Watch our new monthly video series, INC News Recap
Trade & Tariff Update
USA: Launch of Tariff Refund System
The US government is rolling out the system it will use to issue refunds to American importers for the payment of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which were declared unlawful by the US Supreme Court in February. [Read more]
USA: Federal Trade Court Hears Arguments on Trump’s 10% Global Tariff
On April 10, 2026, the US Court of International Trade heard oral arguments in an attempt to overturn the temporary global 10% tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump in February after the US Supreme Court struck down higher and even more sweeping tariffs that Trump had implemented in 2025. [Read more]
China: Revised Administrative Provisions on Customs Registration of Overseas Food Manufacturers
On October 11, 2025, the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) issued the revised “Administrative Provisions on the Customs Registration of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food in the People’s Republic of China” (Decree No. 280), which shall take effect on June 1, 2026. [Read more]
Industry News and Outlook
Sustainability News
This month’s sustainability roundup includes information about the European Commission’s guidelines on the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the new requirements that recently came into effect under Spain’s new food waste prevention law, and the new sustainable corporate governance law proposed by Switzerland’s Federal Council.
Food Safety Developments
The latest food safety news includes information about discussions within the EU to possibly implement 20% aflatoxin checks on peanuts from Argentina and increase the maximum level (ML) for nickel in hazelnuts, plus an update on the timing of the expected increase in the ML for nickel in pecans.
Health & Nutrition Highlights
Almonds May Provide Cognitive and Metabolic Benefits in People With Prediabetes
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests that daily almond consumption for six months may enhance cognitive performance while improving metabolic markers in middle-aged adults with prediabetes. Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of daily almond consumption on cognitive performance in 60 middle-aged Asian Indians with prediabetes… [Read more]
Regular Nut Consumption Linked to Sperm Quality
A recent study published in the journal Andrology found that eating nuts regularly is associated with higher total sperm count and concentration in healthy young men of reproductive age. To evaluate the association between nut consumption and sperm quality parameters, researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from 222 men between the ages of 18 and 40 years… [Read more]
New Research Supports Early Introduction as Key to Achieving Peanut Tolerance
Younger siblings of children who eat peanuts have an increased risk of peanut sensitization and allergy, but this sensitization can be mitigated by early peanut introduction, according to new research presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), held in Philadelphia from February 27 to March 2, 2026. [Read more]
INC Events & Initiatives
Fabulous Social Events to Take Place at the INC Congress in Macao!
From the Welcome Cocktail to the Casual Buffet Dinner and the Gala Cocktail, Dinner & Ball, each evening offers something unique. To enhance the experience, during the Casual Buffet Dinner, guests will also be able to visit the Observation Deck of the famous Macao Tower and enjoy 360° views of Macao and the Pearl River Delta. For the Gala Cocktail, Dinner & Ball, seating is open to all congress participants, but table reservations are recommended. [Reserve now]
INC Presents Sustainability Certification to US Industry Professionals
Following the formalization of its partnership with DFA of California as an official auditing body, the INC Sustainability Certification was recently presented by INC Sustainability Manager, Ramon Botet, at Safe Food California. The event provided a valuable platform to bring the certification to life, demonstrating how it is applied in practice—from growers to processors and manufacturers, to global trade specialists. [Read more]
INC Provides Input on First Draft of Codex Code of Practice on Ochratoxin A
The INC is taking part in a Codex Alimentarius electronic working group tasked with developing a code of practice aimed at preventing and reducing ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination in dried fruits, specifically raisins, dried apricots, dried figs, dried dates, and prunes. In March, the chair of the working group shared the first draft of the code of practice and requested feedback from the members of the working group… [Read more]