optical fibers (G.655 & G.656).

 

 

The United States makes preliminary anti-dumping ruling on tinplate

 

On August 17, 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced a preliminary anti-dumping ruling on tinplate (Tin Mill Products) imported from seven countries including mainland China, Canada, Germany, South Korea, the Netherlands, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan, China. The preliminary ruling was that the dumping rate of Canadian producers/exporters was 5.29%, the dumping rate of mainland Chinese producers/exporters was 122.52% (the margin after offsetting subsidies was adjusted to 111.98%), the dumping rate of German producers/exporters was 7.02%, and the dumping rate of producers/exporters in four countries including South Korea, the Netherlands, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan, China was 0.00%.

The U.S. Department of Commerce is expected to make a final anti-dumping ruling on the products imported from mainland China on October 30, 2023, and on January 8, 2024. The case involves products under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Numbers 7210.11.0000, 7210.12.0000, 7210.50.0020, 7210.50.0090, 7210.50.0000, 7212.10.0000, 7212.50.0000, 7225.99.0090 and 7226.99.0180.

 

Source: Focus Vision

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