China’s General Administration of Customs launched a “Smart Customs” initiative to incorporate “new-generation technologies to achieve smarter customs control,” according to a Jan. 16 press release. The initiative aims to better connect “all parties in the international supply chain,” the press release said.

Laos no longer requires permits to import auto parts used in domestic manufacturing and assembly, according to a Jan. 16 report from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Previously, companies were required to undergo a series of administrative procedures to secure a permit, the HKTDC said. Although a permit is no longer required, companies will need to submit reports each year by Dec. 10 containing details of the auto parts they plan to import the following year. The change is part of an effort by Laos’ prime minister to “streamline” import, export and temporary import for export procedures, the report said. The effort also includes a proposal to create an electronic system to pay import and export fees.

China’s Ministry of Commerce released a Chinese version of the phase one U.S.-China trade deal on Jan. 16. The deal was signed Jan. 15 and includes a series of commitments by China to increase purchases of U.S. agricultural, manufacturing and energy-related goods (see 2001150073).

China’s General Administration of Customs recently announced that certain equipment, technology, components and spare parts are exempt from import tariffs, according to a Jan. 16 report from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The changes, which took effect Jan. 1, apply to goods that are imported for “self-use under contracts for domestic investment projects,” the report said. The items must also fall under the “encouraged” categories in China’s 2019 “Industrial Structure Adjustment Guidance Catalogue.” Although they are exempt from import tariffs, the goods remain subject to import-related value-added taxes, the report said.

Taiwan will increase inspections of imports of U.S. fresh blueberries and onions this year, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service report released Jan. 15. Both will be subject to a “heightened 20 to 50 percent import inspection rate before quarantine clearance,” the USDA said. As part of the change, Taiwan removed U.S. lettuce from the increased inspection list. The changes took effect Jan. 1 and last until Dec. 31.

Malaysia’s amended trade and customs-related legislation took effect Jan. 1, according to a Jan. 10 Baker McKenzie post. The changes include replacing the country's customs regulations and free-trade zone regulations and introducing a new format for customs declaration forms. Other changes include the Customs Act of 2019, which increases the power of customs authority to enforce customs laws, collect underpaid duties and penalize non-compliant entities. Malaysia also created record-keeping requirements for a period of seven years for certain importation and exportation activities in free-trade zones. In addition, Malaysia customs now has the ability to offset “any amount of drawback or refund” that is due against “any unpaid amount of customs duty, excise duty, sales tax, service tax … or any other money payable.”

China’s General Administration of Customs eliminated import inspection surveillance for certain fabrics, adult garments, textile machinery and cold-rolled steel, according to a Jan. 15 report from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The change took effect Jan. 1.

The Food and Hotel Hanoi Trade Show in November is expecting about 150 exhibitors and more than 9,000 attendees in what is projected to be the “most comprehensive trading platform in the region,” the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a Jan. 13 emailed press release. The USDA, which is endorsing the trade show, said the show will offer opportunities for U.S. exports to North Vietnam’s “expanding food and hospitality industry.” The agency said companies can register for the trade show’s USDA Pavilion, which offers “greater visibility on the trade show floor” and “cost-effective opportunities for developing new export markets.” To register, companies can contact the USA Pavilion organizer at maiken@oakoverseas.com or at +1 704-837-1980, ext. 303.

Indonesia reduced its total permitted “daily duty free per allowance” for e-commerce imports, according to Jan. 13 report from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The number was reduced to $3 from $75 as of Jan. 1, the report said, and is aimed at protecting domestic production for items that include clothing, footwear and bags. In addition, the items “valued above the new threshold” are liable for import duty, including anywhere from 15 percent to 25 percent for clothing, 25 percent to 30 percent for footwear, and 15 percent to 20 percent for bags, the report said. All other items will be subject to a 7.5 percent import tax, and all imports are subject to a 10 percent value-added tax rate.

China’s Foreign Ministry criticized the U.S.’s decision to impose more Iran sanctions last week, saying the measures, which affected some Chinese entities, should be reversed. Along with Iranian officials and metal companies, the U.S. sanctions targeted a Beijing-based company for buying Iranian steel and a China-based company for managing a vessel that transported the steel (see 2001100050). “We urge the U.S. to cease immediately the wrongful sanctions on Chinese businesses,” a ministry spokesman said during a Jan. 13 press conference. “We will continue to staunchly defend Chinese enterprises' legitimate rights and interests.” China said it has been dealing with Iran for a “long time” and “such cooperation, which is justified and lawful and doesn't harm any third party's interests, should be respected and protected.”