USA: Market Facilitation Program

On September of 25, 2018, the U.S. Commodity Credit Corporation and Farm Service Agency notified the availability Market Facilitation Program (MFP) funds for eligible producers of shelled almonds.
USA-Korea: Free Trade Agreement

On September 24, 2018, the US and Korea signed an updated Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) which includes several renovated customs guidelines.
Korea, Republic of: Food Additives

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of Korea notified the World Trade Organization of the proposed amendments to the Standards and Specifications for Food Additives.
Korea, Republic of: Food Products

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of Korea notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of the proposed amendments to the Standards and Specifications for Foods.
Japan: MRLs Update

According to a USDA GAIN Report, on September 13, 2018, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare announced revisions to the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for some agricultural chemicals.
India: Additional Tariffs Delayed

India has extended by 45 days for the second time the imposition of higher customs duties on 29 products imported from the US, including almonds and walnuts.
Germany: Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons

The German Federation of Food Law and Food Science introduced a “Toolbox for Preventing the Transfer of Undesired Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons into Food.”
EU: Plastic Materials

The European Commission notified the World Trade Organization of the draft Commission Regulation amending Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.
EFSA: Fenbuconazole, MRLs Review

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published the Reasoned Opinion on “Review of the existing maximum residue levels for fenbuconazole according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005”.
China: Customs and Quarantine Declaration

From August 1, 2018, Customs Declaration Form and Quarantine Declaration Form for import/export goods are integrated into one form.