14/4/2020

Dear all Valued Customers

 

China tightened restrictions on exports of masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) on Friday, calling for shipments of the items to be subjected to a mandatory customs inspection, with immediate effect.

 

The regulations published on Friday, from China's customs agency, require companies manufacturing PPE for export to submit extra documentation and go through a government-led inspection process.

 

This month, authorities established rules requiring mask exporters to provide documentation ensuring their products are registered to be sold in China, and also meet the relevant regulatory standards in the destination country.

 

The commodities included with their respective China export tariff codes are:

 

•          Medical Mask – 6307900010

•          Medical Isolation Gown – 6210103010 and 3926209000

•          Infrared Temperature Instrument – 9025199010

•          Ventilator – 9019200010 and 9019200090

•          Surgical Cap – 6505009900

•          Medical Goggles – 9004909000

•          Medical Gloves – 3926201100, 3926201900, 4015110000 and 4015190000

•          Medical Show Cover – 6307900090, 3926909090 and 4016999090

•          Patient Monitor – 9018193010

•          Medical Disinfectant Towel – 3005901000 and 3005909000

•          Medical Disinfectant - 3808940010

 

EU to Boost Tariffs on U.S. Goods in Metals-Trade Dispute

 

The European Union (EU) has approved plans to impose tariffs on lighters and plastic fittings from the U.S. in retaliation over controversial American duties on imported steel and aluminium, according to EU officials.

 

The EU intends to apply tariffs on these goods in response to a U.S. decision in February widening the scope of metal levies introduced in 2018.

 

The increases take affect May 8, 2020 and included are the following products and their EU tariff codes:

 

•          Lighters - 9613.80.00, 20% increase

•          Plastic Furniture Fittings - 3926.30.00, 7% increase.

 

The EU also plans a 4.4% increase on the current rate of 10% will be placed on playing cards, EU tariff 9504.40.00 on February 8, 2023, or if/when the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules that US measures are inconsistent with the WTO’s rules.

 

FMCSA Hours of Service Waiver Extended

 

The Hours of Service (HOS) waiver handed down by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) last month at the start of the COVID-19 crisis has been extended, the agency announced on April 8. The waiver was set to expire April 12 or at the declaration of the end of the national emergency declared by President Trump.

 

With April 12 just a few days away, and the emergency declaration still in place, the extension of the order was necessary to continue the HOS waiver. The waiver will now run through May 15.

 

It covers a long list of products, including medical supplies, food/paper products/other groceries “for emergency restocking of distribution centres or stores; the materials needed to make those things; fuel; people necessary to deal with the pandemic; and other equipment needed for the same.” The exemption does not cover “routine commercial deliveries.”

 

The FMCSA extension also reiterated earlier clarification that the waiver does not apply to “mixed loads with a nominal quantity of qualifying emergency relief added to obtain the benefits of this emergency declaration.”

 

Wuhan Reopens for Business, but Not Without Concerns

 

Wuhan, China, the origin of the coronavirus (COVID-19), eased its lockdown on April 8, 2020, after 11 million residents were quarantined for 76 days.

 

However, experts are cautious about the possibility of a second outbreak. Local government is taking steps to prevent a reinfection by requiring residents of Wuhan to show authorities their health records on a phone app to prove they won’t spread the infection; those who are sick or who have been in contact with people who have tested positive for COVID-19 must stay in quarantine.

 

Local government continues to drive the resumption of production in factories across the country.

 

Employees are being provided with greater flexibility for intra-city and intra-province travel without restriction.

 

More roads continue to be reopened, and many container freight stations are resuming capacity.

 

Of the nearly 7,069 suppliers across the country which have reopened, it is estimated that 75% have now resumed full production.

 

Many carriers and other industry sectors have resumed operations at their business offices with on-staff personnel.

 

Health experts will closely monitor the city to see if any new cases emerge as the lockdown measures continue to be lifted.

 

As a valued customer, we hope that you will continue to trust us to source the best options for your supply chain needs now and into the future. Please feel free to contact your Customer Solutions Representative, should you have any queries or concerns regarding this news.

Keeping you updated,

BRi Customer Solutions Team

Back to News Page