The U.S. Department of Energy has adopted new energy efficiency standards for residential water heaters that are expected to save U.S. households and businesses some US$7.6 billion per year on energy costs. Separately, the DOE has amended the current energy test procedure for uninterruptable power supplies.

The U.S. Department of Energy has finalised a proposed interpretation of the statutory definition of “foreign entity of concern (FEOC)” in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that is designed to limit the participation of FEOCs in domestic battery supply chains and bolster the growth of domestic and friend-shored battery materials processing and manufacturing.

On 23 April 2024, the European Parliament, sitting in plenary, adopted the EU Directive on the “right to repair” for consumers. The rules lay down certain obligations – related to sustainability – for manufacturers to repair goods. They are also a tool to encourage consumers to extend a product’s lifecycle by means of repair,aiming to make it more appealing to them.

It was reported last month that the European Commission (“Commission”) has fined Apple over €1.8 billion for abusing its dominant position on the market for distribution of music streaming apps to iOS users (that is, iPhone and iPad users) through its App Store.

Input may be submitted through 24 May on a proposal to re-classify wireless headphone sets as headphones and earphones under HTSUS 8518.30.20 rather than as apparatus for the transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data under HTSUS 8517.62.00. While both of these tariff classifications benefit from duty-free treatment, articles classified under HTSUS 8518.30.20 are currently exempt from Section 301 duties while subject merchandise classified under HTSUS 8517.62.00 currently faces a 7.5 percent Section 301 duty.

The U.S. Department of Energy has adopted new energy efficiency standards for general service lamps, dishwashers, commercial rooftop units, circulator pumps and miscellaneous refrigeration appliances that overall are expected to save U.S. households and businesses some US$3.5 billion per year on energy costs.

Hong Kong is a world-renowned sourcing centre for houseware products, including tableware, kitchenware and sanitary ware made of a vast variety of materials. Owing to the high production costs in Hong Kong, most Hong Kong manufacturers have relocated production to the mainland or other emerging economies, particularly those in Southeast Asia. High value-adding functions, such as sourcing, logistics and product development, are kept in Hong Kong.

The U.S. Department of Energy has made several changes to its procedures, interpretations and policies for considering energy conservation standards and test procedures for consumer products and certain commercial/industrial equipment. Additionally, it has announced separate rulemaking actions involving distribution transformers, dishwashers, clothes washers, clothes dryers, central ACs and heat pumps, and walk-in coolers and freezers.

The Federal Trade Commission is extending from 2 April to 19 April the deadline for public input on various proposed changes to the EnergyGuide labelling requirements.

Foreign investors looking to take advantage of the Philippines’ recent reform and incentive package should try to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the country’s key industrial sectors, especially those identified in the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP). This will help them capitalise on the opportunities that the Philippines offers.