A number of new trade rules will come into force in 2026.

As we enter 2026, the global trade landscape is undergoing profound changes. From tariff adjustments to technology controls, from domestic policies to international agreements, a series of new regulations will take effect that will have far-reaching impacts on global supply chains and trade processes. This article will systematically sort out these important new regulations to help enterprises grasp policy directions and optimize trade strategies.

 

I.New Domestic Trade Regulations in China: Deepening Reform and Opening Up

1.Implementation of the "2026 Tariff Adjustment Plan"

As a core component of China's trade policy, the 2026 Tariff Adjustment Plan presents the following notable features:

Adjustment Type	Main Content
Provisional Import Tariff	Implement provisional import tariffs on 935 items (excluding tariff quota items) to further reduce import costs for some goods
Export Tariff	Continue to impose export tariffs on 107 items, with provisional export tariffs applied to 68 of them
Tariff Quota Rate	Continue to implement tariff quota management on 8 categories of goods such as wheat with unchanged rates. Maintain a 1% provisional tariff rate on 3 types of fertilizers including urea, compound fertilizer, and ammonium hydrogen phosphate. Continue to implement sliding scale duties on a certain quantity of cotton imported outside the quota.
Agreement Tariff	Continue to implement agreement tariffs on some imported goods originating from 34 trading partners under 24 free trade agreements and preferential trade arrangements that have been signed and entered into force.
Preferential Tariff	Continue to grant zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines to 43 least developed countries that have diplomatic relations with China. For tariff quota items, only the in-quota tariff rate is reduced to zero, while the out-of-quota tariff rate remains unchanged.

2.Upgraded Control of Dual-Use Items and Technologies

Starting from January 1, 2026, the revised "Catalogue for the Administration of Import and Export Licenses for Dual-Use Items and Technologies" will be officially implemented. For importing radioactive isotopes, enterprises must first submit applications to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment for approval, then apply for import licenses for dual-use items and technologies from the Quota License Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce, and complete import procedures with the customs based on the licenses.

3.Launch of Online Verification for Export Goods Certificates

The General Administration of Customs and the State Taxation Administration have realized online verification of electronic data for the "Certificate of Tax Paid/Not Refunded for Export Goods". This will significantly improve customs clearance efficiency for enterprises while effectively preventing abuse and repeated use of certificate documents.

4.Implementation of Export License Management for Some Steel Products

Starting from January 1, 2026, 300 HS code steel products will be included in the scope of export license management. Foreign trade operators exporting goods in the catalogue must apply for export licenses based on export contracts and product quality inspection certificates issued by manufacturers. This measure will help standardize the order of steel exports and optimize the industrial structure.

5.Entry into Force of Amendments to the "International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code"

The IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 has made important revisions to the classification, packaging, documentation, and stowage segregation of dangerous goods. The China Maritime Safety Administration has issued a notice clarifying implementation requirements, and relevant enterprises need to adjust operational procedures in a timely manner to ensure compliance.

6.Revised "Foreign Trade Law" to Come into Force on March 1

The highlights of this revision include:

Adding countermeasures against discriminatory measures by foreign countries

Establishing a trade adjustment assistance system to help enterprises cope with trade shocks

Elevating the negative list management system for cross-border services trade to law

 

II.International Trade Regulations: New Trends in Global Governance

1.Thailand: Comprehensive Tightening of Import Tax Policies

Starting from January 1, 2026, Thailand will impose import duties and value-added tax on all imported goods valued at 1 Thai Baht (approximately 0.22 RMB) or more. This policy covers almost all imported goods and is expected to increase Thailand's fiscal revenue by at least 3 billion Thai Baht annually. It will also enhance the competitiveness of local enterprises and combat tax evasion through underreporting of prices.

2.EU: Formal Implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has entered the full implementation stage, with 100% coverage of the shipping industry to be achieved in 2026. According to estimates, this will increase the overall cost of China's exports to the EU by approximately 6%-8%, adding about 100 million to 300 million US dollars in annual expenditures. Enterprises need to plan carbon footprint management in advance to reduce compliance costs.

3.Japan: Complete Abolition of the Tax Exemption System for Small-value Imports

Japan has abolished the tax exemption policy for imported goods valued below 10,000 Japanese Yen (approximately 456 RMB). All imported goods, regardless of value, are now subject to a 10% consumption tax (Japan's standard consumption tax rate). This change will increase the price of low-cost imported goods by approximately 10%, benefiting Japan's domestic retail industry.

 

III.Recommendations for Enterprise Response Strategies

Faced with the complex and changing trade environment, enterprises should adopt the following response measures:

1.Establish a dynamic policy monitoring mechanism: Closely follow changes in trade policies of various countries and adjust trade strategies in a timely manner

2.Optimize supply chain layout: Diversify risks and establish a diversified supply chain system

3.Strengthen compliance management: Ensure import and export operations comply with regulatory requirements of various countries to avoid non-compliance risks

4.Drive technological innovation: Enhance product competitiveness through technological upgrading to reduce the impact of tariffs and carbon taxes

5.Strengthen international cooperation: Actively participate in industry associations and international organizations to jointly promote trade facilitation

 

Conclusion

The new trade regulations in 2026 present both challenges and opportunities. For enterprises that can adjust strategies in a timely manner and adapt to changes, these new regulations will become a catalyst for enhancing competitiveness. In this critical period of global trade pattern restructuring, only by maintaining sharp policy insight and flexible adaptability can enterprises remain invincible in the complex and ever-changing environment.

 

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