The content of new foreign trade regulations in October at home and abroad

In October 2025, a series of new regulations affecting the foreign trade industry were introduced at home and abroad, covering policy adjustments, tariff changes and compliance requirements:

I. New domestic regulations

1. Upgrading of export controls on rare earth items

The Ministry of Commerce ("MOFCOM") issued Circulars No. 61 and No. 62, imposing strict export controls on rare earth-related items and technologies. Starting from December 1, 2025, foreign organizations and individuals are required to apply for export licenses for the export of rare-earth items (e.g., magnetic materials and alloys) containing Chinese components, and applications with end-use involving semiconductors and military applications will be examined and approved on a case-by-case basis. In addition, the export of rare earth mining and smelting technologies and their carriers (e.g., design drawings) will be subject to licensing as of the date of the announcement, with the aim of preventing the outflow of technologies and safeguarding national security.

2. Customs proactive disclosure policy adjustments

General Administration of Customs Circular No. 194 has been in effect since October 11, giving more lenient treatment to companies that voluntarily disclose violations:

Tax-related violations disclosed within 1 year and tax leakage ≤ 1 million yuan or ≤ 30% are exempted from penalties;

Processing trade enterprises are exempted from penalties if they have not disposed of the remaining material parts or have re-exported them due to differences in unit consumption caused by process improvement;

Credit management measures are not suspended during the period of proactive disclosure for advanced certified companies.

Two,New international regulations

(1) Americas

1. United States

October 14: New Port Dues Policy

Chinese shipowners: $50/net ton, increasing annually to $140 in 2028.

Non-Chinese shipowners of China-built ships: $18/ton or $120/box, whichever is higher.

Non-U.S.-built car carriers: $150 per car.

October 1: High tariffs officially implemented

Drug: 100% tariff

Truck, heavy: 25%

Kitchen and Bath Building Materials: 50%

Furniture: 30%

2. Mexico

New tariffs against Asia (excluding the U.S. and Canada) will be approved on Oct. 20 in the areas of automobiles, textiles and home appliances.

3. Argentina

From September 23 to October 31, export duties on soybeans, corn, wheat and products were reduced to zero, with a ceiling of $7 billion.

(2)European

1. European Union

October onwards: CBAM transition simplified

Imports below 50 tons are exempt from declaration; non-EU firms can upload emissions data directly; fees will be paid officially from 2026.

2. Germany/Netherlands

Blockchain Customs Clearance Pilot Expands, Targets 48 Hours to Complete Clearance.

3. England

A total ban on single-use plastic tableware from Oct.

(3)Asian

1. China

October 1: Huge Changes in Customs Regulation

End of buy order declaration → full real name declaration.

The agency is jointly and severally liable.

Export data needs to be synchronized with the submission of actual principal information.

2. India

30% export duty on low-grade iron ore from October.

3. Southeast Asia

Thailand: Tightening of rules of origin from October, with the regional value component rising from 40% to 50%.

Vietnam: Anti-circumvention investigation launched against Chinese hot rolled coil.

Malaysia: Unified ePCO platform for issuance of certificates of origin from October; plans to finalize trade agreement with the United States.

Indonesia: Palm waste exports banned; e-entry cards to be used nationwide from October 1st.

PHILIPPINES: Rice import ban may be extended, tariff hike considered.

4,Japanese

Import Declaration Requirements Strengthened Since October 12, importers have been required to register the name of the e-commerce platform, shipping destination and personal information in their declarations, paving the way for the elimination of the small tax exemption policy for less than 10,000 yen in 2026. The move is aimed at combating tax evasion and harmonizing with international tax rules.