Sierra Leone Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

Sierra Leone Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported Sierra Leone in enhancing its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities through a workshop, technical assistance, and an action plan. This aims to effectively implement the World Trade Organization (WTO)'s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The initiative focuses on strengthening the Sierra Leone National Revenue Authority (NRA)'s customs risk management, improving control effectiveness, and promoting trade facilitation. Ultimately, this contributes to the country's sustainable economic development by optimizing revenue collection and streamlining trade processes.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Imposes Tiered Fees to Counter Chinas Maritime Trade Dominance

US Imposes Tiered Fees to Counter Chinas Maritime Trade Dominance

The U.S. Trade Representative is implementing tiered tariffs targeting China's maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries, aiming to counter its dominance. This action, through adjusted fees and LNG export policies, will impact container shipping costs, supply chain diversification, market competition, and trade friction risks. Businesses should reassess their supply chains, optimize transportation plans, enhance transparency, and monitor policy developments to navigate the evolving trade landscape. The tariffs are expected to increase costs and potentially disrupt existing trade routes, forcing companies to adapt their strategies.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WTO Moves to Standardize Global Customs Valuation Rules

WTO Moves to Standardize Global Customs Valuation Rules

The 1983 Customs Valuation Committee Decision clarified that the English term "undertaken" in the Customs Valuation Agreement should be interpreted as "carried out." This aims to standardize international trade terminology, enhance the accuracy and consistency of customs valuation, reduce the risk of trade disputes, and facilitate international trade. The French and Spanish versions of the term remain unchanged. This clarification ensures a more uniform application of the agreement across different language versions, promoting fairness and predictability in international trade transactions.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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ADB and WCO Boost Global Trade Efficiency in New Partnership

ADB and WCO Boost Global Trade Efficiency in New Partnership

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) are strengthening their collaboration to enhance customs efficiency in developing countries. This partnership focuses on capacity building, technical assistance, information sharing, and policy dialogue. The goal is to promote trade facilitation and regional integration, jointly address global trade challenges, and build a more efficient and interconnected global trade landscape. The cooperation aims to improve customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and support sustainable economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Urges Stronger Customsbusiness Ties at Shanghai Forum

WCO Urges Stronger Customsbusiness Ties at Shanghai Forum

The WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the IFCBA conference, emphasizing customs-business cooperation for trade facilitation. The focus was on the efforts of Chinese Customs and discussions centered around WCO surveys aimed at improving trade efficiency. The importance of collaboration between customs authorities and the private sector was highlighted as a key driver for streamlining border procedures and reducing trade costs. The conference provided a platform for exchanging best practices and exploring innovative approaches to enhance customs operations and promote seamless international trade.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO IAPH Partner to Ease Maritime Delays Via Digital Ports

WCO IAPH Partner to Ease Maritime Delays Via Digital Ports

IAPH and WCO co-organized a workshop to accelerate digital transformation, enhance trade facilitation, and improve supply chain security by strengthening customs-port cooperation. They will develop international guidelines to promote data sharing, process optimization, and capacity building, jointly building an efficient, secure, and sustainable global trade ecosystem. The collaboration aims to streamline processes, reduce delays, and enhance transparency within the maritime trade sector. This initiative highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the evolving challenges of global trade and security.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Jetstar Airways Launches Direct Flights Between China and Australia to Attract Tourists

Jetstar Airways Launches Direct Flights Between China and Australia to Attract Tourists

Jetstar Airlines announced the launch of direct flights between China and Australia by the end of the year, aiming to attract more Chinese tourists and enhance economic exchange and personnel interactions between the two countries. The airline plans to offer 35 weekly flights, focusing on the second and third-tier city markets. With the increase in outbound tourism from China, this new route could present Australia with the opportunity to welcome 8 million Chinese tourists.

07/28/2025 Logistics
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High Logistics Costs Hinder Development in China Prompting Urgent Need for Reduction

High Logistics Costs Hinder Development in China Prompting Urgent Need for Reduction

China's social logistics costs remain high, placing a heavy burden on enterprises and affecting economic transformation. Various fees are still widespread, particularly in highways and import-export sectors, with high costs and inconsistent standards, intensifying pressure on businesses. It is crucial to strengthen policy implementation, regulate charging mechanisms, and promote cost reduction to enhance enterprise competitiveness and achieve sustainable economic development.

07/28/2025 Logistics
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