China: Draft Regulation on Overseas Food Producer Registration
China has published a notice requesting public comments on a draft regulation that aims to update the Regulations on the Registration and Administration of Overseas Producers of Imported Food (Decree 248), implemented in 2022, by expanding the process by which some countries can submit facility registrations. For more information in English, see the USDA GAIN Report on this topic.
EFTA-Thailand: Free Trade Negotiations Completed
In late 2024, the European Free Trade Association member states —Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland— concluded negotiations with Thailand towards an ambitious and broad-based free trade agreement. The parties are set to formally sign the agreement in late January at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
EU-Mercosur: Political Agreement Reached on Free Trade
In December 2024, the European Commission President and her counterparts from four Mercosur countries (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay) finalized negotiations for an EU-Mercosur trade deal, marking the first step towards formally concluding the agreement. The Commission published texts outlining the trade-related components of the agreement, as well as a document explaining what is new compared to the 2019 agreement.
EU: Updated List of Control Bodies for Organics
The European Commission has published Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3121, recognizing certain control bodies as competent to carry out controls and issue organic certificates in third countries for the purpose of importing organic products into the EU.
EU: Revised Plant Health Regulation
In November 2024, the Council amended the basic legal framework of EU plant health policy by adopting Regulation 2024/3115. This new regulation aims to strengthen the EU’s response to pest outbreaks. A new plant health emergency team will provide support during pest outbreaks within the EU. The regulation also seeks to promote increased digitalization and extends the duration of multiannual survey programs.
India: Draft Plant Quarantine Orders
India has notified the World Trade Organization of draft plant quarantine orders seeking to further liberalize provisions governing the import of dried prunes from France and macadamias from Australia.
Kenya: Agriculture Authority Continues to Withhold Export Certifications
Kenyan macadamia farmers and dealers say the Kenyan Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has declined to issue the necessary certifications for exporters despite a court order allowing exports to proceed, as reported by The Standard. In November, Kenya’s high court temporarily suspended the implementation of a directive, issued in October by the Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, that banned the harvesting and export of raw macadamia nuts.
Kenya: Code of Practice for Annual Nut and Oilseed Crops
Kenya has notified the World Trade Organization of a draft standard entitled Nuts and Oil Crops industry – Code of practice. Part 2: Annual nuts and oilseed crops. This document specifies the requirements essential for legal compliance and the responsible and safe production of annual nuts (including peanuts) and oilseed crops.
Senegal: Peanut Exports Suspended for 2024/25 Season
As reported by APA News, Senegal’s Ministry of Agriculture announced the suspension of peanut seed exports for the 2024/25 campaign, seeking to preserve national supplies and support local processors.
UAE-New Zealand: Free Trade Agreement Signed
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the United Arab Emirates and New Zealand was formally signed on January 14, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. The agreement is expected to come into force later this year.
Uganda: Draft Standards on Dried Fruits
Uganda has notified the World Trade Organization of the following Draft Uganda Standards:
Dried fruits — Specification, which sets out requirements, sampling and test methods for dried fruits intended for direct human consumption or for other use in the food industry.
Production, handling and processing of dried fruits and vegetables — Code of practice, which applies to fruits and vegetables that have been dried by natural or artificial means or a combination of both.
UK: Safety and Security Declarations Required for All EU Imports
As of January 31, 2025, safety and security declarations will be required for all imports into Great Britain from the EU. The UK Government has published a guidance document on these changes.