EU Proposes Substantial Reduction of Sulfur Dioxide MLs for Dried Fruits
The European Commission has circulated a draft legal proposal concerning the conditions of use and maximum levels (MLs) for sulfur dioxide/sulfites (E 220-228). The proposal would significantly reduce MLs in several dried fruit categories, including dried apricots (from 2,000 to 1,000 mg/kg) and golden raisins (to 800 mg/kg). For dried figs, the existing 2,000 mg/kg […]
EU Publishes Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for Smaller Companies
On September 21, 2026, the Official Journal of the European Union published a delegated regulation establishing a sustainability reporting standard for voluntary use by certain smaller companies. The voluntary reporting standard provides a single, proportionate reference framework for sustainability reporting by smaller companies outside the scope of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). It is […]
EU Publishes Simplification of Certain Sustainability Reporting Standards
On September 21, 2026, the Official Journal of the European Union published a delegated regulation simplifying certain aspects of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). This regulation amends the existing sustainability reporting standards by reducing the number of datapoints; prioritizing quantitative datapoints over narrative text; further distinguishing between mandatory and voluntary datapoints; providing clear instructions […]
South African Pecans Gain Trade Advantage in China as EU Nickel Rules Weigh on Shelled Exports
South Africa’s pecan industry is highly export-oriented, with more than 97% of its in-shell pecan exports destined for China, according to a new GAIN report by the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), published on September 18, 2026. For marketing year 2025/26, which began in April 2026, USDA expects South […]
EU Trade Liberalization Measures for Armenian Products Advance
The European Parliament adopted its first-reading position on September 15, 2026, on temporary trade-liberalization measures for Armenian products. The Council had already given its political backing to the proposal on September 2. The measures are intended to support Armenia following recent restrictions affecting its traditional export routes. The proposal temporarily suspends import duties on a […]
EU Public Consultation on Tariff Suspensions and Quotas Scheme
The European Commission has opened a public consultation on the Autonomous Tariff Suspensions and Quotas (ATSQ) scheme. The consultation forms part of an evaluation undertaken by the Commission on the extent to which ATSQs continue to meet their core objectives and whether they remain fit for purpose given changes in the EU’s policy priorities, market […]
EU Publishes New Union Customs Code
On September 21, 2026, the Official Journal of the European Union published a regulation establishing the Union Customs Code and the European Union Customs Authority (EUCA), and repealing Regulation (EU) No 952/2013, the EU’s previous legal framework for customs. This reform creates a new pan-European customs IT system called the EU Data Hub that will […]
Türkiye Publishes Official English Translation of Plant Quarantine Regulation
Türkiye has published an official English translation of its revised Plant Quarantine Regulation and its annexes. The regulation was published in the country’s official gazette in May 2026 and entered into force on August 4, 2026.
UK Monitoring Plan Prioritizes Nuts and Dried Fruits for Food-Safety Checks
The United Kingdom’s National Monitoring Plan for imported foods for 2026/27 identifies nuts and dried fruits as priority categories for food-safety monitoring. The plan, updated on September 9, applies to England, Northern Ireland and Wales. Aflatoxin monitoring is ranked as high priority for nuts and seed products, with the following products mentioned under the specific […]
USDA Walnut Marketing Order Amendments Take Effect
The US Department of Agriculture has amended administrative requirements under the federal marketing order regulating walnuts grown in California. The final rule became effective on September 16, 2026. The amendments codify the payment schedule for handler assessments, introduce interest and late-payment charges on overdue assessments, and modify reporting requirements for walnut receipts. These administrative changes […]