New regulations, tariffs, and bans to be introduced starting in December | A summary of global trade policies as of December 2025

In December 2025, global trade policies will undergo frequent adjustments. Major economies and regions will introduce a series of new regulations focusing on key aspects such as strategic resource management, market access rules, and tariff rates. These regulations cover not only core areas like rare earths and critical minerals, but also sectors closely related to business operations, such as cross-border e-commerce, shipping logistics, and product safety. These policy changes will directly impact global supply chain layouts and corporate cross-border trade strategies. Timely understanding of policy developments is crucial for mitigating compliance risks and seizing market opportunities.

This article summarizes key developments in trade regulations, tariff adjustments, and policy changes in major economies and regions worldwide as of December 2025, providing a reference for enterprises engaged in cross-border trade.

I. Overview of Trade Policies in December

II. Trade regulations and tariff adjustments in major economies

1. China

• New regulations on rare earth export controls : Starting December 1, 2025, export licensing requirements will be implemented for products "manufactured overseas but containing rare earths of Chinese origin or using Chinese processes/technologies" (effective in categories and phases).

• Hainan Free Trade Port's customs clearance operation officially commenced on December 18th, implementing a "first-line open, second-line controlled, island-wide free" model. The number of zero-tariff goods increased from 1,900 to approximately 6,600 (accounting for 74%, an increase of 53 percentage points); the duty-free shopping quota for departing islands increased from 100,000 yuan to 150,000 yuan, with no limit on the number of purchases; and the number of items on the "second-line" outbound customs declaration form was reduced from 105 to 42, saving 60% of customs clearance time.

• New regulations for pharmaceutical exports : The validity period of export certificates has been extended to 3 years, and the processing time shall not exceed 20 working days; pharmaceutical intermediate products can apply for export certificates with reference to unlisted products, without the need to separately expand the production scope; enterprises storing and transporting exported pharmaceuticals are required to undergo extended inspections.

• Customs declaration document self-service inquiry and printing service : Starting from December 15, the service scope will be expanded to all directly affiliated customs offices nationwide. Enterprises can obtain customs declaration documents and electronic data within the retention period through the General Administration of Customs' "Single Window" without having to submit an application in person.

2. Hong Kong, China

• Import and export controls on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) : Effective December 1, importers of regulated HFCs will need to apply for quotas and licenses from the Environment Agency. This is in order to fulfill obligations under the Montreal Protocol and gradually reduce the use of these potent greenhouse gases.

3. European Union

• The Zero Deforestation Act (EUDR) will take effect on December 30 for large and medium-sized enterprises, requiring that product supply chains do not lead to deforestation. It covers seven core categories of goods, including cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soybeans, and wood, as well as derivative products such as chocolate, furniture, and printing paper.

• The EU has announced the elimination of tax exemptions for small parcels valued at €150 (approximately RMB 1225) or less, effective from 2026. All inbound parcels are expected to be subject to an additional temporary customs fee of approximately €2. This new regulation is being implemented two years ahead of schedule, with detailed rules expected to be released on December 12th.

4. Germany

• Value-added tax policy for cross-border small parcels to China : Starting from 00:00 on November 24, 2025, all cross-border e-commerce small parcels imported from China, regardless of their value, will be subject to a uniform 23% value-added tax. The previous policy of exempting goods with a value of less than 22 euros from value-added tax will be simultaneously cancelled.

5. United States

• Adjustments to tariffs on Chinese goods : Starting November 10, 2025, the 20% tariff previously imposed on fentanyl will be reduced to 10%, and the "reciprocal tariff" policy will be suspended until November 10, 2026; the tariff exemption under Section 301 will be extended to November 10, 2026, covering key products such as industrial equipment, electric vehicles, and semiconductors.

• Tariff adjustments to Switzerland : Tariffs on Swiss imports will be reduced from 39% to 15%, expected to take effect in early December 2025.

• Tariff adjustments to South Korea : The Section 232 tariffs on South Korean automobiles, auto parts, timber and wood products will be reduced to 15%, and some reciprocal tariffs (such as on generic drugs and certain natural resources) will be eliminated.

• New regulations for facial recognition checks at border crossings : Effective December 26, all non-U.S. citizens (including green card holders) will be required to submit biometric information upon entry or exit, and the records will be kept for up to 75 years.

6. Japan

• The revised Product Safety Laws will take effect on December 25, 2025, bringing overseas cross-border sellers under regulation for the first time, treating them as "specific importers." Categories such as baby toys, 100V-240V electrical appliances, and gas equipment will need to comply with the new labeling and testing requirements.

• Japan Authorized Representative (Japan Agent) System : Starting December 25, 2025, cross-border sellers must designate an administrator in Japan (with a local address and no criminal record), and complete product testing documents, update labels, and submit an annual contract validity report. Non-compliant sellers will be unable to create new ASINs and should prepare in advance to avoid stockouts.

• Economic stimulus measures : A comprehensive economic package of 21.3 trillion yen was approved, including tax cuts such as abolishing the provisional tax rate on gasoline, with 11.7 trillion yen allocated to address rising prices; it will also expand growth investment in areas such as semiconductors, AI, and shipbuilding.

7. Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union

• Russia's ban on gasoline and fuel oil exports : Announced on September 30, 2025, the temporary ban on gasoline exports will be extended to December 31, 2025, covering all exporters; at the same time, the export of diesel, marine fuel oil and other fuel oils is also prohibited. The restrictions will take effect on October 1, 2025, and will remain in effect until December 31, 2025.

