Recently, the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly against Two European Commission draft decisions to allow residue levels of several pesticides banned in the EU in imported food. These pesticides, although banned from use within the EU, were still being considered for permissible residue levels in products imported from non-EU countries. This decision marks a firm stand by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in ensuring that imported goods adhere to the same stringent safety and environmental standards that EU-produced goods have to follow.

On 9 October, the State Administration for Market Regulation issued guidelines on the filing of records on formula foods for infants. Prior to production, manufacturers producing and selling such foods in mainland China must complete record-filing by submitting information to the provincial‑level market regulator on aspects such as food ingredients, additives and formulations.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce on 8 October, from 11 October China was due to impose temporary anti-dumping duties on EU brandy in containers holding fewer than 200 litres. Importers now need to pay security deposits to Chinese customs when importing EU-originated brandy. The amount due will be calculated ad valorem based on the dutiable value of the liquor as determined by customs.

Among other key objectives, the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address, set out moves to promote the liquor trade and boost the development of the high value-added industries (including logistics and storage, tourism and high-end food / beverage consumption). To this end, following the success of similar moves regarding the wine industry, the Government has decreed that, as of 16 October 2024, the duty rate for liquor with an import price of more than $200 will be reduced from 100% to 10% for the portion above $200, while the duty rate for the portion of $200 (and below), as well as liquor with an import price of $200 or below, will remain unchanged.

Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) has announced that food importers must register products on its online platform, SiHalal, for halal certification. The new regulation, under Law 33/2014 on Halal Product Insurance and its Associated Regulations (the Halal Law), will be enforced from 17 October 2024 for food producers and their supply chain partners, including trade, retail and logistics. The certification process will include all phases of production, such as slaughter and processing, packaging, storage, transport, marketing and sale. Additionally, all products containing prohibited ingredients must be labelled “non-halal”.

Hong Kong's wine industry is supported by a large number of experienced fine wine merchants with specialist knowledge and international wine trade experience. In addition to wine trading and distribution, local wine-related activities include auctions, retailing, warehousing, catering and transportation.

Foreign and domestic food and medical device facilities – including any Hong Kong or mainland Chinese facilities – that do not properly renew their registrations with the FDA can be locked out of the U.S. market. Renewals for both types of facilities are due by the end of this year.

Mexico’s Ecomondo expo provided clear proof that agriculture can be a profitable market for green waste treatment companies.

The European Commission has decided to register a European Citizens' Initiative titled “Stop Fake Food: Origin on Label”. The organisers of this initiative call for the Commission to propose measures to ensure that European consumers have access to transparent information about the food they buy and that their expectations in terms of high quality and sustainability standards are met.

Kazakhstan's agricultural sector is undergoing significant development efforts. The National Agro-industrial Project targets to enhance the sector's productivity and value by transitioning to high-value products and modernising equipment. Despite challenges like extreme weather and outdated machinery, opportunities arise for Hong Kong to partner in modernising Kazakhstan's agriculture, expanding exports, and accessing new markets.