Update on South Korean Import Documentation Requirements
As of July 1, 2026, South Korea requires that documents stating the scientific name must be submitted with agricultural, forestry, and fishery products from all countries when filing an import declaration. According to the Almond Board of California, acceptable documentation may include any of the following: exporter-issued certificate, invoice, bill of lading, government-issued or notarized […]
Update on Requirements for Almonds Entering Morocco
According to the Almond Board of California, a recent meeting between the ABC and Morocco’s National Office for Food Safety resolved two technical issues that had affected imports of almonds into Morocco. First, the 14-day requirement for phytosanitary certificates will apply from the date of inspection appearing on the certificate, and second, the certificate of […]
Draft Amendments to Israel’s Copper MRLs
Israel has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of amendments to its pesticide-residue rules. Israel is updating its maximum residue level (MRL) framework to incorporate changes made to the EU’s Regulation (EC) 396/2005. The notification covers all trading partners. For this particular revision, the important underlying EU measure is Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/840, concerning copper […]
INC Members Invited to Comment on Work Towards OTA Code of Practice
The 19th session of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF19) will be held on October 19-23, 2026, and the INC will be participating remotely. Ahead of this meeting, the Codex Alimentarius Secretariat has distributed a circular letter seeking comment in relation to the development of a Code of Practice for the prevention and […]
Certificate of Origin Not Required for US Nuts Under EU TRQ
Under Regulation (EU) 2026/145, as of July 1, 2026, a tariff-rate quota (TRQ) allows US-origin nuts to enter the European Union at a 0% duty up to the quota volume of 500,000 metric tons per 12-month period. According to the Almond Board of California, the EU has clarified that the principle of free evidence applies […]
Cashew Waste Technology Attracts New Funding for Food Preservation Applications
Singapore-based N&E Innovations has raised approximately US$1.73 million in Series A funding to expand technology that converts agricultural by-products into antimicrobial ingredients, according to FoodBev Media. The company’s ViKANG99 technology uses naturally occurring compounds extracted from discarded materials including cashew nut husks. The resulting food-grade ingredient can be applied directly to fresh produce or incorporated […]
Australia Drops Planned Packaging Reforms
The government of Australia has shelved plans to introduce mandatory national packaging standards during the current term of government, reversing a commitment made in 2023 to strengthen rules aimed at reducing packaging waste and increasing recycling, according to the Guardian. The proposed reforms were intended to establish stronger requirements around packaging design, waste reduction and […]
Mexico and United States Push for Interim Trade Deal Ahead of US Midterm Elections
Mexico and the United States are working to reach a bilateral trade deal before the US midterm elections on November 3, according to Reuters, citing multiple sources in both countries familiar with the talks. The negotiations are aimed at an interim bilateral agreement under which Mexico could obtain relief from some US tariffs while addressing […]
European Commission Presents Landmark India Trade Deal to Council for Signature
On September 11, 2026, the European Commission put forward its proposals to the Council for the signature and conclusion of free trade agreement between the European Union and India, seeking authorization for its signature and conclusion. In parallel, Indian authorities are going through their own internal ratification procedures. Once finalized, this will be the largest […]
Taiwan Launches Peanut Label as Tariff-Free US Imports Remain Under Discussion
Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture has launched a “Taiwan Peanut” label, backed by elemental analysis, to help locally grown peanuts compete against imports. According to the Taipei Times, the initiative comes amid concern among domestic growers over the planned tariff-free importation of US peanuts under the Taiwan-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, which has not yet taken effect. Locally […]