Global Trade Groups Propose HS Code Reforms

Global Trade Groups Propose HS Code Reforms

This article interprets the WCO's "HS Code Amendment Proposal Guidelines" to help businesses understand the modification process and proposal techniques. It aims to enable accurate commodity classification, mitigate trade risks, and promote global trade. By understanding the guidelines, companies can effectively navigate the HS code system, ensuring compliance and optimizing their international trade operations. This leads to smoother customs clearance and reduced potential for disputes, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and predictable trading environment.

Fedex Pays 228M in Gig Worker Misclassification Settlement

Fedex Pays 228M in Gig Worker Misclassification Settlement

FedEx paid $228 million to settle a case for misclassifying employees as independent contractors. This case highlights the legal and reputational risks associated with the independent contractor model and the importance of compliance operations. Companies should strengthen compliance management to ensure business activities comply with laws and regulations, achieving sustainable development. Proper classification of workers is crucial to avoid penalties and maintain ethical business practices. Ignoring compliance can lead to significant financial and legal repercussions.

Export Compliance Guide for Electric Bicycle Industry

Export Compliance Guide for Electric Bicycle Industry

This article provides a detailed interpretation of key aspects of electric bicycle exports, including lithium battery UN code classification, dangerous goods packaging requirements, and standards in China and target countries/regions (e.g., EU CE certification, US UL standards). It offers practical export advice to help companies achieve regulatory compliance and seize international market opportunities. The article focuses on ensuring smooth and compliant export processes for electric bicycle manufacturers looking to expand their global reach.

Tonga Customs Workshop Boosts Trade Efficiency

Tonga Customs Workshop Boosts Trade Efficiency

In January 2025, the WCO and Tonga Customs jointly held a workshop on tariff rulings in Nuku'alofa, aiming to enhance Tonga Customs' tariff classification capabilities and promote trade facilitation. Sponsored by the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, the workshop covered WCO guidelines, Tonga Customs practices, action plan development, and expert experience sharing. Through capacity building, institutional improvement, technical support, and international cooperation, Tonga Customs will be better positioned to serve national economic development.

Chile Advances Trade with Customs System Workshop

Chile Advances Trade with Customs System Workshop

Chile successfully hosted a national seminar in Valparaiso on the Harmonized System and Customs Tariff Management. The seminar aimed to enhance the professional skills of customs officials in commodity classification and tariff management, ensuring consistent application of the HS 2017 version and improving current working methods. With the assistance of the WCO, Chile Customs will continue to improve its capabilities, making greater contributions to promoting Chile's economic development and facilitating international trade.

De Minimis Rules Simplified for Crossborder Ecommerce

De Minimis Rules Simplified for Crossborder Ecommerce

This paper delves into the application of the De Minimis duty exemption strategy in cross-border e-commerce, analyzing its advantages and limitations. It helps e-commerce sellers assess whether their business is suitable for the De Minimis strategy by addressing four key questions: average order value, product customs classification, inventory mix, and customer geographic location. This assessment aims to avoid the risks associated with blindly adopting the strategy and ultimately achieve cost optimization.

Timorleste Updates Customs Tariff with WCO Backing

Timorleste Updates Customs Tariff with WCO Backing

At the request of Timor-Leste, the World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WCO-Norad project, provided technical assistance to support the country's tariff update from HS 2012 to HS 2017. This initiative aims to enhance Timor-Leste Customs' commodity classification capabilities, integrate into the ASEAN Economic Community, and promote trade facilitation and economic development. The project encompassed tariff assessment, gap analysis, training guidance, and system upgrades, contributing to the modernization of Timor-Leste Customs.

Global Electronics Shipping Key Battery Regulations Explained

Global Electronics Shipping Key Battery Regulations Explained

This article details the classification of electronic products in international express shipping (built-in batteries, accompanying batteries, and pure batteries), providing logistics channel selection suggestions for different types of battery products. It also emphasizes the precautions for mailing electronic products, including brand restrictions, packaging requirements, purchasing insurance, declared value, and understanding the regulations of the destination country/region. The aim is to help readers safely and compliantly ship electronic products with batteries internationally.

Ethiopia Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Meet Global Norms

Ethiopia Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Meet Global Norms

Ethiopia is accelerating the modernization of its tariff classification system to align with international standards, aiming to facilitate trade and promote economic growth. With support from the EU-WCO Africa HS Project, the Ethiopian Customs Commission is working to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and strengthen capacity building to adapt to the evolving global trade environment. This initiative seeks to simplify customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and enhance Ethiopia's competitiveness in the international market.

Algeria Studies Dutch Customs Labs to Enhance African Trade

Algeria Studies Dutch Customs Labs to Enhance African Trade

Algerian customs experts visited the Netherlands to study customs laboratories, aiming to learn advanced practices for building a modern laboratory in their country. This visit is part of the EU-World Customs Organization HS-Africa project, which focuses on improving customs management and promoting trade facilitation in Africa. The study tour covered laboratory design, technical equipment, workflow, and tariff classification. The insights gained will provide valuable references for the construction of the Algerian customs laboratory.