New regulations for foreign trade in June, updated import and export product regulations in multiple countries

Starting from June 1st, enterprises can directly register for foreign exchange in the bank's foreign exchange directory

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange has issued the "Notice of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Optimizing the Management of Trade Foreign Exchange Business" (Hui Fa [2024] No. 11), which cancels the requirement for each branch of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange to approve the registration of the "List of Trade Foreign Exchange Income and Expenditure Enterprises", and instead directly handles the registration of the list in domestic banks.
China's Catalogue of Exporting Precursor Chemicals to Specific Countries (Regions) has added 24 new varieties
In order to further improve the export management of precursor chemicals, in accordance with the Provisional 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 have decided to adjust the Catalogue of Precursor Chemicals Exported to Specific Countries (Regions), adding 24 varieties such as hydrobromic acid.
The adjusted Catalogue of Precursor Chemicals Exported to Specific Countries (Regions) will 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 a license in accordance with the Interim Management Regulations on Exporting Precursor Chemicals to Specific Countries (Regions), and export to other countries (regions) without the need for a license.

China and Venezuela sign the Agreement on Mutual Promotion and Protection of Investment

On May 22nd, Wang Shouwen, the International Trade Negotiator and Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Commerce of China, and Rodriguez, the Vice President and Minister of Economy, Finance, and Foreign Trade of Venezuela, signed the Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on Mutual Promotion and Protection of Investment on behalf of their respective governments in the capital city of Caracas. This agreement will further promote and protect mutual investment between the two countries, better safeguard the rights and interests of both investors, and thus better promote their respective economic and social development.

China's visa free policy for 12 countries has been extended until the end of 2025

To further promote personnel exchanges between China and foreign countries, China has decided to extend the visa free policy to 12 countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg until December 31, 2025. Individuals holding ordinary passports from the aforementioned countries who come to China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit for no more than 15 days are eligible for visa free entry.

Kampuchea pet food processing cow leather chew glue semi-finished product approved for export to China

On May 13th, the General Administration of Customs issued Announcement No. 58 of 2024 (Announcement on Quarantine and Hygiene Requirements for Imported Kampuchea Pet Food Processing Cowhide Bite Glue Semi products), allowing the import of Kampuchea Pet Food Processing Cowhide Bite Glue Semi products that meet relevant requirements.

Serbia's Li Zigan is Approved to Export to China

On May 11th, the General Administration of Customs issued Announcement No. 57 of 2024 (Announcement on Inspection and Quarantine Requirements for the Export of Serbian Plum to China), allowing the import of Serbian Plum that meets relevant requirements from the 11th onwards.

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

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

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

India releases draft standards on toy safety

On May 7, 2024, according to Knindia, in order to improve the safety standards for toys in the Indian market, the Bureau of Standards of India (BIS) recently released a draft of toy safety standards and solicited opinions and suggestions from stakeholders such as toy industry practitioners and professionals before July 2.
The name of this standard is "Toy Safety 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.

The Philippines promotes more electric vehicles to enjoy zero tariff benefits

According to Philippine media reports on May 17th, the Philippine National Economic and Development Bureau has approved the expansion of tariff coverage under Executive Order No. 12 (EO12), and by 2028, more electric vehicles, including electric motorcycles and bicycles, will enjoy zero tariff benefits.
The EO12, which takes effect in 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.
The Director of the Philippine National Bureau of Economic and Development, Asenio Balisakan, stated that EO12 aims to stimulate the domestic electric vehicle market, support the transition to emerging technologies, reduce the dependence of transportation systems on fossil fuels, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from road traffic.

Philippines strengthens PS/ICC logo review

The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has increased its regulatory efforts on e-commerce platforms and rigorously scrutinized product compliance. All online sales products must clearly display the PS/ICC logo on the image description page, otherwise they will face delisting.

Cambodia may restrict the import of elderly used cars

In order to encourage car enthusiasts to switch to electric vehicles, the Cambodian government has been urged to review the policy of allowing the import of second-hand fuel powered vehicles. The World Bank believes that relying solely on the Cambodian government's import tariff preferences cannot enhance the "competitiveness" of new electric vehicles. "The Cambodian government may need to adjust its existing car import policies and restrict the age of imported cars."

