New Inspection and Quarantine Requirements Affecting China Import and Export in 2015

Many regulatory measures are scheduled to take effect in 2015 which will impose new restrictions on international trade. For example, EU Regulation No.301/2014 requires a threshold of 3 mg/kg (0,0003 % by weight) for chromium VI content in the total dry weight of leather products in direct contact with skin from this May; The revised EU Battery Directive will lower the limit of mercury in button cell batteries from the original 2% to 0.0005% from this Oct. From this July toys, e-products, food contact materials, plastic products, rubber products and mechanical products may all be subject to the requirements as laid down in the German GS mark certification system on the usage of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). China also updated some policies, regulations and standards which are closely related to international trade. According to China Entry &Exit Inspection and Quarantine Association’s analysis, Chinese exporters, importers and relevant foreign trade partners should be aware of the following issues.