The Food and Drug Administration continues to detain a broad range of food and other regulated products from Mainland China and Hong Kong as part of its mission to prevent the importation of food, drugs, biologics, cosmetics, medical devices and radiation-emitting electronic products that fail to meet the requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has banned all electronic waste import. Announced on 24 June 2025 in the Royal Gazette, the regulation replaces an earlier 2020 ban on electronic waste imports and broadens its scope, increasing the number of banned e-waste items from 428 to 463.

A new evaluation on the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive was published in July, in order to assess the need for a possible revision. In general, good progress was noted on the environmentally sound handling and proper treatment of all types of WEEE in the EU. Yet, according to the evaluation, the Directive has not fully achieved its intended outcomes. Notably, the majority of Member States do not reach the collection target set out in the Directive, and the legislation has had a limited impact on enhancing material recycling and recovery. Currently, only about 40% of WEEE is reportedly recycled in the EU.

Speakers at this year’s Hungarian E-Commerce Expo were keen to highlight the new realities shaping the sector as it matures and diversifies.

The regulatory framework governing the repairability index for consumer products in Belgium recently into force. Manufacturers and importers of targeted consumer products have to ensure that the repairability index is calculated and displayed next to their products. The provisions regarding enforcement and sanctions will, in general, take effect on 2 November 2025, although later dates apply for specific types of economic operators.

The Bureau of Industry and Security is accepting input by 6 August on two new Section 232 investigations to determine the effects on national security of imports of (i) unmanned aircraft systems and their parts and components, and (ii) polysilicon and its derivatives. These investigations could result in the imposition of additional tariffs on imports of these products.

Including statistics of Household Electrical Appliances Sales of China in the past 6 years.

Including statistics of Computer and Peripherals Sales of China in the past 6 years.

The European Commission (Commission) has unveiled its so-called Omnibus IV – a package of legislative proposals aimed at reducing reporting obligations, postponing certain due diligence requirements and simplifying other regulatory frameworks. According to the Commission, the proposals are intended to facilitate business operations, foster innovation and support growth, while preserving a high standard of consumer and environmental protection. For Hong Kong companies engaging with EU customers, the proposed reforms are expected to ease market access and reduce compliance burdens.

On 26 June, the Civil Aviation Administration of China issued a notice stating that, starting from 28 June, passengers on domestic flights are prohibited from bringing on board power banks that lack valid China Compulsory Certification (CCC) labels, have unclear CCC markings, or are subject to product recalls. This decision stems from recent recalls of multiple batches by power bank manufacturers that have sparked aviation safety concerns.