China’s Ministry of Commerce is conducting an antidumping investigation on imports of “N-propanol” originating in the U.S., the ministry said in a July 24 press release. The ministry said its investigation will include “n-Propylalcohol, 1-Propanol, 1-Propyl alcohol, Propan-1-ol, Ethylcarbinol or 1-Hydroxypropane.” China said it expects to complete its investigation before July 23, 2020.

Thailand issued new quality standards for alcohol imports that requires all imports to meet the country’s Certificate of Analysis standards, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a Foreign Agricultural Service report released July 24. The country in March issued an extension for “full implementation” of the procedures (see 1903190029). The changes took effect June 5, USDA said.

Singapore’s customs and trade agreement with New Zealand will take effect Aug. 1, enhancing customs clearance for both countries, Singapore said in a July 25 notice. Singapore said the Mutual Recognition Arrangement will “further our efforts to enhance global supply chain security and facilitate the movement of legitimate goods” by allowing certain certified companies to trade between Singapore and New Zealand with expedited customs procedures. Companies benefiting from the deal must be certified by Singapore Customs as “having robust security practices and lower risks” or by the New Zealand Customs Service’s Secure Exports Scheme, the notice said.

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry released a July 24 statement about Japan’s ongoing dispute with South Korea, saying South Korea’s position on “catch-all controls” are “unclear” and criticizing South Korea for continuously postponing “policy dialogue” talks.

Bangladesh’s Export Promotion Bureau is expected to soon launch an online registration system that will require companies that export to the European Union, Switzerland or Norway to “self-issue” certificates of origin for their goods, according to a July 25 report from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Companies will have until June 30, 2020, to register with the bureau and obtain an EU Registered Exporter number, which will allow them to self-issue certificates of origin for a 12-month period, the report said. Companies will need to register annually to “maintain their [Generalized System of Preferences] entitlement,” the report said.

Bangladesh’s import and export license approval and renewal system is now online, allowing traders to “fast-track the approval process” and streamline export-import procedures, according to a July 24 report from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The system allows traders to apply for Bangladesh's Ministry of Commerce’s Export Registration Certificates and Import Registration Certificates. The move is part of the ministry's commitment under the World Trade Organization to digitize trade procedures and “cut costs for companies,” the report said. The move is expected to reduce paperwork, processing times and corruption “by ensuring traders do not have to make informal payments to secure permits,” the report said.

Australia is putting in place “strengthened” seasonal measures to prevent the introduction of brown marmorated stink bug into the country, the Australian Department of Agriculture said on its website. Certain goods from 33 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Japan and countries throughout Europe, will require treatment while the measures in effect, and roll-on, roll-off vessels that berth, load or transship in those 33 countries will face inspection requirements, Australia said. The seasonal measures will apply for goods shipped from Sept. 1, 2019, that arrive in Australian territory by May 31, 2020.

India Customs is updating regulations for filing sea cargo manifests for imports, exports and transshipments, requiring traders and shippers to adhere to new “defined timelines,” according to an alert by C.H. Robinson. The changes will take effect Aug. 1.

An American Enterprise Institute trade scholar says "Japan has chosen a dangerous and destructive mode of retaliation, one that is likely to greatly disrupt global electronic supply chains and bolster China’s push for dominance of 5G wireless," and it's not justified, even if South Korea has been provoking its former occupier.

India announced several changes in duty rates as part of its 2019 budget, including tariff cuts to certain electrical-related imports and tariff increases on certain auto parts and metals, according to a July 22 report from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. India announced exemptions on import tariffs for certain electrical “components,” including “e-drive assemblies, on-board chargers, e-compressors and charging guns,” the report said. The items will not be subject to the 10 percent customs duty in an effort to spur electric vehicle production in India, the report said. The country also increases tariff rates on certain auto-related goods, including rear-view mirrors, car locks, oil filters and air conditioner units, the report said. Those changes were made to “curtail the level of non-essential imports and boost domestic production” in India, the report said. The changes took effect July 6.