Representatives of the EU and New Zealand held negotiations from 14 to 31 March 2022, discussing most areas of the future free trade agreement between the jurisdictions. According to a two-pager published by the European Commission, EU’s request to be exempt from New Zealand’s import customs fees is the only outstanding element in the text as far as the topic “Trade in goods” is concerned. Various items remain open in respect of Rules of Origin…
Baker McKenzie’s Global Compliance News Blog published “Australia: Clarification on quality standards, use of synthetics, and labelling and packaging requirements for medicinal cannabis products,” which can be viewed here.
Baker McKenzie’s Sanctions & Export Controls Update Blog published “Additional duties on goods originating in Russia and Belarus as of 25 March,” which can be viewed here.
Baker McKenzie’s Sanctions Blog published the alert titled Australia to increase tariffs for products from Belarus and Russia; and introduces new luxury goods export sanctions for Russia on 05 April 2022. Read the article via the link here. Please also visit our Sanctions Blog for the most recent updates.
On 31st of March 2022, the Wise Persons on Challenges Facing the Customs Union (WPG) released its report on the future of the EU customs union. The WPG has been appointed by the Commissioner Gentiloni to reflect on the development of innovative ideas and concepts. This report aims to contribute to a general inter-institutional debate on the future of the customs union. With the complexification of supply chains, the digitisation of the economy and the…
The first wave of retaliatory tariffs against certain Chinese-origin goods (the so-called Section 301 duties) are set to terminate under the Trade Act of 1974 (“Trade Act”). By statute, the measures terminate after 4 years unless an affected party benefitting from the tariffs submits a request to the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) that the action be continued within the final 60-days of the 4-year period. Once such a request is submitted, the USTR must…
Baker McKenzie’s Insight+ Blog published “Peru: National consumer protection authority, INDECOPI, allows the use of octagon adhesives on products imported by certain importers” which can be viewed here.
Baker McKenzie’s Insight+ Blog published “Venezuela: Decree that exempts goods from payment of VAT, import tax and fee for determining the customs regime is extended” which can be viewed here.
On 15 March 2022, the Presidential Decree Amending the Decree on the Implementation of Certain Articles of the Customs Law No. 4458 (“Decree”) was published in the Official Gazette. The Decree introduced notable amendments to the customs duty rates of certain product groups imported via mail, cargo or along with passengers. The amendments will enter into force on 1 May 2022. The main amendments introduced by the Decree are as follows: Duty rates The maximum…
The UK’s Plastic Packaging Tax (“PPT”) becomes effective on 1 April 2022 and applies to plastic packaging in the UK that contains less than 30% recycled plastic content at a rate of £200 per metric tonne. You can access our recent webinar on PPT here. The tax is aimed at encouraging the use of more sustainable plastic packaging, increasing the use of recycled plastic and helping to reduce plastic waste. The PPT has been promoted by…