The United Kingdom’s Department for International Trade updated its coronavirus COVID-19 guidance for businesses trading internationally, according to a March 24 notice. The notice now includes a business support helpline for companies facing “disruption” due to the measures in place to contain the spread of the virus.

All European Union member states should immediately designate “green lane border crossings” to allow all freight vehicles to pass within 15 minutes, the European Commission said March 23. The announcement, which said the lanes should be open to “all freight vehicles, whatever goods they are carrying,” comes as part of a guidance issued by the commission to keep freight moving across the EU during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance includes links to a communication from the commission to member states about green lanes, guidelines for health-related border measures and an overview of national measures by country.

India announced bans on exports of ventilators and sanitizers, to maintain medical supplies locally amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a March 24 notice from the country’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade. The ban blocks exports of “all ventilators,” including “any artificial respiratory apparatus or oxygen therapy apparatus or any other breathing appliance/device,” the notice said. The notice provides Indian Trade Clarification Harmonized System codes for blocked goods that fall under the categories of ventilators and sanitizers. India previously announced export restrictions on certain pharmaceutical ingredients (see 2003160047) and has banned exports of certain surgical masks.

Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport will be site of the launch of an automated customs management system in May, allowing international airline operators to digitally send air freight data and e-airway bills to Vietnam Customs, according to a March 23 report from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The national system, a “one-stop cargo clearance service” called the Aviation National Single Window, will provide traders and carriers with 24-hour online access to submit clearance updates and access to multiple government agencies. Previously, air freight carriers were required to submit paper records and airway bills to the customs agency for every flight, the report said.

China increased its value-added tax refund rates for exports, according to a March 24 report from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The change, which took effect March 20, raised the refund rates for nearly 1,100 products to 13% and raised the rates for another group of about 400 products to 9%. Products with a 13% rate now include porcelain sanitary ware, metal products, gemstone and chemical; goods with a 9% rate include plant growth regulators, fruits and meat, the report said.

All license and agreement request transfers will be sent once a day, effective March 23, according to a notice from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. The transfers will occur at 6 a.m. daily EDT, the notice said, but that is subject to change depending on the number of submissions or “technical concerns.” The DDTC said it will inform users of any “significant delays.” The agency added that licenses or agreements to be sent to CBP will be transferred at 9 a.m. daily. Questions should be directed to the DDTC Help Desk.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is “trying to assess” the impact on its export certification activities of recent decisions by states to close non-essential businesses, the agency said, according to a March 23 update from the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America. “As of now, we do not have any impacts identified,” APHIS said, as relayed by the NCBFAA. But inquiries on operating status should be directed to local businesses or APHIS offices for the most up-to-date information, it said. “The situation is fluid and we will provide guidance if anything changes,” APHIS said.

Members of the United Kingdom’s Parliament asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to include corruption as a basis for sanctioning people and entities once the U.K. leaves the European Union, according to a March 23 post on the EU Sanctions blog. In a letter to Raab, the lawmakers said the U.K.’s sanctions authority should extend beyond human rights abusers, citing U.S. and Canadian authorities that allow the countries to target corruption. “Failing to harmonise our sanctions measures with those of our allies may have far reaching unintended consequences,” the letter said.

The United Kingdom’s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation renewed a designation under its terrorism and terrorist financing sanctions, according to a March 24 notice. OFSI renewed sanctions for Syrian national Mohammed Fawaz Khaled, who was designated for “Islamist extremist activities.”

Export Compliance Daily is providing readers with some of the top stories for March 16-20 in case you missed them.