Japan sanctioned one individual over his actions threatening peace and security in Haiti, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Nov. 10, according to an unofficial translation. Japan imposed restrictions on Jimmy Cherizier, one of Haiti's "most influential gang leaders" and a former Haitian police officer, subjecting him to an asset freeze, according to an unofficial translation.

Singapore Customs will change its submission procedures for certain documents submitted through its NTP website starting Dec. 1, the customs agency said in a notice. The affected documents include various permits, including the "ACCESS permit queried by the Permits Compliance Branch of Singapore." Singapore said there will be a one-month transition period from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31, after which the 'submission of supporting documents for such selected permits via NTP Data Repository will not be accepted."

China announced new phytosanitary requirements for imports of fresh bananas from Vietnam, the General Administration of Customs announced Nov. 8, according to an unofficial translation. The restrictions apply to unripe green bananas harvested within 10-16 weeks after flowering. Exporting orchards should establish a quality management and traceability system, implement good agricultural practices and maintain the orchard's sanitary conditions, the China customs agency said.

Georgetown University's Center for Security and Emerging Technology released a report this week examining China’s artificial intelligence workforce and shedding light on the country's efforts to invest in the AI industry. The report found that more than 30% of the Chinese job postings analyzed by the researchers could be considered AI or AI-related. The report argues that U.S. AI education and workforce policies need to “grow, cultivate, attract, and retain the world’s best and brightest,” and understanding China's AI workforce "could provide U.S. policymakers with important insight.” The findings come about a month after the U.S. announced new restrictions on advanced computing and semiconductor equipment tools, which could be used by China in AI applications (see 2210070049).

Chinese technology companies are “scrambling” to hire engineers from foreign companies that are closing their business in China due to new U.S. export controls (see 2210070049), Nikkei reported Nov. 4. The report said Huawei, Alibaba and other chip developers issued job postings after they learned U.S. chipmaker Marvell planned to lay off hundreds of workers in China. Some Chinese companies are offering to pay a higher-than-expected salary for these workers because “chip talent has never been in more demand and competition for hiring is intense,” a Chengdu-based recruiter told Nikkei.

Hong Kong’s Trade and Industry Department is asking industry to submit permit applications and reports for activities involving certain chemicals controlled by the Chemical Weapons Convention, the agency said Nov. 4. Hong Kong requires operators of certain facilities that work with the chemicals to submit annual reports, which are then submitted to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the international implementing body of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The annual reports must contain details about past and “anticipated activities” involving controlled chemicals. Violators of the reporting requirements, including facilities operating without the required permits, may face fines and imprisonment. Facilities must submit applications for 2023 by Nov. 29 and report certain activities by Dec. 20.

Singapore Customs imposed a revised Goods and Services Tax rate, increasing the mark from 7% to 8% to take effect Jan. 1, Singapore Customs announced Nov. 4. The new rate will apply to all imports and goods released from licensed premises for local consumption after Dec. 31. Singapore Customs advised importers to clear their goods by Dec. 31 for in-payment (GST) and in-payment (duty and GST) permits with the 7% GST rate, but said an extension of those permits' validity period will not be allowed for permits that expire on or after Dec. 31.

China imposed export controls on high-pressure water cannon products, the General Administration of Customs announced Nov. 1, according to an unofficial translation. Restrictions will take effect Dec. 1 on the export of high-pressure cannons whose maximum range is greater than or equal to 100 meters, rated flow is greater than or equal to 540 cubic meters per hour and rated pressure is greater than or equal to 174 pounds per square inch. Operators of high-pressure water cannons must be registered with China's Ministry of Commerce, and no unit may be exported without registration.

Three e-services for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Customs Transit System available on the Singapore Customs website also will be available on the Networked Trade Platform in Singapore, Singapore Customs announced in a Nov. 1 notice. The move allows traders already using the NTP to access the forms within the same website and submit the applications online.

China's General Administration of Customs in a Nov. 1 announcement imposed inspection and quarantine requirements on imports of dried melon from Uzbekistan, according to an unofficial translation. The restrictions apply to dried fruits for human consumption made from melons (Cucumis melon L.) grown and processed in Uzbekistan. Melon exporters are tasked with making sure their melons comply with Chinese laws and regulations on food safety and said dried melons should be packaged in clean, hygienic, breathable, new materials that meet China's phytosanitary requirements and are not contaminated by harmful organisms or substances.