The article addresses implementation of the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA) and practical guidance for Vietnamese exporters shipping goods to Israel via Ashdod Port amid Middle East instability. It covers the regulatory framework for VIFTA implementation and logistical/customs considerations for market access. The focus is on ensuring trade continuity under the FTA.
Topic Archives:Customs
FBR Reiterates That Faceless Customs Assessment Is a Digital, Not Port-Dependent, System
Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue reaffirmed its commitment to Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA), clarifying that the system is a digital customs processing reform rather than a port-relocation measure. FBR emphasized the FCA’s role in reducing human intervention in customs clearance decisions. The statement addresses misconceptions about the system’s implementation scope.
Notice on Further Improving Trade Liberalization and Facilitation in Hainan Free Trade Port
Four Chinese ministries (MOFCOM, NDRC, MEE, and General Administration of Customs) jointly issued a notice to further advance trade liberalization and facilitation measures in the Hainan Free Trade Port. The notice likely covers customs procedures, tariff arrangements, and market access measures specific to the FTP zone. No full text is available in the snippet.
2nd Korea-Indonesia CEPA Joint Committee Meeting Held
The second joint committee meeting under the Korea-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was convened to review implementation and address trade-related issues. Joint committees under CEPAs typically handle rules of origin, tariff schedules, and non-tariff measures. Specific outcomes would be discussed under the agreement’s framework.
WCO Technical Committee on Customs Valuation 63rd Session adopts new instrument
The WCO Technical Committee on Customs Valuation held its 63rd Session with delegates from 50 customs administrations, discussing control practices, technical questions, and adopting a new instrument on customs valuation. The session covered substantive matters related to the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement implementation.
Trade Facilitation Committee advances TFA review and discusses implementation support
WTO members met in the Committee on Trade Facilitation on 21-22 October to advance the second review of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, targeting completion by year-end. Members exchanged experiences on implementation issues and discussed technical assistance needs. Specific trade facilitation matters raised by members were also reviewed.
Seafood exports to Israel: Shifting to long-term contracts, leveraging VIFTA rules of origin
The article advises Vietnamese seafood exporters to transition to long-term contracts with Israeli buyers and utilize rules of origin provisions under the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA) to gain preferential market access. It highlights the strategic importance of VIFTA’s origin rules for the seafood sector in maintaining competitiveness in the Israeli market.
Taiwan Updates Strategic High-Tech Goods Export Entity List, Adding 343 Entities Linked to WMD Proliferation
Taiwan’s Bureau of Foreign Trade added 343 entities from Iran, Russia, Mexico, UAE, Turkey, and mainland China to its Strategic High-Tech Goods export entity control list, while removing 90 entities, effective October 22, 2026. The update follows an interagency review under Trade Act Article 13, referencing UN Security Council and allied nations’ sanctions lists, bringing […]
Preference Utilisation of UK Trade in Goods, 2024
The UK government has published official statistics on the utilisation of tariff preferences for imports and exports under preferential trade agreements for 2024. The data includes trade in goods between Great Britain and the EU under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). This provides quantitative insight into how effectively businesses are claiming preferential tariff rates […]
Brazil sets rules for exporters to access Mercosur–EFTA quota allocations in Norway
Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services has established procedures for exporters to utilize tariff-rate quotas under the Mercosur–EFTA agreement with Norway, effective November 1. Eligible products include beef, poultry, honey, corn, and apple juice. The measure defines how companies can access preferential quota benefits under the agreement.