West and Central African Customs Officials Boost Skills Via WCO Training

West and Central African Customs Officials Boost Skills Via WCO Training

Customs trainees from French-speaking West, Central, and parts of African countries visited the WCO Secretariat. Through thematic lectures and exchange visits, they gained in-depth understanding of the WCO's operational mechanisms, strategic planning, and capacity building projects. The training aims to enhance the professional level of customs officers in developing countries, promote international customs cooperation, and build a safer and more efficient global trade system. The visit fostered knowledge sharing and strengthened relationships within the global customs community.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Advances Tax Reform with WCO to Boost West African Standards

Gambia Advances Tax Reform with WCO to Boost West African Standards

With the support of the WCO, the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has initiated strategic management reforms aimed at enhancing organizational project management capabilities and strategic monitoring and evaluation frameworks. This collaboration aims to position the GRA as a strategic management role model in West Africa, ultimately increasing fiscal revenue and promoting economic development. The reforms focus on building internal capacity and establishing robust mechanisms for tracking progress and ensuring accountability in achieving strategic objectives. The expected outcome is a more efficient and effective revenue collection system.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gambias Customs Reform Gains WCO Backing for West African Talent Hub

Gambias Customs Reform Gains WCO Backing for West African Talent Hub

The WCO is supporting the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in upgrading its human resources management. This initiative pioneers competency-based HRM in West and Central Africa, aiming to establish a regional hub for talent. The project focuses on developing skills and capabilities within the GRA, ultimately enhancing its operational efficiency and effectiveness. By implementing modern HR practices, the GRA aims to attract, retain, and develop a highly skilled workforce, contributing to improved revenue collection and overall economic development in the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Banco Central De Sao Tome E Principe SWIFT Code Eases Global Transfers

Banco Central De Sao Tome E Principe SWIFT Code Eases Global Transfers

This article provides a detailed explanation of the SWIFT code (CSTPSTSTXXX) for the Central Bank of Sao Tome and Principe. It clarifies its function, use cases, and how to locate the SWIFT code for specific branches. Furthermore, it addresses frequently asked questions, such as the consequences of using an incorrect SWIFT code and the possibility of receiving international payments without a SWIFT code. The aim is to assist readers in successfully completing international money transfers involving Sao Tome and Principe.

09/03/2025 International Settlement
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EUWCO Project to Strengthen Afcfta Via Rules of Origin by 2025

EUWCO Project to Strengthen Afcfta Via Rules of Origin by 2025

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme Steering Committee recently convened to review the 2025 project objectives. These objectives include assisting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in finalizing its rules of origin and harmonizing the rules of origin regimes across African countries. The program aims to foster intra-African trade growth and promote regional economic integration. The project seeks to streamline trade processes and reduce barriers within the continent, ultimately contributing to a more unified and prosperous African economy.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Crossborder Ecommerce Faces Hidden Logistics Costs

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces Hidden Logistics Costs

Cross-border e-commerce logistics involves hidden costs like exchange rate fluctuations, policy changes, customs delays, cargo damage/loss, communication issues, and reverse logistics. These often-overlooked costs can erode profits. Sellers should monitor exchange rates and policies, optimize customs clearance, choose reliable partners, and establish a robust reverse logistics system. By focusing on these areas, businesses can effectively control costs and improve profitability in the competitive cross-border e-commerce landscape.

11/03/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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De Minimis Rules Simplified for Crossborder Ecommerce

De Minimis Rules Simplified for Crossborder Ecommerce

This paper delves into the application of the De Minimis duty exemption strategy in cross-border e-commerce, analyzing its advantages and limitations. It helps e-commerce sellers assess whether their business is suitable for the De Minimis strategy by addressing four key questions: average order value, product customs classification, inventory mix, and customer geographic location. This assessment aims to avoid the risks associated with blindly adopting the strategy and ultimately achieve cost optimization.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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SHEIN Expands Product Range to Compete in European Ecommerce

SHEIN Expands Product Range to Compete in European Ecommerce

SHEIN plans to launch a comprehensive e-commerce platform in Europe this fall, expanding into categories like homeware and partnering with well-known brands and smaller merchants. The aim is to create a one-stop shopping experience. This move is expected to introduce new competition to the European e-commerce market, potentially benefiting consumers. SHEIN's expansion reflects its ambition to capture a larger share of the European market and diversify its product offerings beyond fashion.

11/03/2025 Logistics
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Indias Ecommerce Market to Hit 550B by 2035

Indias Ecommerce Market to Hit 550B by 2035

The Indian e-commerce market is projected to reach $550 billion by 2035, with an average annual growth rate of 15%. Key drivers include increasing internet penetration, the adoption of digital payments, and a young, tech-savvy population. This growth presents significant opportunities for cross-border e-commerce businesses looking to expand into the Indian market. The burgeoning digital landscape and evolving consumer behavior make India a promising destination for international online retailers.

11/03/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Temu Cracks Down on Fake Shipping Labels Amid Fraud Scandal

Temu Cracks Down on Fake Shipping Labels Amid Fraud Scandal

The seizure of 160,000 Chinese "surface waybills" by US Customs exposes the gray areas within cross-border e-commerce. Temu platform is taking strong measures to punish violating merchants, upgrade risk control models, restrict logistics operations, and increase security deposits, demonstrating a zero-tolerance attitude towards fraud. This incident serves as a wake-up call for cross-border e-commerce practitioners, highlighting that compliance and integrity are the cornerstones of sustainable development.

11/03/2025 Logistics
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