Anticipate delays around Chinese New Year 2026 by increasing inventory levels now. Our experts provide tailored planning to mitigate disruptions.

Compliance isn’t just paperwork anymore. It’s what keeps your business profitable, trusted, and running on time.

2026: The New Era of Accountability

Governments across the U.S., China, Thailand, Vietnam, and the European Union now require complete visibility into every shipment — from the materials inside your product to the packaging it’s wrapped in.

For American importers, accountability doesn’t end at the port. You are now expected to prove your suppliers’ compliance record for each shipment and every production batch. That means the real work starts long before production — not after it leaves the factory.

China: Real-Name Export and Traceability

Since early 2025, China’s customs authority (GACC) has required exporters and factories to share matching registration IDs under the Real-Name Export system. If they don’t match, the goods simply don’t move.

Every shipment must now list the factory name, registration number (USCC), and country of origin. For electronics, batteries, and consumer goods, UN38.3 safety certifications and full test documentation are mandatory before export.

Thailand: Local Origin Verification

Thailand’s growing role as a “China+1” hub is accompanied by increased scrutiny of its exports. Factories must now prove genuine local production and value-added content, not just assembly.

All exports must include verified factory details and packaging waste declarations, which must be kept on record for a minimum of five years. Tiroflx verifies these supplier origins to ensure every export aligns with Thai customs regulations and those of your target market.

Vietnam: E-Portal Registration and Eco Packaging

Vietnam’s customs modernization has made registration through its national e-portal system mandatory. HS codes are automatically checked against product categories, and packaging must comply with both EU and U.S. labeling rules.

Most factories in Vietnam now follow EU PPWR standards and U.S. labeling norms by default. Tiroflx reviews these details early, ensuring your shipment won’t be delayed or rejected for documentation gaps.

United States: Section 321 and UFLPA Enforcement

U.S. Customs has intensified checks on shipments under the $800 de minimis threshold, especially from China. The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) now applies to all shipments, including low-value parcels and packages.

Importers must demonstrate “reasonable care” and maintain documentation for a minimum of five years. Manual reviews of ACE and ABI entries have extended clearance times from hours to several days.

And costs continue to rise: pre-Chinese New Year freight rates increased by 40–50% in 2025, adding $2,000–$4,000 per container before departure. (Source: Tiroflx Compliance Data, 2024–2025)

European Union: Carbon and Packaging Compliance

The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) now covers additional product groups through 2026. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces digital packaging identifiers, recyclability data, and full supplier traceability for all imports.

Factories exporting to both the EU and the U.S. now use unified documentation to meet the standards of both markets, minimizing redundant audits and reducing compliance costs.

Read more: EU Import Compliance 2025 – The Final Countdown.

Beyond Compliance: The Strategy Shift

These new regulations aren’t just about paperwork. They’re reshaping how global sourcing works.

Companies that treat compliance as an afterthought will struggle with delays and rising costs. Those that integrate it into sourcing gain speed, reliability, and stronger customer trust — which directly boosts visibility and rankings on Amazon.

When compliance is part of product development, it safeguards legal, quality, and ethical standards — helping you build a supply chain that’s resilient to CNY slowdowns and regulatory surprises alike.