Philippines cuts import tariffs on electric vehicles and parts

On January 20,2023 local time, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos has approved a temporary modification of the tariff rate on imported electric vehicles and their parts to boost the country’s electric vehicle market.
On November 24, 2022, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board of Directors of the Philippines approved the temporary reduction of the most-favored-nation tariff rate for certain electric vehicles and their parts for a period of five years.
Under Executive Order 12, most-favored-nation tariff rates on fully assembled units of certain electric vehicles (such as passenger cars, buses, minibuses, vans, trucks, motorcycles, tricycles, scooters, and bicycles) will be temporarily suspended for five years down to zero. But the tax break does not apply to hybrid electric vehicles(油电混和动力汽车).
In addition, the tariff rate on some parts of electric vehicles will also be reduced from 5% to 1% for a period of five years.

Malaysia publishes guidelines for the regulation of cosmetics

Recently, the National Drug Administration of Malaysia released the “Guidelines for the Control of Cosmetics in Malaysia”.The main content includes including octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane八甲基环四硅氧烷, sodium perborate过硼酸钠, 2-(4-tert-butylphenyl)propionaldehyde2-（4-叔丁基苯）丙醛, etc. in the list of prohibited ingredients in cosmetics, and the transition period for existing products is until November 21, 2024; Update the conditions of use of substances such as preservative salicylic acid 附件防腐剂水杨酸 and ultraviolet filter titanium dioxide紫外线过滤剂二氧化钛.

Egypt cancels documentary credit system, resumes collections

On December 29, 2022, the Central Bank of Egypt announced the cancellation of the documentary letter of credit system（取消跟单信用证制度）, and resumed collection of documents to process 恢复托收单据处理所有进口业务 all import business. The Central Bank of Egypt stated in a notice published on its website that the cancellation decision refers to the notice issued on February 13, 2022, that is, to stop processing collection documents when implementing all import operations, and to process documentary credits only when conducting import operations, and exceptions to subsequent decisions.
Egyptian Prime Minister Madbouly said that the government will solve the backlog of cargo at the port as soon as possible, and announce the release of the backlog of cargo every week, including the type and quantity of cargo, to ensure the normal operation of production and the economy.

Oman bans import of plastic bags

A few days ago, according to Ministerial Decision No. 519/2022 issued by the Omani Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) on September 13, 2022, from January 1, 2023, Oman will prohibit companies, institutions and individuals from importing plastic bags . Violators will be fined 1,000 rupees ($2,600) for the first offense and double the fine for subsequent offences. Any other legislation contrary to this decision will be repealed.

Victoria, Australia bans single-use plastic products from February 1

According to the “Daily Mail” report on January 27, Victoria, Australia will ban the use of single-use plastic products from February 1, including tableware, straws and other items. If the enterprise violates the law, it will be fined up to 54,000 US dollars (about 366,000 yuan).
According to reports, from February 1, it will be illegal to supply or sell single-use plastic straws, drink stirrers, cutlery, plates and cotton swab sticks in the Australian state of Victoria. Businesses caught using these items will be fined $1,849.
Under the ban, businesses could face fines of up to $54,000 (about 366,000 yuan), but only in rare cases, such as when businesses knowingly sell single-use plastic products as reusable items.
Individuals could face a $370 fine for violating the rules, though the government says only those who violate the rules repeatedly will be penalized.

Chile issues regulations on the import and sale of cosmetics

When cosmetics are imported into Chile, a certificate of quality analysis (每项产品的商品质量检验证书) for each product, or a certificate issued by the competent authority of the origin and an analysis report issued by the production laboratory（原产地主管机关所核发的证明及生产实验室出具的分析报告） must be provided.

Administrative procedures for registration of sales of cosmetics and personal cleaning products in Chile:

-Registered with the Chilean Public Health Agency (ISP),

  • According to the Chilean Ministry of Health Regulation No. 239/2002, products are classified according to risk.
  • The average registration fee for High-risk products (including cosmetics, body lotion, hand sanitizer, anti-aging care products, insect repellent spray etc.)is about 800 US dollars
  • The average registration fee for low-risk products (including light removing water, hair removal cream, shampoo, hair spray, toothpaste, mouthwash, perfume, etc.) is about 55 US dollars.
  • Time required for registration is at least 5 days , up to 1 month, and if the ingredients of similar products are different, they must be registered separately.

-The above-mentioned products can only be sold after undergoing quality management tests in a Chilean laboratory, and the test fee for each product is about 40-300 US dollars.