The World Customs Organization has published a new study on rules of origin for remanufactured and recycled goods, approved by the 147th/148th Sessions of the WCO Council. The study addresses how to determine origin for these product categories, which have growing relevance for circular economy trade flows.
Topic Archives:Sustainability
Russia requests WTO dispute panel on EU CBAM and emissions trading scheme
Russia requested a WTO Dispute Settlement Body panel to review the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and an alleged export subsidy under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. The DSB met on 24 July 2026 to consider the request. The chair also updated members on dispute settlement reform consultations.
European Commission Publishes EUDR Implementation Guidance Documents
The European Commission has released official guidance documents for implementing the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The guidance covers compliance requirements for operators and traders dealing in commodities covered by the regulation. This is directly relevant to Vietnamese exporters of affected products such as wood, coffee, and rubber.
India Becomes a Party to the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies by Depositing its Instrument of Acceptance
India has formally deposited its instrument of acceptance for the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, becoming an official party to the agreement. This multilateral accord disciplines subsidies that contribute to overfishing and overcapacity. India’s accession adds a major fishing nation to the agreement’s membership.
WTO TBT Committee reviews emerging technology standards, adopts improved notification formats
The WTO TBT Committee met July 7-10, 2026, addressing standards for critical/emerging technologies, climate-resilient buildings, and lithium-ion batteries. The Committee adopted improvements to transparency procedures and digital notification tools. Members also reviewed 70 specific trade concerns.
EU Publishes 2026 GSP Implementation Report
The European Commission and High Representative published a joint report on implementation of the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP), the bloc’s primary trade policy tool for supporting developing country exports. The report assesses the scheme’s contribution to sustainable economic growth. GSP grants preferential tariff access to eligible developing countries.
WTO Fish Fund Approves $2.2M in Grants to 17 Members for Fisheries Subsidies Agreement Implementation
The WTO Fish Fund Steering Committee approved grants totalling nearly USD 2.2 million to 17 additional developing and LDC members to support implementation of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The grants were approved under the Fund’s second Call for Proposals, which closed on 8 May 2026.
UK-New Zealand FTA Joint Public Session Minutes, 16 March 2026
The UK and New Zealand held their second joint public session under the Environment and Labour chapters of their FTA. Minutes from the 16 March 2026 session have been published as transparency data. The session covers implementation of sustainability-related commitments in the bilateral agreement.
UK-New Zealand FTA Environment and Climate Change and Labour Subcommittees – Joint Minutes, 24 March 2026
Official joint minutes from the third UK-New Zealand FTA Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee and second Labour Subcommittee meeting held on 24 March 2026. The document covers discussions, main points, and recommendations from both subcommittees operating under the bilateral FTA framework.
Fish Fund supports Tonga’s first WTO fisheries subsidies notification
Tonga submitted its first-ever fisheries subsidy notification to the WTO under the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 3 June 2026, facilitated by the WTO Fish Fund. The notification was prepared during a May workshop in Nuku’alofa as part of a funded project, marking a milestone for Pacific developing nations in implementing the agreement.