July 1: EU removes tariff exemption for small parcels
The European Union will officially end its tariff exemption for cross-border packages valued under 150 euros ($174) and tighten rules on platform responsibility, product safety and customs data. The move marks the end of a long-standing tax break that has significantly benefited Chinese e-commerce platforms.
July 1: China's outbound investment rules take effect
New regulations aimed at managing and facilitating China’s outbound investment will come into force. The 34-article framework seeks to promote high-level opening up, protect investors’ legitimate rights and safeguard national security and development interests.
July 1: China implements new EV and battery safety standards
Two mandatory national standards governing the safety of electric vehicles and their power batteries will officially take effect. The regulations address critical safety concerns in the new-energy vehicle sector, establishing stricter baseline requirements for manufacturers.
July 1: Cybersecurity label management measures take effect
Joint regulations from China’s cyberspace, industry and public security regulators will be implemented to improve the cybersecurity capabilities of products. The measures aim to strengthen consumer rights and safeguard network security and public interest.
July 1: Huawei raises prices on smart collaboration products
Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. will uniformly increase the retail prices of its entire smart collaboration product lineup. The company attributed the adjustment to rising core component costs driven by global chip supply shifts and the rapid development of artificial intelligence.
July 1: China enforces new AI micro-drama classification standards
New guidelines from the National Radio and Television Administration require AI-generated micro-dramas to be regulated based on their budget and content. Productions with an investment of 800,000 yuan ($118,377) or more, or those involving sensitive themes like politics and national security, will face stricter oversight.
July 2 to 5: Global Digital Economy Conference opens in Beijing
The 2026 Global Digital Economy Conference will be held in the Chinese capital, featuring an opening ceremony, a main forum on digital-friendly city construction and multiple specialized sessions.
