Namibia Enhances Trade with Wcobacked WTO Deal

Namibia Enhances Trade with Wcobacked WTO Deal

At the request of the Namibian Customs and Excise Department, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic support mission focused on the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through extensive consultations with Namibian public and private sectors, the WCO will provide a tailored report with recommendations and collaborate with NCE to develop an implementation plan. This initiative aims to enhance capacity building and international cooperation, ultimately assisting Namibia in achieving trade facilitation and economic growth. The mission highlights the importance of customs cooperation in supporting TFA implementation.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO JICA Boost Customs Valuation in Southern Africa

WCO JICA Boost Customs Valuation in Southern Africa

The WCO and JICA collaborated on an MTP project to train customs valuation officers from five Southern African countries. This initiative aimed to enhance regional customs capacity and facilitate trade development in the region. The project focused on building expertise in customs valuation techniques and promoting international cooperation among customs administrations. Ultimately, the goal was to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of customs operations, contributing to economic growth and regional integration. The training program covered various aspects of customs valuation, ensuring participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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UAE Customs Adopts Wcobacked Training System

UAE Customs Adopts Wcobacked Training System

At the invitation of the UAE's Federal Customs Authority (FCA), the World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted in harmonizing the recruitment and training standards for Customs inspectors nationwide. Through diagnostic assessments, the WCO provided systematic improvement recommendations, covering unified recruitment criteria, optimized training systems, and strengthened qualification certifications. The aim is to enhance the professionalism of the UAE Customs workforce and promote international trade facilitation. This initiative focuses on building capacity and ensuring consistent application of Customs procedures across the country, ultimately contributing to more efficient and secure trade flows.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lesotho Upgrades Tax Talent Management System

Lesotho Upgrades Tax Talent Management System

The Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) is modernizing its human resource management system to improve operational efficiency and tax collection. The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the LRA through training and capacity building, assisting in the implementation of a competency-based HRM system to build a highly effective tax workforce. With strong commitment from LRA senior management and continued empowerment from the WCO, the LRA aims to achieve its modernization goals. This collaboration focuses on developing a skilled and competent workforce to drive revenue generation and improve tax administration.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Pushes Shipping Firms to Ease Farm Export Delays

US Pushes Shipping Firms to Ease Farm Export Delays

The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Department of Agriculture jointly sent a letter to shipping companies urging them to improve agricultural export services or face FMC scrutiny. The letter highlights container shortages, service disruptions, and uneven port utilization. It calls for the restoration of Oakland port calls, utilization of other West Coast port capacity, and restoration of reciprocal trade principles. This increased government oversight aims to protect U.S. agricultural interests, potentially posing risks for shipping companies. The focus is on addressing current supply chain issues impacting agricultural exports.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Logistics Firms Gain As Crossborder Ecommerce Soars in 2023

Logistics Firms Gain As Crossborder Ecommerce Soars in 2023

The logistics industry experienced significant changes in the first half of 2023. Companies like SF Express and ZTO maintained strong market values, while cross-border e-commerce platforms like SHEIN and Temu rose in prominence. 4PX expanded its warehousing capacity, and Air China Cargo accelerated its IPO. New shipping routes opened, leading to increased freight rates. Traditional postal services actively transformed, with Australia Post opening a new center and Guangdong Post upgrading its cargo routes. Intelligentization, digitalization, and green development are emerging as key trends shaping the future of the logistics sector.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Sines Port Drives Portugals Global Trade Growth

Sines Port Drives Portugals Global Trade Growth

The Port of Sines is a crucial maritime hub on the southwestern coast of Portugal, renowned for its deep-water conditions, strategic location, and comprehensive port services. Operating 24/7 year-round, the port boasts several deep-water berths catering to diverse vessel types. While lacking ship repair and dry dock facilities, the Port of Sines plays a vital role in the European maritime system due to its efficient operational management and complete infrastructure. Its deep-water capacity allows it to handle large container ships and other vessels, making it a significant player in global trade.

09/29/2025 Port Encyclopedia
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DR Congo Boosts Customs Oversight to Reform Trade Practices

DR Congo Boosts Customs Oversight to Reform Trade Practices

The General Directorate of Customs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) sought technical assistance from the World Customs Organization (WCO) to regain control over customs valuation, aiming to assess and enhance the capabilities of customs officers. Following a diagnostic assessment, the WCO recommended that the DRC utilize modern tools such as risk management and post-clearance audit, and supported its strategy to comply with the Niamey Declaration and the Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative not only improves customs valuation capacity in the DRC but also revitalizes the national economy and reshapes the trade landscape.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Yiwu to Malaysia Shipping Guide for Small Businesses

Yiwu to Malaysia Shipping Guide for Small Businesses

This article details the timeline, process, advantages, and frequently asked questions regarding sea freight from Yiwu to Malaysia. The shipping time is influenced by the shipping company and route, with LCL (Less than Container Load) taking approximately 30-45 days and FCL (Full Container Load) direct shipping taking about 20-25 days. The process includes customs declaration and inspection, booking and loading containers, sea transportation, and customs clearance upon arrival. The advantages of sea freight include ample capacity, lower costs, and high security, making it suitable for large-volume cargo. LCL is a suitable option for smaller shipments.

01/26/2026 Logistics
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Global Container Shipping Rates Drop Amid Weak Peak Season Demand

Global Container Shipping Rates Drop Amid Weak Peak Season Demand

The container shipping market has entered its off-season, with the SCFI index falling below 1000 points again. Freight rates on the US West Coast route have plummeted, approaching the cost line. Overcapacity and weak demand have led to a comprehensive decline in freight rates. Shipping companies' efforts to reduce capacity and cancel sailings have had limited effect, and December's price increase plans face challenges. Australia/New Zealand and South America routes bucked the trend with price increases, while intra-Asia routes saw minor fluctuations. The market may remain volatile at a low level, requiring shipping companies to adjust their strategies to meet the challenges.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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