On March 7, 2023, the People's Republic of China (PRC) notified revised Maximum Levels (MLs) of Nitrite to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under G/SPS/N/CHN/1276.
Attaché Report (GAIN)

Japan: Japan 254th Food Safety Group

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) proposed revisions to Japan’s maximum residue levels for 11 agricultural chemicals (Ametoctradin, Amisulbrom, Flumioxazin, Flupyradifurone, Glufosinate, Mefentrifluconazole, Metaldehyde, Simeconazole, Cefuroxime, Dicloxacillin, and Amprolium) for various agricultural commodities.
On January 4, 2023, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) National Health Commission (NHC), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), and State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR) jointly announced the publication of a new National Food Safety Standard for 112 Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in Foods.
Attaché Report (GAIN)

Philippines: Corn TRQ Administration

The Philippines maintains a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) for corn (H.S. 1005). Following the reduction of tariffs in 2022 and their extension in 2023, significant interest in how to access the in-quota tariff ensued, and in turn, so followed widespread concern among local stakeholders for the process being anti-competitive, outdated, and potentially inconsistent with the Philippines' commitments with trading partners.
Attaché Report (GAIN)

China: Seed Variety Registration Open for Comment

On March 9, 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) published a Decision on Amending and Repealing Some Regulations (Draft for Comments) for seed variety registration.
Attaché Report (GAIN)

Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Wonton - Volume 3 Issue 6

Bite size local news, Post reports and activity summaries wrapped by ATO Hong Kong. In this issue: Aspiring Chefs Explore “The Science of Souffle” With U.S. Ingredients and Local Flavors
On June 30, 2022, the National Health Commission (NHC) and the State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR) released the National Food Safety Standard for Maximum Levels of Contaminants in Foods (GB 2762-2022), which will enter into force on June 30, 2023.
On March 13, 2023, China notified 421 Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under G/SPS/N/CHN/1277. The proposed date of entry into force is to be determined.
On March 2, 2023, the National Health Commission (NHC) announced approval of 28 new food materials and additives, of which six are enzymes derived from Genetically Modified Microorganisms (GMMs).
On December 27, 2022, the Government of Japan (GOJ) released the “Food Security Reinforcement Policy Framework,” which aims to lower Japan's dependence on imports and to push increased domestic production of wheat, soybeans, feed grains, hay, and fertilizer inputs.
On March 7, 2023, China’s Food Safety Standards Monitoring and Evaluation Department of the National Health Commission (NHC) released a letter soliciting public comments on the 2023 Plan for National Food Safety Standards.
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is an increasingly important market for the United States pet food and related products industry.