POLICIES & REGULATIONS

UK Plans to Introduce UKCA Symbol to Replace CE Marking in Case of a “No Deal” Brexit

14 February 2019

In case of a “no deal” Brexit, the UK government announced, on 2 February 2019, that it will introduce its own marking for conformity assessment, used to certify household products such as kettles or lightbulbs, electronics such as televisions, smartphones as well as toys. More

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Trump Seeks to Ramp Up U.S. Efforts on Artificial Intelligence

14 February 2019

President Trump issued on 11 February an executive order on artificial intelligence that seeks to ramp up U.S. efforts to remain a leader in this critical segment, which the administration considers “of paramount importance to maintaining the economic and national security of the United States.” More

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FDA Steps Up Enforcement of Dietary Supplements and Electronic Cigarettes

14 February 2019

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb on 11 February released separate statements detailing efforts by his agency to more effectively regulate dietary supplements and electronic cigarettes. More

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Liquidated Damages for Violations of ISF Importer Rule to Begin 15 March

14 February 2019

CBP has announced that on 15 March it will begin issuing liquidated damages claims for violations of an April 2018 rule expanding the definition of the importer security filing importer for certain types of shipments. More

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Legislation Introduced or Passed in the 116th U.S. Congress

12 February 2019

From 4 through 10 February 2019, members of the U.S. Congress introduced and/or approved the following international trade-related bills that may have an impact on Hong Kong or mainland China. More

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U.S. Executive Calendar

12 February 2019

Topic: U.S. Executive Calendar as at 11/02/2019; Action: Final determinations due in ITA AD and CV investigations of steel wheels from China. More

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Proposal to Narrow List of Lamps Subject to Energy Efficiency Standards under Consideration

12 February 2019

The DOE is proposing to withdraw the definitions of general service lamps and general service incandescent lamps established in two final rules issued on 19 January 2017. This action would effectively narrow the list of lamps that would be subject to mandatory energy efficiency standards beginning on 1 January 2020. More

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Restriction Proposed Regarding Intentionally Added Microplastics

12 February 2019

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced on 30 January 2019 that it has submitted a “restriction proposal” for microplastic particles that are intentionally added to mixtures used by consumers or professionals. The report states that ECHA has assessed the health and environmental risks posed by intentionally added microplastics and has concluded that an EU-wide restriction would be justified. More

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Lawmakers Considering Various Options to Limit Presidential Tariff Authority

11 February 2019

In his State of the Union address, President Trump asked Congress for greater tariff authority under the proposed Reciprocal Trade Act (H.R. 764). U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on 6 February published an opinion piece in Fox Business advocating for this legislation. More

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France Investigates Safety of Babies’ Nappies

11 February 2019

On 23 January 2019, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (“ANSES” or “the Agency”) published an Opinion based on a Report relating to the safety of babies’ nappies. In its Opinion, ANSES assesses the risks of chemicals found in babies’ nappies, highlighting several chemicals for which safety thresholds are seen to have been exceeded, and provides a range of recommendations directed at manufacturers and at lawmakers. More

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