India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced the deployment of 1,000 advisory personnel across India to assist businesses in leveraging benefits under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The initiative is aimed at maximizing utilization of the FTA’s provisions by Indian exporters and importers. This follows the conclusion of the India-UK CETA negotiations.
Topic Archives:Customs
Notice on Pilot Program for Bonded Testing Outside Comprehensive Bonded Zones
China’s Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs jointly issued a notice launching a pilot program allowing bonded testing operations to be conducted outside comprehensive bonded zones. The initiative expands the scope of bonded logistics and processing arrangements under customs supervision. This represents a formal policy change to customs and bonded area regulations.
WAEMU Facilitates Origin Determination by Aligning to HS 2022
WAEMU has updated its rules of origin product list to align with HS 2022, resolving inconsistencies that arose after member states adopted the new nomenclature. Previously, the WAEMU Treaty referenced older HS editions for determining originating goods, undermining preferential treatment and trader compliance. The alignment ensures consistent application of preferential rules across the bloc.
Korea-Bangladesh CEPA 4th Round of Formal Negotiations Held
The 4th round of formal negotiations for a Korea-Bangladesh Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is being held in Dhaka, Bangladesh from June 14–19, 2026. Eleven working groups are meeting on topics including goods concessions, services, and rules of origin. Korea is seeking to diversify export markets amid a rapidly changing global trade environment.
WTO Members Discuss 25 Proposals Under 2026 Trade Facilitation Agreement Review
At the WTO Committee on Trade Facilitation meeting on 10-11 June 2026, members discussed 25 proposals submitted under the second review of the Trade Facilitation Agreement. Members also agreed to hold a dedicated session on trade facilitation for small economies and addressed transit issues for landlocked developing countries.
UK Trade Tariff: Duty Suspensions and Autonomous Tariff Quotas
UK government guidance on temporary duty suspensions and autonomous tariff quotas (ATQs) for importing goods into the UK. These measures reduce or eliminate import duties on specific goods on a temporary basis. The update reflects current applicable suspensions and quotas as of June 2026.
UK Preferential Tariffs and Rules of Origin: Reference Documents for EU Exit Customs Regulations 2020
The UK government has published statutory guidance listing preferential tariff rates and rules of origin for trade agreements under the Customs Tariff (Preferential Trade Arrangements) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. These reference documents cover the UK’s post-Brexit preferential trade arrangements. The guidance serves as the authoritative source for traders and officials applying preferential duty rates.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade Socializes Ministerial Regulation No. 18/2026 on Import Licensing Policy Amendments
Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade held an online socialization session on Ministerial Regulation (Permendag) No. 18/2026, the second amendment to Permendag No. 16/2025 on Import Policy and Regulation, enacted on June 4, 2026. The session targeted businesses, associations, surveyors, and relevant government agencies. The regulation aims to improve the effectiveness of import licensing services and legal […]
Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade Socializes Ministerial Regulation No. 18/2026 on Import Licensing Policy Amendments
Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade held an online socialization session on June 15, 2026 for Ministerial Regulation (Permendag) No. 18 of 2026, which amends import policy regulation No. 16 of 2025. The regulation aims to improve the effectiveness of import licensing services and legal certainty for importers.
Canada Tables Legislation to Strengthen Prohibition on Goods Produced with Forced Labour
Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has introduced legislation titled ‘An Act respecting the prohibition of the importation of goods produced by forced labour.’ The bill would reinforce Canada’s existing framework to prevent forced-labour goods from entering the Canadian market. This represents a significant legislative step beyond the current Customs Tariff prohibition.