WCO Publishes 2022 HS Explanatory Notes for Trade Classification

WCO Publishes 2022 HS Explanatory Notes for Trade Classification

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released the 2022 edition of the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) in print. This provides practical guidance on technical descriptions and classification of goods, serving as the official interpretation of HS codes. Purchase of the print version includes amendment supplements. An online subscription option is also available through the WCO Trade Tools platform. As a global leader in customs affairs, the WCO assists trade professionals in accurate customs clearance.

01/05/2026 HS Code Query
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US Customs Guide for Crossborder Ecommerce Sellers

US Customs Guide for Crossborder Ecommerce Sellers

This paper analyzes factors affecting US air freight customs clearance and inspection time, including cargo and documentation compliance, customs workload, commodity type, and inspection methods. It provides strategies for cross-border e-commerce sellers to shorten inspection times and improve operational efficiency. These strategies include ensuring accurate declarations, selecting professional freight forwarders, purchasing insurance, and avoiding peak periods. The analysis aims to help sellers navigate the complexities of US customs and optimize their supply chain.

01/08/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mexicos New Customs Law to Raise Business Costs in 2026

Mexicos New Customs Law to Raise Business Costs in 2026

Mexico's new Customs Law, set to take effect in 2026, strengthens regulations and promotes digitalization. It impacts areas such as declarations, customs clearance, and risk monitoring. This new law is expected to increase compliance costs for businesses and affect various stakeholders. The updated regulations aim to enhance security and efficiency in customs procedures, but also necessitate adjustments and investments from companies involved in trade with Mexico to ensure adherence to the new requirements.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nicaragua Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs Reforms

Nicaragua Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs Reforms

Nicaragua, with the support of the World Customs Organization, hosted a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop. The aim was to identify and address trade bottlenecks through the TRS methodology, thereby improving customs clearance efficiency. This event is part of the WCO-Norwegian Development Cooperation Agency's Customs Capacity Building Project and complements Nicaragua's Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) pilot program. Both initiatives are dedicated to enhancing supply chain security and efficiency, ultimately promoting trade facilitation.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Madagascar Trade with Advanced Ruling System

WCO Enhances Madagascar Trade with Advanced Ruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the EU-WCO Programme for Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System in Africa, provides comprehensive support to Madagascar Customs in establishing a national advance ruling system. This includes capacity building workshops, technical assistance, experience sharing, and laboratory construction. The initiative aims to enhance trade facilitation in Madagascar, reduce trade risks, improve customs clearance efficiency, and increase trade certainty, ultimately injecting new vitality into the country's economic development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Guide Aims to Streamline Customs Valuation Processes

New Guide Aims to Streamline Customs Valuation Processes

This guide aims to help import and export companies understand the customs valuation intelligence exchange mechanism. By clarifying the importing country's customs self-assessment checklist, the golden rules of intelligence exchange, and upgraded measures, it helps businesses mitigate risks, accelerate customs clearance processes, and enhance international trade competitiveness. It provides practical guidance on leveraging intelligence exchange to ensure accurate valuations and avoid potential penalties, ultimately leading to more efficient and compliant trade operations.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guide to Streamlining International Air Freight Customs

Guide to Streamlining International Air Freight Customs

This article provides a detailed interpretation of the core process and required documents for international air freight customs declaration. It covers key stages such as pre-declaration preparation, electronic filing, customs review, on-site inspection, and tax payment. Essential documents are listed for different trade methods, helping you complete international air freight customs clearance efficiently and compliantly. It aims to streamline the process and ensure adherence to regulations for smooth international air cargo transportation.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tonga Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

Tonga Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic mission in Tonga, aiming to enhance customs modernization and facilitate trade. The WCO expert team engaged with various departments within Tonga Customs and external stakeholders to assess the existing system, provide recommendations for improvement, and share international best practices. This initiative is expected to help Tonga establish an efficient, transparent, and compliant PCA system, ultimately promoting trade facilitation and economic development.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guide to Optimizing CIF Export Declarations for Cost Savings

Guide to Optimizing CIF Export Declarations for Cost Savings

This article, from a data analyst's perspective, delves into the key points of completing export customs declarations under CIF terms. It focuses on interpreting the declaration logic of freight and insurance premiums and their impact on export tax rebates. Furthermore, it provides suggestions for optimizing the customs declaration process. The aim is to assist companies in accurately and compliantly completing customs declarations, thereby avoiding tax risks. The analysis emphasizes the importance of precise data entry for both customs clearance and subsequent tax rebate claims.

09/26/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Uzbekistans Customs System Upgrade

WCO Backs Uzbekistans Customs System Upgrade

At the request of the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic mission to assess its customs valuation system and propose reforms. The assessment covered legal framework, valuation capacity, risk management, post-clearance audit, information technology application, and cooperation mechanisms. The reform aims to improve trade facilitation in Uzbekistan, attract foreign investment, and promote economic growth. The WCO's recommendations are expected to enhance the efficiency and transparency of customs procedures, ultimately contributing to a more favorable business environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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