World Trade Organization (WTO)

Thailand Extends Implementation Timeline for Food-Contact Paper Regulation to June 2027

Thailand has proposed a one-year delay for the mandatory enforcement of food-contact paper standards (TIS 2948-2562), moving the implementation date to June 22, 2027. This extension offers a critical window for manufacturers to finalize TISI certification and ensure product compliance without disrupting market access in the immediate term.

3 Apr 2026, 18:55docs.wto.orgThailand

UK Updates Steel Safeguard Tariff-Rate Quotas for Categories 4 and 12A

The UK has updated its steel safeguard tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) for April–June 2026, narrowing the scope for alloy merchant bars while bringing Turkish metallic coated sheet under country-specific quotas. Businesses should immediately review commodity codes and origin sources to mitigate the risk of 25% out-of-quota duties on affected steel imports.

2 Apr 2026, 10:16gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Vietnam Draft Foreign Trade Decree Adds E‑Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products to Prohibited Import and Export List

Vietnam is proposing to ban the import and export of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, with a WTO comment deadline of April 15, 2026. This measure signals a total market closure for these nicotine delivery systems, requiring immediate supply chain and market access reassessment for affected manufacturers.

1 Apr 2026, 18:25members.wto.orgVietnam

Japan Notifies Entry Into Force of Revocation of Two Feed Additives (G/SPS/N/JPN/1380/Add.1)

Japan has formally revoked the designation of zinc bacitracin and calcium halofuginone polystyrenesulfonate as feed additives, effective March 30, 2026. Impacted businesses must ensure immediate compliance by reformulating animal feeds and premixes to exclude these substances from their Japanese supply chains.

1 Apr 2026, 18:15docs.wto.orgJapan

China MOFCOM Launches Two Trade Barrier Investigations Into US Supply-Chain And Green-Product Measures

China's Ministry of Commerce has launched two trade-barrier investigations into US supply chain and green-product measures as of March 2026. This retaliatory move signals escalating trade tensions that could lead to Chinese countermeasures affecting high-tech exports, green energy investments, and global supply chain stability.

31 Mar 2026, 21:29mofcom.gov.cnChinaUnited States

EU Draft Implementing Regulation Proposes Renewal of cis‑tricos‑9‑ene for Biocidal Product‑Type 19

The European Commission has proposed the renewal of cis-tricos-9-ene (muscalure) for biocidal product-type 19 (repellents and attractants), with a WTO comment deadline of May 22, 2026. Manufacturers should prepare for continued market access under updated use conditions and restrictions, ensuring product formulations and labels align with the forthcoming Annex requirements.

31 Mar 2026, 19:40members.wto.orgEuropean Union

Peru INDECOPI Initiates Sunset Review of Anti-Dumping Duties on B100 Biodiesel From Argentina

Peru has initiated a sunset review of anti-dumping duties on Argentine B100 biodiesel, maintaining existing tariffs throughout the investigation period. Importers and fuel suppliers must account for continued trade costs while preparing evidence to influence the final determination on long-term market access.

31 Mar 2026, 19:31busquedas.elperuano.pePeruArgentina

EU Notifies Draft Amendment to Regulation (EU) 2023/915 on Δ9‑THC in Hemp Leaf Infusions

The European Commission has proposed maximum levels for Δ9-THC in hemp leaf infusions under Regulation (EU) 2023/915, with a planned application date of January 2027. Manufacturers must prepare for strict concentration limits and mandatory safety labelling to mitigate acute exposure risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.

29 Mar 2026, 19:25docs.wto.orgEuropean Union

EU Commission Proposes Amendments to Maximum Levels of 3‑MCPD and Glycidyl Esters in Certain Foods

The European Commission has proposed stricter maximum levels for 3‑MCPD and glycidyl esters in baby foods and vegetable oils, with a planned application date of January 1, 2027. Food manufacturers and oil refiners must prepare for tighter analytical compliance and potential reformulation to meet new safety thresholds for sensitive consumer categories.

29 Mar 2026, 19:25docs.wto.orgEuropean Union

Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda Notify Draft Automotive Biodiesel Fuel Standards DEAS 1332:2026 (B100) and DEAS 1333:2026 (B5)

Five East African nations have proposed harmonized technical standards for B100 and B5 automotive biodiesel, with comments due by May 26, 2026. Producers and blenders must align fuel formulations and testing protocols with these regional specifications to ensure compliance and market access across the East African Community.

