The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a new review framework specifically targeting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This framework primarily describes EPAs approach when reviewing new PFAS and their new uses. The goal is to conduct comprehensive assessments through pre-manufacture notices (PMNs) and significant new use notices (SNUNs) before PFAS are allowed into commerce, to protect human health and the environment from their hazards.
Recently, the Ministry of Environment of South Korea plans to designate lead compounds and benzene as restricted substances according to the K - REACH Act. This action aims to reduce the use of these two types of chemical substances in specific applications to prevent their potential impacts on the environment and human health. This article will deeply analyze the definition of restricted substances, the impacts of lead compounds and benzene on the environment and health, and the potential impacts of relevant policies on the industry.
On July 12, 2023, the European Commission issued the amending regulation (EU) 2023/1442 of the plastic regulation (EU) 10/2011 for food contact. The main amendments include revoking two permitted substances, tightening the requirements for phthalate plasticizers, modifying the use requirements of permitted substances and adding new permitted substances. The new regulation came into force on August 1, 2023.
According to Shanghai Customs data, the total import and export value of Shanghai in the first half of 2023 reached 2.09 trillion yuan, an increase of 11.4% year-on-year. Among these, the growth of private enterprises and bonded logistics trade was particularly significant, becoming important drivers of Shanghais foreign trade growth. Meanwhile, the export of electromechanical products and the import of consumer goods also showed strong growth momentum.
This article provides a detailed interpretation of the implementing rules accompanying the Regulation on Foreign Subsidies from Non-EU Countries That May Distort the EU Market, formally adopted by the European Commission on July 10, 2023. It clarifies requirements for submission of notifications, the investigative powers of the European Commission, the submission of restrictive commitments, the scope of transparency and reporting obligations, and the procedural rights of relevant operators in investigation procedures, providing specific guidance for companies to comply with the new rules.
According to Tokyo Shoko Research data, bankruptcies among Japanese SMEs in the first half of 2023 increased by 30% year-on-year, marking the first time since 2020 that semi-annual bankruptcies exceeded 4,000 cases. Despite government financial support post-COVID, businesses continue facing labor shortages and high price pressures. With persistent inflation, chronic labor shortages, and other domestic and international factors, Japans economic recovery remains sluggish.
What are the key compliance requirements and precautions in the process of wooden square exports? How to ensure smooth passage through the quarantine and customs inspections of the destination country? This article provides a detailed analysis of the operation process and common problems of wooden square exports.
On June 26, 2023, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea submitted Notification G/TBT/N/KOR/1150 to the WTO, proposing revisions to the Regulations on Licensing and Review of Biological Products, etc. to enhance domestic biological product safety. The revisions include definitions for new terms such as live bacterial preparations, quality audit requirements for Quality by Design (QbD) systems, expansion of the Scientific Citation Index scope for pharmacological and clinical trial data, changes to stability test data submission requirements for manufacturing method modifications, mandatory submission procedures for Risk Management Plans (RMP) for self-injection products approved by MFDS, and establishment of evaluation standards for RNA and DNA vaccines. Given that China is the worlds second-largest biological product market, these revisions have significant implications for Chinese exporters, who must closely monitor and adapt to these changes.
In May 2022, Chengdu Customs became a new pilot zone for the Port Departure Confirmation mode in water-to-water transshipment, optimizing customs supervision and operational efficiency of waterway logistics in the Yangtze River Delta region. This model was implemented at two water ports in Sichuan: Luzhou Port and Yibin Port. The advantage of this new model lies in changing the customs transfer procedures and port operations from serial to parallel, allowing enterprises to declare customs transfers without completing cargo tallying or determining domestic transport vehicles.
Chinas Ministry of Commerce announced anti-subsidy investigation on dairy products originating from the EU, initiated based on domestic industry application to address unfair competition pressure caused by subsidized EU dairy products in Chinese market, with investigation period covering 2020 to 2024.