Alibaba Bans Alcohol Sales to Saudi Arabia in Compliance Move

Alibaba Bans Alcohol Sales to Saudi Arabia in Compliance Move

Alibaba.com has announced a new regulation prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages and food products to Saudi Arabia. This rule, effective February 18, 2025, is based on Saudi Arabian law and Islamic Sharia, which forbids the sale of alcohol. Merchants are advised to review existing orders and adjust their sales strategies accordingly. Alibaba.com will strengthen its monitoring and impose penalties on violators. This measure aims to ensure that platform merchants comply with Saudi Arabian laws and highlights the importance of compliant operations in cross-border e-commerce.

Chongqing Nanpeng Expressway Bonded Logistics Center (type B) Officially Approved, Boosting International Logistics Development

Chongqing Nanpeng Expressway Bonded Logistics Center (type B) Officially Approved, Boosting International Logistics Development

The Nanpeng Highway Bonded Logistics Center (Type B) in Chongqing has been approved, becoming the city's second bonded logistics center of its kind. This facility will effectively enhance connections between domestic and international markets, serving cross-border e-commerce and the Southeast Asian market. Located in the accessible Nanpeng Trade and Logistics Base, the center aims to promote the implementation of the 'Belt and Road' initiative and the Yangtze River Economic Belt strategy, thereby strengthening Chongqing's role as an international logistics hub with significant development potential.

07/21/2025 Logistics
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In-depth Analysis of Import Express Delivery and Its Declaration Requirements

In-depth Analysis of Import Express Delivery and Its Declaration Requirements

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the definition, classification, and declaration requirements of import express. It discusses the types of customs declaration forms that should be used for different categories of express shipments. As international express services become increasingly popular, understanding relevant customs regulations is essential, particularly in the context of cross-border e-commerce and overseas shopping. The article emphasizes the declaration differences regarding document-type, personal items, and merchandise express shipments, highlighting the importance of ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

Global Customs Intensifies Crackdown on Fake COVID Supplies in Southeast Asia

Global Customs Intensifies Crackdown on Fake COVID Supplies in Southeast Asia

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is strengthening cooperation with ASEAN to combat cross-border smuggling of counterfeit and substandard COVID-19 supplies. This collaboration aims to enhance customs control capabilities, strengthen intelligence sharing, and leverage technology to build a new framework for global customs cooperation. The initiative seeks to safeguard global health security by preventing the proliferation of illicit medical products and ensuring the integrity of supply chains. This partnership underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing transnational threats and protecting public health.

WCO Updates Audit Guidelines to Strengthen Trade Security

WCO Updates Audit Guidelines to Strengthen Trade Security

A WCO expert group seminar focused on revising the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Guidelines to address evolving international trade rules, combat tax fraud, and enhance customs efficiency. The revised guidelines will optimize PCA processes, strengthen international cooperation, and improve the professional capabilities of PCA personnel, ultimately promoting trade facilitation, strengthening border security, and increasing revenue collection. Technological advancements will further drive the intelligence and efficiency of PCA. This update ensures PCA remains a vital tool for modern customs administrations in a dynamic global trade environment.

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces New Customs Valuation Challenges

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces New Customs Valuation Challenges

The World Customs Organization released Advisory Opinion 4.19, clarifying how to handle royalties that include both patent rights for imported raw materials and trademark rights for the final product in customs valuation. This opinion aims to enhance valuation certainty, reduce trade friction, and assist businesses in tax planning. It offers valuable guidance for cross-border e-commerce and import-export enterprises, particularly regarding the treatment of royalties in determining customs value. The advisory opinion provides a framework for consistently applying valuation principles to complex licensing agreements.

WCO Aids Togo in Customs Valuation to Boost Trade Efficiency

WCO Aids Togo in Customs Valuation to Boost Trade Efficiency

WCO training assisted Togo in enhancing its customs valuation capabilities. This initiative focused on strengthening personnel skills to ensure compliant and efficient valuation practices. By improving valuation procedures, the training contributes to trade facilitation and promotes smoother international trade flows. The program aims to equip Togo's customs officials with the necessary expertise to accurately assess the value of imported goods, leading to increased revenue collection and improved border security. Ultimately, this technical assistance supports Togo's economic development by fostering a more transparent and predictable trading environment.

Moldova Boosts Trade Via Mercator Program WTO Deal

Moldova Boosts Trade Via Mercator Program WTO Deal

Moldova, with support from Switzerland and the WCO, has launched the "Mercator Program" to streamline customs procedures, improve trade efficiency, and foster economic growth and regional cooperation. The initiative aims to reduce trade barriers, simplify documentation, and enhance transparency in cross-border trade. By implementing modern customs practices and technologies, Moldova seeks to boost its competitiveness and integrate further into the global economy. The Mercator Program is expected to contribute significantly to Moldova's economic development and strengthen its position as a reliable trading partner.

WTO Marks 50 Years of Fair Trade Rules Under Customs Pact

WTO Marks 50 Years of Fair Trade Rules Under Customs Pact

This paper reviews the 50-year development of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement, emphasizing its crucial role in maintaining fair trade and promoting international cooperation. It examines the agreement's impact on global trade practices and its contributions to reducing trade barriers. Furthermore, the paper looks forward to future development directions, considering emerging challenges and opportunities in the international trade landscape. It highlights the agreement's continued relevance in ensuring transparent and predictable customs valuation procedures, fostering trust among trading partners, and facilitating efficient cross-border trade flows.

Aviation Sector Navigates Recovery Amid Economic and Green Pressures

Aviation Sector Navigates Recovery Amid Economic and Green Pressures

The improving global economic environment supports aviation recovery. The industry needs to actively address carbon emission reduction challenges and resolve issues like border policies, financial support, and business travel transformation. Passenger confusion regarding travel restrictions should be addressed through increased transparency. Air cargo played a crucial role during the pandemic and holds future potential. Enhanced cooperation among all stakeholders is essential to build a brighter future for the aviation industry. This includes airlines, airports, governments, and technology providers working together to ensure a sustainable and efficient recovery.