Roundup of New Regulations in August

I. Domestic updates

1 .Implementation of China-Thailand AEO Mutual Recognition (effective from Aug 1st )

Customs authorities of China and Thailand mutually recognize AEO enterprises, offering facilitations such as lower inspection rates and priority customs clearance. The relevant mutual recognition arrangement has been formally implemented.

2.Implementation of RCEP Deepening Measures (effective from Aug 1st)

The traffic reduction cycle for commodities such as electronic components and textile raw materials has been shortened to 7 years, and the rules of origin cumulation allow for the integration of regional raw materials.

3.Launch of Electronic Document Pilot Program (effective from August 1st)

10 customs offices including those in Beijing ans Guangzhou have launched a pilot program for self-service query and printing iof customs declaration documents. Enterprises can obtain customs declaration data through the Single Window.

4.Customs Adds Random Inspections for Import and Export Commodities (effective from August 1st)

The General Administration of Customs has implemented random inspections on some import and export commodities beyond statutory inspection. Newly added export commodity categories include lamps, low-voltage electrical appliances, and functional clothing, while imported commodities include student stationery and baby products.

5.Adjustment of Interest Rate for Processing Trade Deposits (effective from August 1st)
According to Announcement No. 139 of 2025 by the General Administration of Customs, when handling procedures for refunding deposits and interest for restricted commodities in processing trade in accordance with regulations, the interest shall be calculated based on the bank's current deposit interest rate for the same period.

6.Regulation of Import Management for Recycled Black Powder for Lithium-ion Batteries and

Recycled Iron and Steel Raw Materials (effective from August 1st)

The Ministry of Ecology and Environment and five other departments jointly issued an announcement, clarifying that recycled iron and steel raw materials and recycled black powder for lithium-ion batteries that meet the requirements in the attached table are not classified as solid waste and can be freely imported.

7.Update of Trade Climate Survey Samples (effective from August 25th)
According to Announcement No. 151 of 2025 by the General Administration of Customs, new sample enterprises will formally participate in the survey, while old sample enterprises will continue to fill in reports for 3 months before exiting.

8.Allowing Export of Chinese Fresh Pomelos Meeting Relevant Requirements to New Zealand (effective from July 28th)

The General Administration of Customs issued an announcement stating that Chinese fresh pomelos meeting relevant requirements are allowed to be exported to New Zealand (see the annex to the General Administration of Customs' announcement for specific requirements).

II. International New Regulations

◆ 1. Asia
India

New Regulations on Import of Stainless Steel Pipes in India: Effective from August 1st, India requires all imported stainless steel pipes to obtain BIS certification. Violators face a maximum penalty of 2 years in prison or a fine of 500,000 rupees. The relevant new regulations have been implemented.

Footwear Quality Control Order: Effective from July 1st, imported footwear must meet Indian standards and be affixed with certification marks.

Anti-dumping Measures Against China: Imposing anti-dumping duties on Chinese products such as printed circuit boards and self-adhesive vinyl.

Vietnam

VAT Collection on Low-Priced Imported Commodities: Effective from August 1st, Vietnam Customs announced the implementation of Circular No. 29/2025/TT-BTC, launching an automated VAT collection process for express imported commodities valued at less than 1 million Vietnamese dong.

Pakistan

Cancellation of Some Import Restrictions: Canceling import restrictions on industries such as food and energy (to meet IMF requirements), but prohibiting the import or transit of goods from India and extending the ban on Indian flights.

Early Harvest Program: Effective from August 1st, Pakistan and Afghanistan will mutually reduce tariffs on 8 agricultural products including grapes, pomegranates, and mangoes to 27% (previously over 60%), with a validity period of 1 year.

◆ 2. Middle East
Saudi Arabia

New Food Standards: Imported food must be registered, with labels complying with halal standards. Products containing pork/alcohol without labeling are prohibited.

Updated Control Requirements for Some Products: On July 24th, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) issued a notice, announcing that some products will be included in the control list within 30 days from the date of the notice, including personal protective equipment, paper products, detergents, and communication and information technology equipment.

◆ 3. Europe
EU

New Energy Efficiency Labels: Effective from August 1st, the standards for energy efficiency labels for electronic devices have been updated, and products that do not meet the standards are prohibited from import.

Delay of Battery Regulations: The due diligence obligations for the battery supply chain originally scheduled to take effect on August 18th, 2025, have been postponed to August 18th, 2027.

Electric Vehicle Registration: Conducting a 9-month registration for electric vehicles imported from China, with possible imposition of retrospective tariffs.

Anti-dumping Measures: Making a preliminary anti-dumping ruling on China-related bulb flats (continued from 2023).

◆ 4. Americas
United States

Tariff Policy: Effective from August 1st, the United States will impose differentiated tariffs ranging from 10% to 50% on major global trading partners, involving industries such as new energy and critical minerals. It will maintain a 30% comprehensive tariff on Chinese products (10% reciprocal tariff + 20% fentanyl tariff), with a 90-day freeze period ending on August 12th, and negotiations focusing on rare earths and non-tariff barriers.

Suspension of Minimum Duty-Free Treatment for Low-Value Goods: Effective from August 29th, all imported goods with a value of $800 or less that were originally eligible for minimum duty-free treatment and are shipped through channels other than the international postal network will be subject to all applicable tariffs.

Canada

Adjustment of Tariffs on Chinese Steel: Canada has imposed an additional 25% tariff on steel and related products from China since the end of July, and implemented a tariff quota system for imported steel from August 1st, with an additional 50% tariff on quantities exceeding the quota.

Brazil

Imposition of Anti-dumping Duties on Chinese Phthalic Anhydride: Effective from July 28th, 2025, Brazil made an affirmative final ruling on anti-dumping against phthalic anhydride originating from China, imposing anti-dumping duties on the involved Chinese products for 5 years, with the duty ranging from $62.65 to $773.79 per ton.

◆ 5. Africa
Djibouti
Imported goods are required to provide ECTN certificates; otherwise, customs clearance will be hindered.

South Sudan
Imported commodities require qualification certificates, and motor vehicles are subject to mandatory inspection (continued from 2023).

◆ 6. Oceania
Australia

Cancellation of Import Tariffs: Effective from July 1st, nearly 500 commodity import tariffs have been canceled, involving daily necessities.

Fish Export: Effective from August 1st, the export of specific fish species to the EU is prohibited to protect fishery resources, with the ban lasting until December 31st.

New Zealand
Upgraded electronic networking system for rules of origin with China (continued from 2023).

Fiji

Adjustment of VAT Rate: Effective from August 1st, 2025, the standard VAT rate will be reduced from 15% to 12.5%; electronic wallet services are exempt from VAT; mechanical harvesting services provided by cooperatives are subject to a 0% VAT rate.