From August 16 to 31, the WTO recorded 36 new SPS notifications, in which multiple markets adjusted MRLs and food safety requirements for agricultural products.

The United States and Japan update a range of residue limits

The Vietnam SPS Office has consolidated draft and in-force notifications on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures from World Trade Organization (WTO) members between August 16 and 31, 2026. Accordingly, 36 notifications were recorded, comprising 22 draft notifications open for comment and 14 notifications that have taken effect.

Notably, the United States issued 9 notifications concerning color additives, feed additives, and maximum residue limits (MRLs) for plant protection chemicals. Among these, notifications G/SPS/N/USA/3592, G/SPS/N/USA/3594, and G/SPS/N/USA/3595 propose amending regulations on color additives, authorizing the use of safflower extract, acetone solvent in the manufacturing of carrot oil, and gardenia blue in select food and beverage categories.

Notification G/SPS/N/USA/3593 establishes final regulations authorizing the use of chromium DL-methionine chelate as a nutritional supplement in complete feed for cattle. The remaining US notifications focus on issuing and receiving petitions to establish or amend MRLs for various active agrochemical ingredients—such as carboxin, cypermethrin, thiabendazole, fenpropathrin, and iptriazopyrid—across diverse agricultural and food groups.

In Japan, 5 notifications were introduced concerning draft amendments to MRLs for pesticides and veterinary drugs in foods. Notably, notification G/SPS/N/JPN/1427 proposes updating MRLs for the active substance imidacloprid across numerous product groups, ranging from meat, seafood, milk, eggs, and honey to vegetables, fruits, cereals, and tea. Japan concurrently proposed revisions—including increases, decreases, or revocations of MRLs—for active ingredients such as chlorothalonil, pyrifluquinazon, tolfenpyrad, and boscalid across multiple agricultural goods, spices, and animal products.

Canada also issued a draft notification regarding MRLs for epyrifenacil on eggs, milk, animal meat, and tree nuts/seeds. Another regulation was amended to raise the juice content limit to a maximum of 30% for caffeinated beverages, while supplementing labeling requirements to prevent consumer deception.

Enterprises must proactively update regulations

Beyond major markets, numerous WTO members introduced new regulations and drafts directly impacting import and export commodities. In Tanzania, 8 notifications formally adopted national standards for various food and spice products, including fenugreek, star anise, Tandoori masala spices, Biryani masala, ginger and turmeric functional health drinks, pickled mustard greens, kimchi, and kombucha.

Chile introduced provisions concerning veterinary hygiene conditions for day-old chicks, hatching eggs, and frozen bovine semen. Several other markets also saw notable regulatory developments. Turkey drafted standards for fruit juices and similar products, setting requirements on chemical composition, added sugar, minimum juice percentage, and Brix levels.

Israel drafted an update to pesticide MRLs in food toward harmonizing with new European Union regulations. Australia proposed amending and revoking MRLs for certain agricultural chemicals and veterinary drugs.

Dominica drafted hygiene regulations for food and beverages spanning production to retail, requiring compliance with GMP and HACCP standards. South Korea plans to amend regulations on the recognition of functional food ingredients and update application appraisal fees. Malaysia updated import conditions for freshwater ornamental fish, marine ornamental fish, and live ornamental crustaceans.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) extended the public comment period for draft technical regulations on veterinary drug MRLs in food. Armenia drafted amendments to general veterinary requirements and veterinary certificate templates for commodities subject to animal quarantine.

The Vietnam SPS Office requests that relevant authorities, agencies, and industry associations review the notification contents and submit feedback in English and Vietnamese (if available) to the Office at least 3 days prior to the deadline of each respective notification for consolidation and transmission to the issuing countries.

According to Mr. Ngo Xuan Nam, Deputy Director of the Vietnam SPS Office, updating MRL changes, food safety standards, and quarantine mandates early is of critical significance to export enterprises, particularly as international markets increasingly recalibrate standards for agricultural produce, food, and products of animal and plant origin.

Source: Bao Cong Thuong