On March 27, 2025, The People’s Republic of China (China’s) National Health Commission (NHC) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) jointly released the National Food Safety Standard for Cream, Butter, and Anhydrous Milk Fat (GB 19646-2025).
Mexico's Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS) is applied to both domestically produced and imported alcoholic beverages.
On March 27, 2025, the People's Republic of China's (China's) National Health Commission (NHC) and State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) jointly released the National Food Safety Standard of Cereal-based Complementary Foods for Infants and Young Children (GB 10769-2025).
On March 27, 2025, The People's Republic of China (China’s) National Health Commission (NHC) and State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) jointly released the National Food Safety Standard Canned Complementary Foods for Infants and Young Children (GB 10770-2025).
Attaché Report (GAIN)

Japan: Update to Japan's Liquor Tax

This report highlights the harmonization of specific liquor taxes on alcoholic beverages that took effect on Oct.1st, 2024. U.S. exports of these products are not directly affected, but exporters should be aware of these changes.
The Philippine excise tax for alcohol products increased by six percent on January 1, 2025, and will continue to increase at a fixed rate of six percent annually, as stipulated in the law, which does not include a sunset provision.
On March 5, 2025, Colombia's National Institute for the Surveillance of Food and Medicines (INVIMA) confirmed that starch is approved by the Colombian government as an additive for use as a thickener and stabilizer agent in fresh cheese.