Newsletter

We would like to extend our sincerest wishes to you for a prosperous New Year ahead. We hope, 2008, will bring you good health, happiness and success.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please contact news@metalreg.com.

In this month’s issue:

· SHFE - New Gold Futures Contract to commence

· MCX - Proposes to re-launch its Tin Futures Contract.

· TOCOM - Lists a new brand under its Platinum Contract

· AEO PROGRAMME - New EU Customs Programme implemented on 1 January 2008

· EU REACH REGULATION – A revised set of Frequently Asked Questions published by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

SHFE - GOLD FUTURES TRADING TO COMMENCE

The Shanghai Futures Exchange has completed Gold Futures trials. The official contract launch date is set for 9 January 2008. The contract size covers 1 Kilogram per lot.

Please go to:-http://www.shfe.com.cn/docview.jsp?docid=8022832

MCX PLANS A RELAUNCH OF ITS TIN FUTURES CONTRACT.

The Multi-Commodity Exchange of India Ltd. intends to re-launch their Tin Futures Contract. The contract currently requires tin of minimum 99.85% purity, deliverable in 5 tonne lots, from either of two approved brands.

TOCOM - LISTS NEW BRAND

The Tokyo Commodity Exchange, on 19 December 2007, approved the PAMP brand, produced by PAMP S.A., as Good Delivery under its Platinum Contract.

For further information, please go to:-

http://www.tocom.or.jp/news/2007/20071219_DeliverableGradesofPreciousMetals.html

THE EU AEO PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTED ON 1 JANUARY 2008

The Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) EU wide system was implemented on 1 January 2008. It is the EU's response to the need to secure the Global Supply Chain and the introduction of Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism in the USA (C-TPAT). The AEO is being delivered under the security "Community Customs Code".

The aim of the system is to provide business with an internationally recognised quality symbol. This will ensure that the AEO's role in the supply chain is secure and their customs controls and procedures are efficient and compliant.

Applying for AEO status is open to all economic participants in the Global Supply Chain within the customs territory of the EU:- manufacturers, importers, exporters, brokers, carriers, consolidators, intermediaries, ports, airports, terminal operators, integrated operators. This status will be recognised across all 27 Member States.

The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has emphasised that the AEO programme is voluntary and not mandatory.

For more information, please go to:

http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/customs/policy_issues/customs_security/index_en.htm#auth_eco

EU REACH REGULATION - REVISED FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) ISSUED

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in December 2007 issued a revised document covering Frequently Asked Questions concerning REACH regulation. This can be downloaded by clicking on the following link:-

http://echa.europa.eu/doc/071204_REACH_ECHA_FAQ_2.0.pdf