29 Mar 2026, 18:57docs.wto.orgBurundiKenyaRwandaTanzaniaUganda

GB Notifies WTO of Proposed GB MRLs for Indoxacarb

Great Britain is proposing stricter Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for indoxacarb across food and feed commodities following the pesticide's non-approval. Stakeholders should prepare for tighter compliance thresholds and potential market access challenges as GB aligns its residue limits with the substance's phase-out.

29 Mar 2026, 18:54docs.wto.orgUnited Kingdom

Great Britain Proposes New MRLs for Hexythiazox

Great Britain is proposing revised Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for the pesticide hexythiazox across various food commodities, with a comment period open until May 2026. Food and beverage producers must review these limits to ensure supply chain compliance and avoid trade disruptions as GB updates its independent pesticide regime.

29 Mar 2026, 18:52members.wto.orgUnited Kingdom

Switzerland Publishes EFTA–Mercosur Record Of Understanding On Trade And Sustainable Development

EFTA and Mercosur have formalized sustainability commitments under their 2025 Free Trade Agreement, targeting deforestation, biodiversity, and agricultural standards. This signals future regulatory alignment and stricter supply chain due diligence for deforestation-linked commodities, antimicrobial use, and labor practices.

28 Mar 2026, 20:32fedlex.data.admin.chIcelandLiechtensteinNorwaySwitzerlandArgentinaBrazilParaguayUruguayMERCOSUR

Switzerland Publishes EFTA–Mercosur Free Trade Agreement Text

Switzerland has published the EFTA–Mercosur Free Trade Agreement text, signaling progress toward ratification and eventual entry into force. Businesses should prepare for streamlined conformity assessment procedures, harmonized labeling requirements, and closer regulatory cooperation on pesticides, veterinary medicines, and electronic product standards.

28 Mar 2026, 20:32fedlex.admin.chIcelandLiechtensteinNorwaySwitzerlandArgentinaBrazilParaguayUruguay

China Notifies WTO of Implementation of Registration System for Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food (G/TBT/N/CHN/1964/Add.2)

China has formally notified the WTO of the implementation of its mandatory registration system for all overseas manufacturers of imported food. Companies must ensure active registration in the CIFER system and maintain compliance with GACC hygiene standards to avoid immediate market access disruptions and import blocks.

28 Mar 2026, 20:29online.customs.gov.cnChina

Kazakhstan — Draft Amendments to QMS Requirements for Medical Devices (G/TBT/N/KAZ/35)

Kazakhstan is proposing a risk-based approach to medical device Quality Management System (QMS) requirements, including potential exemptions from on-site inspections for sterilization processes. This shift toward streamlined compliance oversight may reduce administrative burdens for manufacturers while maintaining focus on high-risk production areas.

28 Mar 2026, 20:29docs.wto.orgKazakhstan

US Commerce Issues Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders on Erythritol From China

The US has finalized significant antidumping and countervailing duty orders on erythritol imports from China, effective March 27, 2026. Importers face substantial cost increases and immediate cash-deposit requirements, necessitating a strategic review of sourcing and supply chain costs for this sweetener.

28 Mar 2026, 16:29public-inspection.federalregister.govUnited States

EU Commission Imposes Provisional Anti-Dumping Duty on Polyamide Yarn Imports From China

The EU has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties ranging from 57.7% to 90.1% on Chinese polyamide (nylon) yarn imports, effective March 28, 2026. Importers must immediately assess the significant cost impact on synthetic filament yarn supply chains and meet short deadlines for submitting comments or requesting hearings.

28 Mar 2026, 16:24eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

Egypt Mandates ES 164-1-4 Standard For Domestic Gas Ovens And Grills

Egypt has mandated the new safety standard ES 164-1-4 for domestic gas ovens and grills, effective February 2026. Manufacturers and importers must align product designs with ISO 21364-22:2025 technical requirements within the 12-month transitional period to maintain market access.

27 Mar 2026, 20:25track.pstmrk.itEgypt

Egypt Adopts ES 49 Standard for Olive Oils and Olive Pomace Oils With Six-Month Transitional Period

Egypt has adopted Ministerial Decree No. 57/2026, mandating the new ES 49 standard for olive oils and olive pomace oils with a six-month compliance window. Businesses should prepare for alignment with international Codex standards, ensuring product quality and labeling meet revised technical specifications for market access.

27 Mar 2026, 20:25track.pstmrk.itEgypt