WCO JICA Boost East Africa Customs Valuation for Trade Growth

WCO JICA Boost East Africa Customs Valuation for Trade Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint project held an advanced Customs Valuation trainer workshop in East Africa. The aim was to cultivate experienced trainers, develop practical training materials, and enhance customs valuation capabilities in East Africa, thereby promoting trade facilitation. Through case studies, expert guidance, and skills sharing, the workshop improved the professional level of customs officials and customs brokers, contributing to regional economic development. The initiative underscores the importance of skilled personnel in ensuring fair and efficient trade practices.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Workshop Enhances Risk Management for Asiapacific Customs

WCO Workshop Enhances Risk Management for Asiapacific Customs

The WCO Asia Pacific Regional Risk Management Accreditation Workshop was successfully held in Malaysia, aiming to cultivate a group of experts proficient in risk management to support customs administrations of member countries. Through rigorous selection and systematic training, participants mastered risk management tools and enhanced their professional skills. The event emphasized the core role of data analysis in customs risk management, contributing to building a secure and efficient global trade environment. The workshop underscored the importance of proactive risk assessment and mitigation strategies for improved customs operations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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East Africa Boosts Antismuggling Efforts with WCO JICA Support

East Africa Boosts Antismuggling Efforts with WCO JICA Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly held a workshop in Uganda to enhance customs intelligence analysis capabilities and strengthen anti-smuggling efforts in East Africa. Customs officials from various East African countries collaborated to develop post-seizure analysis training materials. Experts from the WCO and Japan Customs provided guidance to help East African customs improve their intelligence-driven risk management and combat smuggling crimes. The workshop aimed to build capacity and foster regional cooperation in tackling cross-border illicit trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Chinas Nanjing Customs Lab Named WCO Regional Hub for Asiapacific Trade Security

Chinas Nanjing Customs Lab Named WCO Regional Hub for Asiapacific Trade Security

Nanjing Customs Laboratory of China's General Administration of Customs has officially become a WCO Regional Customs Laboratory, marking a new opportunity for customs cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. The laboratory boasts expertise in areas such as agricultural products, minerals, and hazardous materials identification. It will provide support to WCO members in the region, strengthen information sharing, organize workshops and training courses to enhance the professional skills of customs personnel, facilitate trade, and contribute to building an open, secure, and prosperous global trade system.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Walmart Tops Fortune 500 As Logistics Firms Gain Momentum

Walmart Tops Fortune 500 As Logistics Firms Gain Momentum

The Fortune 500 list has been released, with Walmart topping the rankings again, followed by Amazon. Notably, several cross-border logistics companies, including UPS, FedEx, and C.H. Robinson, are also featured, highlighting the significance and growth potential of the cross-border logistics industry in global trade. These companies play a crucial role in connecting global markets by providing efficient logistics solutions. Their presence on the list underscores the increasing importance of seamless and reliable logistics in facilitating international commerce and supporting the global economy.

01/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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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.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Air Franceklm Unveils Sustainability Plan for Aviation Sector

Air Franceklm Unveils Sustainability Plan for Aviation Sector

Air France-KLM Group is actively promoting a green transition in the post-pandemic era, facing the challenge of balancing passenger volume recovery with emission reduction pressures. The group is committed to reducing carbon emissions through investments in new aircraft and procurement of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Simultaneously, it calls for public sector support to establish a level playing field and jointly promote the sustainable development of the aviation industry. This collaborative approach is crucial for achieving significant progress in reducing the environmental impact of air travel.

01/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Customs and Logistics Innovations Boost Global Trade Efficiency

Customs and Logistics Innovations Boost Global Trade Efficiency

The WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the FITAC International Conference, discussing the role of customs and logistics in global competitiveness. The conference highlighted the critical role of customs in promoting economic development, focusing on two key topics: customs-business partnerships and customs modernization. The aim is to build an efficient, convenient, and secure global trade environment, helping businesses succeed in the global market. The discussions emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation to streamline processes and enhance security, ultimately boosting economic growth and trade facilitation.

12/30/2025 Logistics
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Ivory Coast Improves Customs Classification with Eubacked Initiative

Ivory Coast Improves Customs Classification with Eubacked Initiative

Within the framework of the EU-funded PACIR project, the WCO held a national workshop in Côte d'Ivoire to enhance customs officers' capabilities in tariff classification. The workshop covered HS system explanations, tool support, and training module development. It aimed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of customs classification in Côte d'Ivoire, promote trade facilitation, and recommended the prompt implementation of the HS 2012 amendments. The initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and contribute to the country's economic growth by ensuring accurate and consistent tariff application.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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