• Temporary exemption for Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) label : Valid until December 10, temporarily allowing the import of goods without EAEU labels from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan via road transport. The exemption does not include sensitive categories such as weapons, medicines, food, and energy products. Goods must be stored in designated temporary warehouses in Russia and complete labeling and formal customs declaration by December 27.

• Other measures : Starting December 1, 2025, Russia will collect biometric information from all foreign nationals entering the country at all border checkpoints that are technologically equipped.

III. Changes in Global Tariff Policy

1. Asia-Pacific region

• New regulations for Thai Certificates of Origin : The list of high-risk products has increased from 49 to 65 categories, covering 224 HS codes (6 digits), effective November 15, 2025; the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) has become the sole issuer of non-preferential Certificates of Origin (NPCO), effective December 1, 2025, eliminating the issuing authority of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI); products exported to the United States must meet a minimum of 40% Local Value Content (RVC) in Thailand and verify "substantial transformation".

• Vietnam has revised its value-added tax (VAT) reduction policy : the VAT rate on certain goods and services subject to a 10% rate will be reduced by 2% (down to 8%), with the addition of prefabricated non-metallic products, coal, refined petroleum, chemical products, and information technology goods and services; the policy will be valid until December 31, 2026.

• Indonesia will impose an export tax on gold : Starting in 2026, gold exported from the country will be subject to an export tax ranging from 7% to 15%. The tax rate will be 12.5% ​​to 15% for processed products such as gold bars and 10% to 15% for raw gold exports.

• Singapore's relevant policies : The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore's long-term incentives, such as the green incentive (port dues concession), will begin in 2025 and continue until 2027; New rules for Singapore PR re-entry permits will take effect on December 1, requiring overseas PRs to apply for restoration of status within 180 days of losing their valid permit, otherwise they may lose their status.

2. Americas

• Mexico : Import tariffs on products such as wheat, wheat flour, and ammonium sulfate (fertilizer) will be waived throughout 2025 to curb inflation, and the measures will continue until December 31, 2025.

• Argentina : Export tariffs on steel, aluminum and their derivatives will be temporarily suspended until December 31, 2025. This applies to countries that impose import tariffs of at least 45% on the above-mentioned goods.

• Cameroon : From December 31, 2025, cocoa exports to Europe must meet seven requirements of the EU’s Deforestation Regulation, including land use rights, environmental protection, and labor rights, to ensure compliance with international sustainability standards.

• Grenada : On November 19, 2025, it passed the Fisheries (Amendment) Act of 2025, which adds a system for the regulation of marine mammals, data monitoring and observers, with fines of up to 100,000 Eastern Canadian dollars or imprisonment for up to 12 months for violations, in order to meet the standards of the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act and restore its fishing export qualifications.

3. Africa and the Middle East

• Nigeria : Starting in December, the tax-free threshold for cross-border e-commerce will be raised from 50,000 Naira (approximately 242 yuan) to 300 US dollars, with a limit of one transaction per person per quarter.

• South Africa : Extends carbon budget allowance (which allows eligible companies to deduct carbon reduction-related expenses when calculating taxable income) until December 31, 2025.

• Egypt : Mandatory implementation of new safety standards for lighting fixtures. Ministerial Order No. 245/2025 mandates the implementation of the ES 7825 standard (equivalent to IEC 60598-1:2024), requiring lighting products to meet requirements such as voltage and safety testing. The transition period is 12 months.

• Tanzania : Starting December 1, a mandatory trademark registration system will be implemented for imported goods. All goods entering the market must have their trademarks registered with the Fair Competition Commission. Unregistered goods may face customs clearance delays or return.

• Saudi Arabia : The VAT penalty exemption policy is valid until December 31, 2025. Cross-border sellers who complete tax compliance during the exemption period can be automatically exempted from penalties (the principal must be paid in full first).

4. Australia

• Australia and New Zealand jointly revised the water-saving product standard : In November 2025, they jointly released two important revisions to the AS/NZS 6400:2016 standard, which stipulate the rating and labeling requirements for water-saving products and the minimum water efficiency standard. The revised standard applies to seven categories of products, including shower equipment, faucets, flow controllers, toilet equipment, urinal equipment, dishwashers and washing machines.

5. Port and shipping policy changes

• MSC : Effective December 1, 2025, freight rates from Far East ports to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea will be increased across the board. For the Northern Europe route, rates for 20-foot and 40-foot containers will be increased to US$1,860 and US$3,100 respectively; for the Black Sea route, rates will be increased to US$2,850 and US$3,900 respectively.

• CMA CGM : From December 1 to December 14, 2025, FAK rates from the Far East to the Mediterranean and North Africa will be increased to a maximum of US$6,300 per 40-foot container.

• Maersk plans to impose a destination congestion charge (CFD) on cargo shipped from the Middle East and Far East to the port of Beira in Mozambique starting December 25; and will begin charging a new “import inspection and scanning fee” of 25 euros per container at the Constanta South Container Terminal in Romania starting December 1.

• Hapag-Lloyd : Effective December 1, 2025, FAK rates will be increased between the Far East and Europe for cargo transported in 20-foot and 40-foot dry and refrigerated containers (including high cube containers).

In conclusion, the global trade policy dynamics in December reveal that strategic resource protection, green and sustainable development, and strengthened compliance supervision have become mainstream trends. Whether it's China's rare earth export controls, the EU's Zero Deforestation Act, or various countries' tax and market access adjustments for cross-border e-commerce, all have placed higher compliance demands on businesses. It is recommended that relevant companies closely monitor the details of policy implementation, adjust their supply chain structure, product certification, and tax planning in a timely manner according to their own business scenarios, and proactively adapt to changes in the global trade environment to ensure the stable and healthy development of their cross-border businesses.