Iraq implements new labeling requirements for inbound 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.
Implementation in stages: The new labeling rules apply to revisions of national and factory standards, laboratory specifications, and technical regulations issued before May 21, 2023.

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

According to the Argentine newspaper Financial Times, the Argentine government has decided to relax controls on 36% of imported products and goods. Previously, the above-mentioned products must be approved through the "red channel" with the highest level of customs control in Argentina (which needs to verify whether the declared content matches the actual imported goods).
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 by providing documentary and physical supervision of imported goods.". The news indicates that this measure greatly reduces container transportation costs and delivery cycles, and reduces import costs for Argentine companies.

Proposed Exclusion of 301 Tariff Products List from US 301 Investigation into China

On May 22, the Office of the United States Trade Representative issued a notice proposing to exclude 312 mechanical products with 8-digit tax codes and 19 solar products with 10 digit commodity codes from the current 301 tariff list, with the exclusion period proposed to be until May 31, 2025.

Sri Lanka plans to lift the ban on car imports

Sri Lanka's Sunday Times recently reported that the Sri Lankan Ministry of Finance's committee has proposed lifting the ban on motor vehicle imports. If the proposal is accepted by the government, it will be implemented early next year. It is reported that if the ban on car imports is lifted, Sri Lanka may receive an annual tax of 340 billion rupees (equivalent to 1.13 billion US dollars), which will help achieve local income targets.

Colombia updates customs regulations

On May 22, the Colombian government officially issued Decree No. 0659, updating the Colombian Customs Regulations, aimed at reducing logistics time and costs for customs clearance of goods, strengthening anti smuggling measures, and improving border controls.
The new law stipulates mandatory pre declaration, and most incoming goods must be pre declared, 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 movement 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 stay time of goods in the warehouse; Establish a "business emergency state", which is tailored to 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.

Brazil releases a new version of the rules of origin manual for imported products

Recently, the Brazilian Ministry of Industry and Trade released a new version of the rules of origin manual applicable to imported products under different trade agreement frameworks. This manual provides detailed regulations on the origin and treatment of products, aiming to enhance the transparency and facilitation of domestic international trade rules.

Iran will adopt European standards in the home appliance industry

Iran's Student News Agency recently reported that the Iranian Ministry of Industry, Mining and Trade has stated that Iran currently uses domestic standards in the home appliance industry, but starting this year, Iran will adopt European standards, especially energy consumption labels.

Colombia launches anti-dumping investigation on galvanized and aluminum zinc coated sheet coils in China

Recently, the Colombian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism issued an official announcement in the official gazette, launching an anti-dumping investigation into galvanized and aluminum zinc alloy sheets and coils originating from China. The announcement shall take effect from the day after its publication.

EU updates 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 strengthen the enforcement of rules through new digital product passports.
The proposal by the European Commission introduces Digital Product Passports (DPP), which will include information about toy safety, so that border control authorities can use the new IT system to scan all digital passports. If there are new risks that are not specified in the current text in the future, 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, in order to make them visible to the general public. Regarding allergenic spices, the negotiation authorization has updated the specific rules for the use of allergenic spices in toys (including the prohibition of intentional use of spices in toys), as well as the labeling of certain allergenic spices.

The EU officially approves the Artificial Intelligence Act

On May 21st local time, the European Council officially approved the Artificial Intelligence Act, which is the world's first comprehensive regulation on artificial intelligence (AI). The European Commission proposed the Artificial Intelligence Act in 2021 with the aim of protecting citizens from the hazards of this emerging technology.

The United States releases energy protection 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 announced through the WTO that it plans 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 announcement include refrigerators, freezers, and other refrigeration or freezing equipment (electric or other types), heat pumps; Its components (excluding air conditioning units 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 are 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) proposed the same MREFs new energy-saving standards as those specified in the direct final rules of the Federal Register on May 7, 2024.
If DOE receives unfavorable 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.