In a June 2010 newsletter, the European Chemicals Agency discusses, among other things, the upcoming REACH1 registration deadline for chemical substances, the related Classification, Labeling, and Packaging (CLP) Regulation deadline for chemical substances, and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between ECHA and other countries.
The European Commission reports that Russia has aligned some of its maximum levels for pesticide residues (MRLs) with European Union and international standards.
On June 25, 2010, the European Union and the Philippines initialed the text of a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) which addresses dialogue, cooperation and action for political issues, trade, investment, security, economics and development. The Philippines is the second ASEAN country to complete negotiations for a PCA. Negotiations are underway with Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore.
In the June 24, 2010 edition of the Official Journal of the European Union, the following trade-related notices were posted:
The World Trade Organization announces that the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures has adopted a new ISPM on Pest free potato (Solanum spp.) micropropagative material and minitubers for international trade; a new ISPM on design and operation of post-entry quarantine stations for plants; and annexes and amendments to other ISPMs.
The European Parliament has issued a press release announcing that new proposals to encourage cross-border e-trading by building consumer trust were approved by the Internal Market Committee on June 24, 2010. According to the press release, having been adopted unanimously by the Internal Market Committee, the proposals are scheduled for a plenary vote in September.
In the June 23, 2010 edition of the Official Journal of the European Union, the following trade-related notices were posted:
Xinhuanet.com reports that Australia hopes for conclusion of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks with China by the end of this year, said Chinese Deputy Minister of Commerce Chen Jian. China and Australia are scheduled to hold the 15th round of FTA talks on June 28 in Beijing.
The European Commission’s Taxation and Customs Union has issued a notice announcing that the EC is proposing to extend the current minimum standard value added tax (VAT) rate of 15% until the end 2015.
China's Ministry of Finance stated that China would grant zero tariff status to 4,762 categories of commodities now imported from 33 of the world's least developed countries beginning July 1.The countries include 26 African countries and seven from other regions.