Japan export licensing system update - free download

I have contributed to certain export control articles in WorldECR. http://www.worldecr.com/

I find one of my articles, "Changes to Japan’s export licensing system" which I drafted sometime this year is now available free-download in WorldECR web site.  (Normally, the articles of WorldECR require subscription.)

http://www.worldecr.com/wp-content/uploads/WorldECR-Japan-export-licensing-article.pdf

This article summarize the procedural change of Japan's export licensing system both in individual license and bulk license in April 2012.  Generally, such procedures in Japan is not available in English in METI web site.
Hope this information is helpful for global traders.

EU and Singapore agree FTA

The European Union and Singapore have successfully completed talks on FTA.  A draft agreement between the EU and Singapore is expected to be signed in the spring, once both sides have sought approval for the deal from their respective parliaments.

Under the agreement, the EU will remove tariffs on all imports from Singapore over five years, while Singapore will immediately allow duty-free access for all imports from the EU. 
The EU is the top destination for Singapore's exports.


(Source:  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324407504578184061043113852.html )

Wassenaar Dec 2012 list update is available now

As an annual event, the dual use list update of Wassenaar Arrangement ("WA") is now available in their web site http://www.wassenaar.org/controllists/index.html

Certain relaxation can be found throughout almost all categories. 

As for Japan, METI will update local regulation around summer in 2013, according to their press release.
http://www.meti.go.jp/press/2012/12/20121213002/20121213002.pdf