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Many regulatory measures are scheduled to take effect in 2015 which will impose new restrictions on international trade. For example, EU Regulation No.301/2014 requires a threshold of 3 mg/kg (0,0003 % by weight) for chromium VI content in the total dry weight of leather products in direct contact with skin from this May; The revised EU Battery Directive will lower the limit of mercury in button cell batteries from the original 2% to 0.0005% from this Oct. From this July toys, e-products, food contact materials, plastic products, rubber products and mechanical products may all be subject to the requirements as laid down in the German GS mark certification system on the usage of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). China also updated some policies, regulations and standards which are closely related to international trade. According to China Entry &Exit Inspection and Quarantine Association’s analysis, Chinese exporters, importers and relevant foreign trade partners should be aware of the following issues.
1. Egypt Bound Consignments Subject to Highest Regulatory Standards Ever
At the end of 2014, possibly due to matters related to foreign exchange reserve, trade deficit, etc., the Egyptian Minister of Industry, Trade and Small Industries emphasized China should abide strictly by the signed MOU and the Action Plan on foreign trade. The Order requires that commodities exported from China must meet Egyptian Standards. In cases where there is a lack of an applicable Egyptian Standards, the standards published by six other standardization bodies are recognized namely the ISO, IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), EN (European Standards), ANSI (American National Standards Institute), ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards). If none of the mentioned standards can be referred, the product must meet relevant Chinese National Standards (GB) and the English translation of the standards should be provided by the Chinese exporters. The requirement will take effect from Mar 31st, 2015 after several rounds of negotiation between China and Egypt.
2. Compulsory product certification for Chinese Market
From Sep 1st, 2015, some fire safety products (AQSIQ, MPS, CNCA Joint Notice No.12 of 2014) as well as child restraint systems for motor vehicles (AQSIQ and CNCA Joint Notice No. 6 of 2014) will be required to attain compulsory product certification prior to entering the Chinese market,
3. Energy labelling of home appliances
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), AQSIQ and CNAC issued Joint Notice No. 18 of 2014 announcing the implementation rules for energy labelling of range hoods, heat pump water heaters, home electromagnetic cookers, photocopiers, printers and fax machines which will take effect as of Jan 1st, 2015. Under this notice importation of electrical appliances should affix China Energy Labels on the products.
4. Importation of used mechanical and electrical products
According to AQSIQ Notice No. 145 of 2014, the registration system for importation of used mechanical and electrical products to China ceased on Dec 31, 2014. Cancellation of the administrative filing and approval doesn’t mean loosening the quality and safety supervision. Instead, the inspection bodies will enhance law enforcement after the products are imported and when the products are being installed and set up.
A negative list system has been established to manage importation of used mechanical and electrical products. It is prohibited to import products in Table 1 of the Catalogue of Used Mechanical and Electrical Products Subject to Inspection and Supervision, while products listed in Table 2 are subject to regulatory measures including pre-shipment inspection, port inspection, and subsequent inspection and supervision. Importing products excluded from the Catalogue doesn’t require pre-shipment inspection.
5. Administrative fees
AQSIQ issued Notices on Implementation of “National Policy on Administrative Fee Cancellation and Exemption”, announcing that from Jan 1st, 2015, no fee will be charged for the following matters:
Review of applications for Industrial Product Production License
Export Commodity Inspection and Quarantine – Exemptions are given to the commodities, vehicles, containers and others subject to compulsory inspection and quarantine, not including fees charged for health check-up and vaccination of outbound persons, commercial and voluntary testing and identification, quarantine treatment and animal vaccination.
