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Product Regulation & Liability

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In AML & Financial Services Regulatory

European Union: SFDR 2.0 — simplified disclosures, new categories and stricter marketing rules

by , , and 4 Mins Read

On 20 November 2025, the European Commission proposed major changes to the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) to simplify disclosures and strengthen investor protection. The new framework introduces three product categories—Transition, Sustainable, and ESG Basics—each requiring a 70% investment commitment and exclusion of harmful industries. Simplified two-page templates will replace current disclosure rules, and entity-level obligations like principal adverse impacts are removed.
Only products in these categories may use sustainability-related terms in marketing. Taxonomy disclosures become optional, with a 15% safe harbor for aligned assets. Application is expected 18 months after adoption, likely in 2028, marking a significant shift toward clearer, stricter sustainability standards.

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In Anti-Corruption

Colombia: Strengthening of the fight against smuggling and facilitation of smuggling — risks, prevention, and key recommendations for companies

by , and 5 Mins Read

On 19 November 2025, Colombia reinforced its legal framework to combat smuggling and the facilitation of smuggling, emphasizing risks, prevention, and corporate accountability.
The measures target unauthorized import/export practices and concealment of goods, with penalties escalating for goods exceeding statutory thresholds. Companies face heightened criminal liability for executives and representatives, even if goods are later regularized, alongside intensified enforcement by DIAN and the Prosecutor’s Office.
The framework underscores obligations for traceability, documentation, and internal compliance controls, while promoting employee training and reporting mechanisms. These actions aim to safeguard tax collection, fair competition, and economic integrity, signalling a strategic push toward stricter customs compliance and corporate governance.

In ESG

Brazil: CONAR announces new rules to combat greenwashing

by and 3 Mins Read

On 22 November 2025, Brazil’s National Council for Advertising Self-Regulation (CONAR) introduced new rules to combat greenwashing in advertising. The changes cover biodiversity, climate change, and waste disposal, reinforcing the sector’s commitment to environmental protection.
Two new articles encourage responsible socio-environmental communication and set guidelines for sustainability claims and technical terminology.
Advertisers must provide detailed data on emissions, carbon offsets, and product life cycles, along with specific deadlines and action plans for environmental goals. These changes aim to ensure transparency and prevent misleading sustainability claims.

In Tax

Vietnam and United States: Framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade

by and 2 Mins Read

On 26 October 2025, the United States and Vietnam concluded a framework agreement aimed at establishing reciprocal, fair, and balanced trade relations. The final commitments are expected to be signed and ratified by both parties before the end of 2025.
This framework introduces comprehensive commitments across digital trade, services and investment, intellectual property, labor, environment, customs and trade facilitation, regulatory practices, and state-owned enterprise conduct. It includes reciprocal tariff arrangements, preferential market access for US exports, and the removal of technical barriers affecting US goods. These developments reflect a strategic effort to deepen bilateral economic cooperation while aligning regulatory standards and market access terms.

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In Tax

Ukraine: Approval of Defence City regime for arms manufacturers including tax and customs incentives

by 2 Mins Read

Ukraine’s Defence City regime, effective from October 2025, offers tax, customs, and regulatory incentives to defence-related enterprises. Eligible companies must earn most income from defence goods or services. Benefits include exemptions on reinvested profits, real estate, land, and environmental taxes, plus simplified customs and currency rules. However, it excludes R&D credits and broader investor incentives, and cannot be combined with other preferential regimes. Residency is limited to strategically significant entities approved by the Ministry of Defence.

In Product Regulation & Liability

Mexico: The Ministry of Economy initiates anti-dumping proceeding that could affect imports of adult bicycles from China

by , and 3 Mins Read

On 13 August 2025, Mexico’s Ministry of Economy launched an anti-dumping investigation into adult bicycle imports from China, citing price discrimination from 2022–2024. Five Mexican companies filed the petition, and 261 importers/exporters are named. The probe may lead to countervailing duties if injury to domestic producers is confirmed. Interested parties must submit evidence by 23 September 2025, with possible extensions.

In Corporate Compliance

Singapore: Health Sciences Authority issues update on products found by overseas regulators to contain potent ingredients | June and July 2025

by and 3 Mins Read

On 15 August 2025, Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) issued an update listing overseas health products found to contain potent, prohibited ingredients. These may cause harmful side effects. The HSA advises consumers to avoid such products and buy only from trusted sources. Sellers in Singapore face severe penalties for supplying adulterated products. The HSA continues monitoring global enforcement to protect local consumers and urges suppliers to assess any overseas regulatory impacts.

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In Product Regulation & Liability

European Union tightens rules on e-commerce and non-EU product safety

by , , , and 1 Min Read

On 9 July 2025, the European Parliament (EP) adopted a resolution pressing for sweeping reforms in the e-commerce and imports sector, with a focus on consumer protection, product regulation, and unfair competition.1 The resolution sets out a series of measures, including calling for the swift implementation of the Digital Product Passport (DPP), strengthened customs enforcement through reform of the Union Customs Code (UCC), and the removal of the EUR 150 customs duty exemption for low-value consignments. The resolution will now be put submitted to the European Council and the European Commission for consideration.

In Product Regulation & Liability

European Union: EU restricts access of Chinese medical devices to the European market

by , and 7 Mins Read

For the first time, the European Commission completed an investigation under the International Procurement Instrument (IPI) and implemented measures to limit the participation of economic operators from non-EU countries – in this particular case, China – in the EU public procurement market. After EU suppliers of medical devices have arguably been denied fair access to Chinese government contract opportunities for years, the EU has now responded with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1197 that requires contracting authorities/entities in all EU member states to exclude Chinese suppliers – and to a certain extent products manufactured in China – from larger public procurement contracts for medical devices.

In Corporate Compliance

Singapore: Clarification on non-preferential country of origin declarations

by , and 4 Mins Read

In response to heightened scrutiny over country of origin declarations amid ongoing global tariff tensions, Singapore Customs issued Circular No. 06/2025 on 9 June 2025 to provide important clarification on the applicable preferential and non-preferential rules of origin when declaring the “country of origin” for importation into, exportation out of, and transshipments through Singapore.

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