ECONOMIC/TRADE ISSUES

CPSC to Examine Safety Issues Associated with Internet-Connected Consumer Goods

13 April 2018

The Consumer Product Safety Commission will conduct a public hearing 16 May on potential safety issues and hazards associated with Internet-connected consumer products. More

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Canada Considering Changes to Trade Remedy Regulations

13 April 2018

Following the imposition by the United States of additional import tariffs on steel and aluminium from around the world, Canada announced on 27 March several measures aimed at preventing such products from being transshipped (ostensibly to the United States via Canada) or diverted (most likely into the Canadian market from the United States). More

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Canada Could Amend Regulations on Phosphorous in Cleaning Products

13 April 2018

The Canadian government is considering amending the regulations governing the concentration of phosphorous in cleaning products in order to exempt from those requirements cleaning products in transit through Canada and make certain clarifications. More

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Brazil Modifies Duties on Additional Products

13 April 2018

Brazilian authorities recently announced the addition of 331 items to a list of foreign capital goods and information technology and telecommunications goods that benefit from duty-free treatment under the Ex-Tarifario regime, down from 14 or 16 percent. More

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Canada Proposes New Energy Efficiency Standards for Various Products

13 April 2018

The Canadian government is proposing a number of changes to its energy efficiency and labelling regulations in order to further improve the efficiency standards of various products, take further action against climate change, and reduce regulatory burdens through the alignment of regulatory requirements with the United States. More

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Argentina Amends Import Licencing Provisions, Broadens Heavy Metal Certification Exemptions, Sets Requirements for Aluminium Products

13 April 2018

Argentina has issued an updated list of imported products subject to non-automatic licencing in order to correct certain inadvertent errors and further simplify and facilitate import operations. More

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Argentina Announces New Requirements for Electrical Equipment

13 April 2018

Argentina has unveiled a new regulatory regime to ensure that electrical equipment commercialised in the country provides an adequate level of protection to consumers, property and household pets. More

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Export Controls on Chemicals and Biological Agents Updated

13 April 2018

The U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security has issued a final rule that, effective 2 April, makes the following changes to the Export Administration Regulations to reflect decisions by the Australia Group. More

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Overview of EU Sanctions Against Russia, Taking into Account the Possibility of Making Investments There

06 April 2018

During the month of March 2018, the UK and several other EU Member States (in solidarity with the UK) have expelled Russian diplomats over the attack on a former spy, Sergei Skripal, on UK territory. Then on 28 March 2018, it was reported that the German government’s coordinator for Russia exclaimed in a newspaper interview that despite Germany’s solidarity, the start of a new cold war with Russia must be avoided. More

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Opinion from Highest EU Court on Energy Labelling of Vacuum Cleaners Could Have Ramifications for Other Appliances As Well

06 April 2018

An opinion delivered by an Advocate General of the EU’s Court of Justice contends that suppliers and dealers of vacuum cleaners may not use supplementary labels which reproduce or clarify the information contained in the energy label which is required by an EU regulation. Hong Kong sellers of electrical household appliances should note that the opinion, although it concerns vacuum cleaners, has ramifications also for other appliances that are subject to the EU’s energy labelling rules. More

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