As we enter the fourth quarter of 2026, the pace of global trade regulation has noticeably accelerated. From new inspection requirements introduced by Chinese customs, to the EU’s mandatory steel traceability reporting, to the largest-ever expansion of the U.S. UFLPA Entity List, a series of new regulations is reshaping the compliance requirements for international trade supply chains. For third-partyinspectionFor organizations, every new regulation means updated testing standards, adjustments to inspection procedures, and a surge in customer inquiries.
This article systematically reviews new domestic and international foreign trade regulations that took effect in October 2026 and those that have recently been implemented, highlighting provisions directly related to product quality inspection and customs clearance inspections to help inspectors, foreign trade companies, and supply chain managers plan ahead and mitigate risks.
I. New Domestic Regulations: Starting October 1, These Changes Will Directly Affect Import and Export Inspections
1. New Key Microbial Testing Requirements for Imported Recycled Pulp
Effective Date: October 1, 2026
The General Administration of Customs issued Announcement No. 144 of 2026, stating that, in accordance with the technical requirements of the new national standard “Recycled Pulp” (GB/T 43393—2026), additional testing requirements for key microbial indicators will be imposed on imported recycled pulp effective October 1.
2. Safeguard measures have been triggered on beef imports from Brazil, resulting in an additional 55% tariff.
Effective Date: Starting at 12:00 a.m. on October 1, 2026
Pursuant to the beef safeguard measures stipulated in Ministry of Commerce Announcement No. 87 of 2025, the volume of beef imported from Brazil reached the specified quota of 100% on September 29; Effective October 1, an additional tariff of 55% will be imposed on top of the currently applicable tariff rate.
3. New Regulations on the Inspection and Quarantine of Cosmetics to Take Effect in December; Preparations Have Begun Early
Effective Date: December 1, 2026
General Administration of Customs Decree No. 284, “Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Inspection and Quarantine of Imported and Exported Cosmetics of the People’s Republic of China,” will officially take effect on December 1, replacing the 2011 version of the regulations. The new regulations set forth differentiated requirements for supporting documentation based on the classification of imported cosmetics, including samples for registration and filing, samples for testing and research and development, and samples for promotional purposes.
II. The EU Market: Steel Traceabilitytogether withCBAM
1. Mandatory Declaration for Steel Products in “Smelting and Casting Countries” Takes Effect on October 1
Effective Date: October 1, 2026
The European Commission has issued an implementing regulation requiring that, effective October 1, importers must declare the “country of melt and pour” for steel products when filing customs declarations and provide the following supporting evidence:
– A Mill Test Certificate indicating the country of smelting and casting and the furnace number;
– Other verifiable supporting documents.
This requirement is an implementing provision of the EU’s new steel import control system (Regulation (EU) 2026/1384). Previously, the EU had established an annual duty-free import quota of 18.3459 million metric tons, covering 28 major categories of steel products; imports exceeding this quota are subject to a uniform ad valorem surcharge of 50%.
Inspection Note: For steel and metal products, a new step titled “Review of Smelting and Casting Traceability Documents” must be added to the inspection checklist. During on-site inspections, inspectors should verify that the furnace numbers and origin information listed on the material certificates and factory test certificates match, to ensure that steel products exported by the client to the EU have a complete chain of custody.
2. CBAM has entered its final implementation phase, with certificate purchases set to begin in February 2027
Current Status: As of January 1, 2026, the final implementation phase has begun.
The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) officially entered its final implementation phase (certificate settlement phase) on January 1, 2026. In August, the European Commission released a series of guidance documents, including “An Introduction to the Concept of CBAM” and “Core Rules for Calculating Implicit Emissions,” to provide non-EU producers with systematic technical specifications.
Key Milestones:
– Starting February 1, 2027, authorized CBAM declarants may begin purchasing CBAM certificates;
– The first CBAM declaration for the 2026 reporting year must be submitted by September 30, 2027.
III. The U.S. Market
Tariffs on Polysilicon Derivatives to Take Effect in December; Solar Supply Chain Issues Early Warning
Effective Date: December 4, 2026
The United States will impose a 15% tariff on imported polysilicon derivatives and establish a minimum import price mechanism, pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.
IV. Emerging Markets: Compliance Thresholds Are Rising Simultaneously in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America
1. New Regulations on the Import of Halal Products from Indonesia Took Effect in September; Enforcement Began in October
Effective Date: September 9, 2026 (30 days after publication)
The Indonesian Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) issued Decision No. 4/2026, implementing new conformity assessment regulations for halal products imported from abroad. Importers must obtain a “Halal Product Guarantee Report” (LPPH) prior to customs clearance and submit their declarations through the National Single Window system. Overseas inspection bodies must meet accreditation standards and establish an electronic data exchange system.
2. Mandatory CR Certification for LED Lighting Products in Vietnam
Current Status: Enacted and in Effect
The Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology has issued the National Technical Regulation on Electromagnetic Safety and Compatibility of LED Lighting Products, requiring that LED products sold in the Vietnamese market obtain the CR certification mark (mark of conformity for safety and electromagnetic compatibility), submit a declaration of energy efficiency compliance to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and complete product quality inspection registration (PQIR).
3. Saudi Arabia’s SABER certification and product labeling requirements continue to become more stringent
Current Status: Running
Saudi Arabia has implemented technical regulations for products such as construction materials (including hydraulic fittings), solar photovoltaic systems, and elevators for buildings. All regulated products must obtain a Product Conformity Certificate (PCoC) and a Batch Certificate (SC) through the SABER platform to enter the Saudi market.
Inspector Online(Inspector Online) stays abreast of global trade compliance developments and is committed to providing clients with professional services covering markets such as Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Russia.Product Inspection Services. If you would like to learn how a specific new regulation might affect your products, or if you need a customized inspection plan, please feel free to contact our team of experts.
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