The WTO Committee on Import Licensing met on 15 October 2026 to review member notification practices and challenges, drawing on findings from a recent workshop for government officials. The Committee also examined trade concerns and discussed lessons from experience-sharing sessions on improving communication, public-private engagement, and access to import licensing information.
Topic Archives:Customs
MOFCOM & General Administration of Customs Announcement No. 50 (2026): Export Controls Imposed on Shield Tunneling Machines and Related Items
China’s Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs jointly announced the imposition of export controls on shield tunneling machines and related items. The announcement is published as a formal regulatory decision under China’s export control framework. Specific items are listed as subject to licensing requirements for export.
MOFCOM & General Administration of Customs Announcement No. 51 (2026): Decision to Optimize and Adjust Export Control Measures on Dredger-Related Items
China’s Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs jointly announced adjustments to export control measures covering dredger-related items. The announcement publishes a formal decision to optimize these controls, indicating changes to the list or licensing requirements for dredger equipment and related technologies. No further snippet text is available to detail specific changes.
MOFCOM & Customs Announcement No. 52 (2026): Further Optimization of Challenge and Identification Procedures for Dual-Use Items Export Controls
China’s Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs jointly announced measures to optimize the challenge and identification process for dual-use items under export control regulations. The announcement refines procedures for exporters to query and obtain classification determinations on dual-use goods. This represents an administrative update to China’s dual-use export control implementation framework.
South Korea Resolves VAT Refund Delays for Domestic Export-Import Transactions of Korean Companies in Vietnam
The South Korean government has resolved a key grievance for Korean companies operating in Vietnam: delays in VAT refunds on domestic export-import transactions. This outcome addresses a systemic market access and tax procedure barrier affecting Korean businesses in Vietnam. The resolution follows bilateral dialogue between Korean and Vietnamese authorities.
Ahead of I-EU CEPA Implementation, Indonesia’s Trade Ministry Strengthens Manufacturing Exporters’ Readiness for European Market
Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade is preparing manufacturing exporters to leverage the Indonesia-EU CEPA, targeting implementation in Q1 2027. The initiative focuses on market access opportunities, technical export requirements, and rules of origin under the agreement. Activities are aimed at ensuring exporters can meet EU standards and procedures once the CEPA enters into force.
Rules of Origin Committee reviews LDC preferences, shares best practices
The WTO Committee on Rules of Origin met on 7-8 October to review preferential rules of origin for LDCs, receiving updates from preference-granting members on origin administration and trade facilitation. Members examined non-preferential rules of origin notifications and discussed digital tools for improving transparency and compliance. The committee also considered draft annual reports on its […]
China Announces 2027 Fertilizer Import Tariff Rate Quota Volume, Allocation Principles and Procedures
China’s Ministry of Commerce has published the 2027 tariff rate quota (TRQ) for fertilizer imports, including total quota volumes, allocation principles, and application procedures. This announcement sets the framework for fertilizer import access into China for the coming year.
Simplified procedure for expedited issuance of import authorisations for silver bullion under ITC(HS) 7106
India’s DGFT has issued Trade Notice No. 30 (2026-27) introducing a simplified and expedited procedure for obtaining import authorisations for silver bullion classified under ITC(HS) 7106. The measure streamlines licensing requirements for this specific commodity. This affects importers seeking timely clearance for silver bullion shipments.
Leveraging VIFTA: Businesses Must Proactively Meet Rules of Origin Requirements
The article addresses how Vietnamese businesses can utilize the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA) by complying with rules of origin requirements. It highlights the importance of meeting origin criteria to access preferential tariffs under the agreement. The piece provides guidance for exporters seeking to benefit from VIFTA’s preferential trade terms.