The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) conducted a total of 101 searches earlier this year, of an alleged criminal enterprise which, it is understood, imported goods into the EU market fraudulently from the Chinese Mainland. It is reported that the criminal activity included, among other elements, evading custom duties and VAT. The searches were carried out following a coordinated investigation at the European level with the participation of law enforcement bodies from 14 different European countries.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China has released an updated industry standard, FZ/T 74002-2025, for sports brassieres. Published as part of Announcement No. 7 on approved industry standards for 2025, it supersedes the previous version, FZ/T 74002-2014, and will become effective on May 1, 2027.

HKTDC conducted a survey with 405 buyers and exhibitors at CENTRESTAGE 2025. The results show that despite the challenges posed by increasing protectionist measures, traders are more optimistic over the medium-term prospects. Respondents also revealed seasonless fashion and sustainable fashion as the key strategic trends.

Hong Kong’s fur clothing exports plummeted by 29% in January-June 2025. Re-exports, which made up almost all fur clothing exports from Hong Kong, exhibited a similar trend. More than 67% of fur clothing exported from Hong Kong originated in Chinese Mainland, the world’s biggest fur trade, production and processing base.

Cambodia has increased the monthly minimum wage for factory workers in the garment, footwear and travel goods sectors from US$208 to US$210. Announced on 17 September 2025, the new rate will take effect on 1 January 2026. Workers in these sectors will also get monthly fringe benefits, such as US$10 for perfect attendance, US$7 for rent and transportation, and a seniority bonus ranging from US$2 to US$11, meaning they could earn up to US$238 monthly.

Earlier this summer, a dispute emerged between British designer Diana Al Shammari and Belgian football club K Beerschot VA. The matter may be of interest to Hong Kong’s garment sellers, as it raises questions about the thin line between creative inspiration and unlawful imitation in fashion and sportswear design.

CBP will accept public input through 1 November on a proposal to reclassify certain men’s outerwear jackets as garments made of specified fabrics under HTSUS 6210.20.50 (7.1 percent MFN duty) rather than as jackets under HTSUS 6201.93.3000 (if water-resistant; 7.1 percent MFN duty) or HTSUS 6201.93.3511 (if not water-resistant; 27.7 percent MFN duty).

India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has suspended all customs duties on imported raw cotton from 19 August until 30 September 2025. The temporary waiver removes the current 11% import duty on cotton, comprised of the 5% basic customs duty, 5% agriculture infrastructure and development cess, and 10% social welfare surcharge on both.

With many production lines relocating to Chinese Mainland and Southeast Asia, Hong Kong's textiles industry has instead evolved in recent years into a hub for managing trade operations. It mainly handles high value-added work such as branding, procurement, logistics and accounting. Only a small number of production lines remain in Hong Kong. Nevertheless, Hong Kong’s textiles industry continues to serve not only local clothing manufacturers but also those on the mainland and other offshore production bases. The industry has a good reputation as a supplier of quality dyed and printed fabrics. It is also strong in cotton spinning, denim weaving, knit-to-shape panel knitting and fine-gauge cotton knit manufacturing.

The Directorate-General of the European Commission (“Commission”) for Taxation and Customs Union published a report last month on controls on products entering the EU market. The report aims to address the challenges faced due to product non-compliance during 2024 and to identify measures to further improve enforcement of EU rules. In light of this, Hong Kong traders, particularly those involved in e-commerce, should be aware of the future implications of the proposed EU customs reform.