India has extended by 45 days the imposition of higher customs duties on 29 products imported from the US, including almonds and walnuts.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India notified the World Trade Organization of the Draft Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment Regulations 2018.

The Updated Blocking Statute in support of Iran nuclear deal entered into force on August 7, 2018. The Blocking Statute pursues the goal of mitigating the impact of the first batch of re-imposed US sanctions on Iran on the interests of EU companies doing legitimate business in Iran.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published the Reasoned Opinion on “Setting of import tolerances for mandestrobin in strawberries and table and wine grapes”.

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

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

On July 25, 2018, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published the 2016 European Union Report on Pesticide Residues in Food, finding that more than 96% of the samples analyzed were found to be within legal limits; around 51% were free of any quantifiable residues.

At the China International Tree Nut Conference held in Zhuhai, on August 1-3, 2018, the subjective Walnut Crop estimate was set by Representing Councils at 830,000 metric tons. Representatives from the regions of Yunnan, Xinjiang, Shanxi, Hebei, Gamsu, Henan and Shaanxi reported a crop similar to last year’s final receipt of 840,000 MT.

The Agriculture and Livestock Service of Chile (SAG) notified the World Trade Organization of the entry into force of the phytosanitary requirements for the importation of in-shell peanuts (Arachis hypogea).

INC participated at the 2018 China International Tree Nuts Conference, on August 1 – 3, in Zhuhai, Guangdong. Under the auspices of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal by-Products, the International Convention and Exhibition Center of Zhuhai hosted seminars on the global tree nut market, and more specifically on production and consumption of almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pistachios and walnuts. The event was attended by 400 participants and 70 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions