WCO Enhances Georgias Tax Valuation for Modern Administration

WCO Enhances Georgias Tax Valuation for Modern Administration

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a valuation workshop for the Georgian Revenue Service (GRS) to enhance the expertise of customs officials in areas such as royalties, risk analysis, advance rulings, and transfer pricing. By focusing on challenges and sharing the 'WCO Guide to Customs Valuation and Transfer Pricing,' the workshop strengthened cooperation between customs and tax authorities. This initiative supports the modernization of tax administration in Georgia and helps maintain international trade order.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central Africa Strengthen Customs to Fight Art Trafficking

West and Central Africa Strengthen Customs to Fight Art Trafficking

Under the initiative of the World Customs Organization, West and Central African Customs administrations have jointly developed an action plan to strengthen cultural heritage protection and combat illicit trafficking. The plan encompasses key areas such as raising awareness, enhancing inter-agency cooperation, and conducting practical training. It emphasizes the importance of international collaboration to build a robust barrier against the illegal trade in cultural artifacts and promote the preservation of cultural heritage across the region.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Nations Crack Down on Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

Asiapacific Nations Crack Down on Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

The Asia-Pacific region faces a significant challenge from the illegal trade of plastic waste. The Asia Pacific Plastic Waste (APPW) project, initiated by the World Customs Organization, aims to strengthen customs' response capabilities, mitigate the threat of illegal shipments, and promote the Basel Convention amendment. Through Coordinated Border Management (CBM) and international cooperation, the project seeks to effectively control and facilitate plastic waste trade, collectively building a future without 'plastic enclaves'.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Evaluates SAFE Framework to Strengthen Global Trade Security

WCO Evaluates SAFE Framework to Strengthen Global Trade Security

The SAFE Working Group meeting assessed the framework's implementation, focusing on data strategies and green customs initiatives. A new AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) curriculum was launched, and the working plan was revised to better reflect current priorities. Discussions emphasized strengthening coordination across various sectors to enhance the overall effectiveness of the SAFE Framework in promoting secure and efficient trade. The meeting highlighted the ongoing commitment to international customs cooperation and trade security.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Warns of Supply Chain Risks at ADBI Conference

WCO Warns of Supply Chain Risks at ADBI Conference

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization highlighted the importance of global supply chain resilience at the Asian Development Bank Institute Annual Conference. He pointed to challenges such as digitalization, data standardization, disruptive technologies, e-commerce, environmental concerns, and border conflicts. He emphasized the crucial role of customs in enhancing supply chain resilience and called for strengthened international cooperation to address the challenges facing global supply chains, ultimately promoting sustainable and inclusive economic development.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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USPS 10B Loan Poses Opportunities Challenges for Logistics Firms

USPS 10B Loan Poses Opportunities Challenges for Logistics Firms

The United States Postal Service (USPS) faces financial difficulties and received a multi-billion dollar loan through the CARES Act. This analysis explores the challenges and opportunities facing USPS, along with calls for its operational flexibility. It delves into the root causes of USPS's predicament and potential reform directions. Furthermore, it proposes strategies for logistics companies to leverage the situation, emphasizing win-win cooperation, differentiated competition, and technological innovation to capitalize on the evolving landscape.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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US Manufacturing PMI Drops Signaling Economic Slowdown

US Manufacturing PMI Drops Signaling Economic Slowdown

The US Manufacturing PMI continues to contract, hitting a 12-month low, characterized by weak demand, sharp order declines, and rising layoffs. Underlying causes include high inflation and high interest rates. Despite these challenges, some sectors are still experiencing growth. Governments and businesses must collaborate to control inflation, improve efficiency, and strengthen cooperation to mitigate recession risks. This requires proactive measures to address the underlying economic pressures and foster a more resilient manufacturing sector.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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European Logistics Faces Challenges Seeks US Partnerships

European Logistics Faces Challenges Seeks US Partnerships

The European logistics industry faces multiple challenges, but autonomous ships and growing LNG demand offer new opportunities. Enhanced cooperation between the EU and the US, focusing on technology development, standardization, and market access, could drive the transformation and upgrading of European logistics towards sustainable development. This collaboration aims to address current hurdles and leverage emerging technologies to improve efficiency and resilience in the sector, potentially streamlining operations and fostering innovation across the transatlantic logistics landscape.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Releases Guidelines to Simplify Global Rail Customs Procedures

WCO Releases Guidelines to Simplify Global Rail Customs Procedures

The WCO Railway Guidelines, published by the World Customs Organization (WCO), aim to promote the standardization, simplification, and intelligence of customs procedures for rail transport. This report provides an in-depth interpretation of the guidelines, analyzes their impact and challenges, and proposes optimization strategies, including strengthening international cooperation, promoting technological innovation, and improving laws and regulations. The goal is to enhance the efficiency and safety of global rail transport and facilitate trade development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nicaragua Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs Reforms

Nicaragua Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs Reforms

Nicaragua, with the support of the World Customs Organization, hosted a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop. The aim was to identify and address trade bottlenecks through the TRS methodology, thereby improving customs clearance efficiency. This event is part of the WCO-Norwegian Development Cooperation Agency's Customs Capacity Building Project and complements Nicaragua's Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) pilot program. Both initiatives are dedicated to enhancing supply chain security and efficiency, ultimately promoting trade facilitation.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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