On October 18, 2024, China notified National Food Safety Standard for Sterilized Milk Amendment No. 1 to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under G/SPS/N/CHN/1322. China's SPS Enquiry Point at sps@customs.gov.cn will accept comments until December 17, 2024. This report provides an unofficial translation of the notified amendment to the standard. Stakeholders should conduct their own review of the regulation.
On October 25, 2024 the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) of the People's Republic of China (PRC) published a National Smart Agriculture Action Plan (2024-2028) (hereafter "Action Plan"). The Action Plan highlights the PRC's goal of creating new digital platforms to integrate big data, deploying new software and machinery to improve efficiency, and digitizing data collection throughout the supply chain. The PRC has invested heavily in new high-tech agricultural production technologies and this Action Plan signals a commitment to getting these technologies out of the laboratory and into the field. However, no new resources or funding for this initiative was announced.
On November 15, the People's Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation announced that, effective December 1, the 13 percent export tax rebate for used cooking oil (UCO) under HS code 151800 would be eliminated. Consequently, FOB China UCO offers were withdrawn, and returned offers were priced at least $150/MT higher. This policy shift aims to redirect the bio-based diesel (BBD) industry from an export-focused model to a more domestic-oriented industry. Additionally, this change could create PRC export opportunities for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as the EU provisionally excluded SAF from proposed antidumping duties on July 19, 2024.
In 2023, Hong Kong did not have any policy changes to regulations pertaining to genetically engineered (GE) products. GE products are subject to the same food regulations of conventional foods. Hong Kong does not impose barriers on microbial biotech ingredients/foods; however, it does maintain production and import controls on living modified organisms. The Hong Kong government (HKG) continues to be supportive of agricultural biotechnology research and has facilitated several development projects.
Bite size local news, Post reports and activity summaries wrapped by ATO Hong Kong. In this issue: ATO Hong Kong launches Delicious USA 2024 with a record 51 restaurants offering Hong Kong and Macau patrons a chance to "Taste the Finest;" California Wine Institute brings top talent to showcase California wines in Hong Kong; American Hardwood Export Council recognized at the American Institute of Architects Gala Dinner; ATO Hong Kong talks cotton and design with the Hong Kong Design Institute; two Hong Kong bars make the global Top 50 Bars list; shrinkflation hits retail consumers; and Hong Kong eyes a future "low-altitude economy."
Import permits for genetically engineered (GE) corn from the United States are once again issued by South Africa. After a mid-summer drought that caused a 22 percent drop in production, South Africa needs to import corn to supplement domestic production. Domestic prices have surged due to the tight supply and greater South African exports to meet regional demand. South Africa only issues import permits for countries that are cultivating genetically engineered (GE) events that have been approved for food, feed and/or cultivation purposes in South Africa. Post worked closely with stakeholders to resolve the asynchronous issue to allow trade with the United States. On November 19, 2024, South Africa's Department of Agriculture informed stakeholders that all GE corn events that caused asynchrony with the United States had been resolved and that import permits will be issued for GE white and yellow corn from the United States.
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