The imposition of new export controls on specific medium and heavy rare earth materials has been jointly confirmed by the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs. Following the 4 April announcement, with immediate effect, a licence from the relevant State Council Commerce Department is required for all exports of samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium (as well as a number of other controlled items) in accordance with China’s Export Control Law and its Regulations on the Export Control of Dual-Use Items. In addition, it is now incumbent on exporters to ensure all such items are properly classified, with all relevant customs declaration forms clearly stating whether or not controlled items are being shipped (with dual-use item control codes specified where applicable). Should there be any uncertainties with regard to the information provided, China Customs reserves the right to delay or cancel the shipments concerned.

Hong Kong is a world-renowned sourcing centre for houseware products, including tableware, kitchenware, non-electric domestic cooking/heating appliances and sanitary ware, made from a large range of materials. In response to intensified competition from indigenous Chinese companies and other Asian suppliers, Hong Kong companies are shifting from original equipment manufacturing (OEM) to original design manufacturing (ODM). A few also develop and market their own brands. They are moving upmarket by using more advanced technology in production, providing innovative designs and improving product quality.

CBP has reclassified certain earrings with cubic zirconia as jewellery of semi-precious stones under HTSUS 7116.20.0500 (3.3 percent duty) rather than as imitation jewellery of plastic under HTSUS 7117.90.7500 (duty-free) and is seeking public input through 26 April on a proposal to reclassify certain optical patch panels.

The ASEAN retail e-commerce sector is growing rapidly, this is particularly the case for the bloc’s six largest economies – Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam (the ASEAN-6). In order to assist Hong Kong SMEs as they look to refine their ASEAN-oriented e-commerce strategies, HKTDC Research conducted a quantitative survey of over 1,800 online shoppers in the ASEAN-6 countries, seeking to identify their spending patterns, preferences, and perceptions of Hong Kong brands.

The House of Representatives on 10 March approved legislation that would prohibit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from using appropriated funds to procure batteries made by certain mainland Chinese entities, effective from 1 October 2027.

According to the State Administration for Market Regulation, a global standard for senior care robots was released recently by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

The European Commission has published a ‘Call for Evidence’ from any interested parties on the EU’s rules on the environmental impact of professional refrigeration products. The notification states that, although annual primary energy savings are expected to reach an estimated 15.6 TWh by 2030, this current initiative will review the ecodesign and energy labelling requirements to assess whether further energy and resource savings can be attained. Hong Kong traders wishing to provide feedback may do so by the deadline of 31 March 2025.

The implementation of the recently amended energy efficiency standards for walk-in coolers and freezers, gas-fired instantaneous water heaters and commercial refrigeration equipment, as well as the recently amended energy test procedure for compressors, has been delayed as part of the Trump administration’s review of regulatory actions that have not yet entered into force.

Six government departments, including the Ministry of Commerce, unveiled on 27 January a policy regarding home renovations, and kitchen and bathroom makeovers, and pledged to support local governments in delivering it. The policy will focus on green development, smart applications and elderly-friendly transformation. Individuals will be given support in undertaking renovations to old buildings, and partial improvements to kitchens and bathrooms. Subsidies will mainly be given towards five major categories of products: furnishing materials; sanitaryware; furniture and lighting; home automation; and elderly-friendly transformation materials. Subsidies may amount to 30% of the actual sales value. The principle of territoriality will be implemented and online and offline business entities will be given the same treatment in the granting of subsidies. Business entities operating under different ownership systems, in different places of registration, and on different scales, will all have an opportunity to participate in the programme.

Cross-border e-commerce has become a pivotal business channel in the rapidly evolving trading world. Technological advances and enhanced logistic delivery services have streamlined and accelerated the international buying and selling processes. This dynamic has effectively revolutionised traditional trading methods, making them far more comprehensive and versatile.