During the course of this year Indonesia and China have taken significant steps with respect to the export and import of coal cargoes, as well as cargo specific standards, that members engaged in the trade will need to be aware of. The developments With a view towards reducing air pollution and increasing support for the domestic coal industry, the Chinese Government's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has passed new regulations restricting the ash and sulphur content in commercially used coal. Under these regulations, which come into effect from 1 January 2015, the sale and import of coal with ash content more than 16% and sulphur content higher than 1% will be banned in certain densely populated cities of China. In particular, the cities around the Pearl River Delta, the Yangzte River Delta and some northern cities including Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei are to be banned from burning coal exceeding such ash and sulphur limits. Furthermore, the ash and sulphur content will be limited to 20% and 1% respectively for coal that will be transported for more than 600 km from the site of production or the receiving port (this is the part relevant to shipping). Indonesia, which is the largest exporter of thermal coal in the world, has also recently started to enforce rules limiting coal exports with a view to preserving strategic resources as well as meeting increasing domestic demands. The Government has taken steps to lower the coal output, limiting licenses for mining and export and decreasing the production target by 6%, from 421 million tons in 2013 to 397 million tons this year. Out of the total coal produced in 2013, only 17% was estimated to have been absorbed by the domestic market. Under its long-term plan, the Government wants to boost domestic consumption by double digits starting next year, while further limiting exports at the same time. The aim behind taking these steps is to put an end to illegal mining activities as well as ensuring sufficient