The Foreign Investment Review Board regime is a critical component of the country’s approach to regulating foreign investments. Recent reforms to this regime reflect the Australian government’s response to the constantly evolving landscapes.

The globalized world thrives on international trade, but navigating the complex web of export controls can feel like hitting a moving target. Governments constantly update regulations to address national security concerns, technological advancements, and shifting geopolitical landscapes. This constant flux creates significant challenges for businesses engaged in international trade.

The market for non-alcoholic or low alcohol alternative drinks has exploded in recent years. With consumers becoming more health conscious than ever, coupled with demographic shifts away from alcohol consumption, it is no surprise that people have been drawn to the possibility of avoiding a hangover.

Periodically in the course of life, you might be asked to give a personal guarantee. You might be the owner of a business which wants to borrow money and as well as your company giving a charge over property or over its other assets to the bank or finance company, they might want you to guarantee the company’s payment obligations.

This article summarises the key information provided at the ANZ Food Regulatory System Stakeholder Forum that is most relevant from a food industry perspective, particularly the regulatory priorities that were identified for 2024.  

On December 11, 2023, Law 21,634 was published, which modernizes the public procurement regime. Below are some interesting modifications introduced by this law.

In August 2023, Food Standards Australia New Zealand published a recall notice in relation to an oats product. The reason for the recall was due to a failure to declare gluten. However, the product in question bore the statement “no gluten detected” and in the nutrition information panel (NIP) it read “Gluten – NIL DETECTED”.

An order made under section 7 of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 has come into force, the effect of which is to now automatically classify any “sport supplement” product in tablet, pill or capsule form as a therapeutic good (i.e. medicine), and no longer food.

Amid soaring interest rates and the recent swell in commercial real estate loan workouts, borrowers and lenders alike are increasingly considering an alternative to the traditional and sometimes long and cumbersome foreclosure process: a deed in lieu of foreclosure

On 24 July, 2023, FSANZ published a Call for submissions asking for industry feedback on a proposal to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to clarify exactly what nutrition content claims are – and allegedly are not – allowed on behalf of alcoholic beverages.

This new Law, still pending development, intends to introduce modifications both in the current regulation of the establishment of commercial establishments and in the organization of commercial activity.

On December 22, the StartUps Law, for the promotion of the ecosystem of emerging companies, was published in Spain This regulation aims to facilitate startups' access to financial resources, promote innovation and encourage job creation.

On January 10, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced The New York Housing Compact, a series of proposals to grow the housing stock across New York State.