HKTDC RESEARCH

Guangdong Introduces Tax Cuts for Small Businesses

18 February 2019

Small businesses in Guangdong are to benefit from 50% exemptions across a range of taxes in line with a new directive jointly-issued by the Guangdong Department of Finance and the Guangdong Provincial Tax Service. More

Topics: small and low-profit enterprises, vat

Accessing the ASEAN Consumer Market: Baby and Maternity Products (Recent Developments and Trends)

18 February 2019

The demand for imported baby and maternity products in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand has been boosted by the young demographics, busy lifestyles and growing health consciousness. This presents a great opportunity for Hong Kong suppliers of innovative mom and baby products.More

Topics: Baby Products, Toys & Games, Malaysia, Thailand, infant, organic

U.S. and Mainland China to Continue High-Level Trade Talks Ahead of Scheduled Tariff Increase

18 February 2019

The United States and mainland China saw “progress” in recent trade talks in Beijing but “much work remains,” according to a 15 February White House statement. Talks will continue in Washington during the week of 18 February as the two sides seek to avoid a scheduled 2 March increase in U.S. tariffs on US$200 billion worth of imports from the mainland from 10 percent to 25 percent.More

Topics: USA, North America, trade dispute, protectionism

New Proposal Would Require U.S. Attorney Representation for Foreign Entities Registering Trademarks

18 February 2019

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is seeking public input by 18 March on a proposal to amend the rules of practice in trademark cases to require that any trademark applicant, registrant or party to a proceeding be represented by a qualified U.S. attorney.More

Topics: Legal Services, USA, North America, policies & regulations

Miscellaneous Latin American AD Actions on Mainland Chinese Products

18 February 2019

Peru Begins AD Investigation on Poplin Fabric. Peruvian authorities initiated on 15 February an antidumping duty investigation on mainland Chinese plain weave polyester/cotton poplin fabric containing more than 50 percent of polyester, of a width of less than 1.80 metres and weighing between 90 g/m2 and 200 g/m2. It is not entirely clear at this time what specific tariff lines are covered by this investigation.More

Topics: Garments, Textiles & Accessories, Auto Parts, Peru, Brazil, anti-dumping

ECHA Urged to Follow Through with Database of Products Containing Hazardous Substances

18 February 2019

By 5 January 2020, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is mandated to establish a database of articles that contain so-called Candidate List substances and make this information available to waste treatment operators and consumers.More

Topics: Chemicals, Toys & Games, EU, product safety, consumer protection

China Endorses Use of ATA Carnets for Temporary Importation of Goods

15 February 2019

ATA carnets [internationally-recognised ‘product passports’] have been deemed an acceptable form of paperwork for the temporary ingress of certain categories of goods to mainland China.More

Topics: ATA, temporary import

The EU’s FDI Screening Programme: Implications for Hong Kong

15 February 2019

The new FDI screening framework in the EU is likely to lead to more detailed, onerous and lengthy reviews. Any investment from Hong Kong, whether directly or indirectly from mainland China or other Asian countries, into strategic assets or technologies is, therefore, likely to be carefully assessed to ascertain if foreign investment filings are required or advisable.More

Topics: EU, Hong Kong, China Outbound Investment, investment facilitation

China Outlines Measures for Sustainable Domestic Consumer Market Growth

14 February 2019

China has recently circulated its Implementation Plan for Further Optimising Supply, Promoting Steady Consumption Growth and Promoting the Formation of a Strong Domestic Market (2019). More

Topics: new-energy vehicle, aging society

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

Topics: Household Products, Electronics & Electrical Appliances, United Kingdom, Western Europe, product safety, consumer protection

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