US Trademark Guide for Ecommerce Sellers on Usage Proof

US Trademark Guide for Ecommerce Sellers on Usage Proof

This article focuses on the challenge of providing a 'specimen of use' in US trademark registration. It details the standards for acceptable specimens, including website links, product images, and sales order screenshots, and lists common examples of unacceptable specimens. Furthermore, it introduces the 'intent-to-use application' as an alternative strategy to help sellers avoid risks and efficiently complete trademark registration. This option allows applicants to file before actual commercial use, providing a pathway to secure trademark rights based on a bona fide intention to use the mark in the future.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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French VAT Rules Disrupt Crossborder Ecommerce

French VAT Rules Disrupt Crossborder Ecommerce

A widespread invalidation of French VAT numbers has shaken the cross-border e-commerce community. This article advises sellers to immediately check their VAT number status to avoid potential suspension of sales, providing the official website and operation guide. It also recommends strengthening communication with tax service providers and diversifying tax risks to cope with the challenges of cross-border e-commerce. Immediate action is crucial to ensure continued business operations and compliance with French tax regulations.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Guide to Mercado Libres KYC Verification in Latin America

Guide to Mercado Libres KYC Verification in Latin America

This article provides a detailed guide to the Mercado Libre (MercadoLibre) seller KYC verification process. It includes a list of required documents, step-by-step instructions, and answers to frequently asked questions. This aims to help cross-border sellers successfully complete the verification and begin selling in the Latin American e-commerce market. It provides practical guidance to navigate the KYC process and successfully onboard onto the Mercado Libre platform, unlocking opportunities in the growing Latin American market.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Ecommerce Sellers Face Trademark Risks Over 100 Claims

Ecommerce Sellers Face Trademark Risks Over 100 Claims

US company Saule, LLC, as the trademark holder of "100%", has initiated another round of rights protection, posing an infringement risk to cross-border e-commerce sellers. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the "100%" trademark application and its enforcement activities. It also offers comprehensive strategies for sellers to mitigate infringement risks and ensure compliance, including self-inspection, trademark search, monitoring industry trends, and seeking legal advice. The aim is to help sellers avoid infringement and achieve compliant operations.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO SAFE Upgrade Boosts SME Security in Global Ecommerce

WCO SAFE Upgrade Boosts SME Security in Global Ecommerce

The 30th WCO SAFE Working Group meeting focused on empowering MSMEs and securing emerging trade models. It promoted the continuous evolution of the SAFE Framework through measures like upgrading technical standards, expanding AEO programs, and strengthening the security of cross-border e-commerce and free zone trade. The meeting emphasized data security, standardization, MSME participation, and the application of emerging technologies. These efforts aim to build a safer, more efficient, and inclusive global trade system, contributing to global economic prosperity.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos Free Data Model Boosts Global Trade Standardization

Wcos Free Data Model Boosts Global Trade Standardization

The WCO Data Model version 3.11.0 has been released as a free, interactive app, marking a significant step towards global trade data standardization. This new version includes IMO and UPU message implementation guidelines, aiming to streamline maritime and postal processes, and improve trade efficiency. The freely available WCO DM empowers businesses, reduces compliance costs, promotes data interoperability, and helps build a more efficient and secure global trade ecosystem.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Revenue Authority Adopts Competencybased HR System

Malawi Revenue Authority Adopts Competencybased HR System

With the support of the WCO and Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) is actively building a competency-based human resource management system (CBHRM) to enhance organizational effectiveness. This initiative aims to improve talent selection, customize training programs, implement objective performance evaluations, and optimize career development. MRA's experience provides valuable lessons for other developing countries' tax administrations. The CBHRM framework helps MRA to strategically manage its workforce, ensuring it possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively administer taxes and contribute to national development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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DR Congo Monkeypox Outbreak Triggers Global Health Response

DR Congo Monkeypox Outbreak Triggers Global Health Response

The WHO has declared the monkeypox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to a novel strain and cross-border spread. Recommendations include strengthened surveillance and vaccination efforts. International cooperation is crucial to address the challenges posed by this evolving situation. This declaration highlights the need for a coordinated global response to contain the outbreak and mitigate its potential impact on public health worldwide. Further research and resource allocation are also essential.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Namibia Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Stakeholder Talks

Namibia Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Stakeholder Talks

WCO held a workshop in Namibia to support its implementation of the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and enhance its National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) capabilities. The workshop emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and leveraging international best practices to promote trade facilitation. It aimed to provide Namibia with the necessary tools and knowledge to streamline its trade processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, ultimately boosting its economic competitiveness.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Guidelines Boost Global Trade and Border Efficiency

WCO Guidelines Boost Global Trade and Border Efficiency

The 2017 WCO Global Transit Conference focused on improving cross-border transportation efficiency, releasing the 'Transit Guidelines' which emphasized the importance of political will, technological application, and international cooperation. The conference explored the development challenges faced by landlocked countries and shared successful experiences such as the EU's NCTS and the TIR Convention. The aim was to build a more efficient, convenient, and secure global transit ecosystem. The guidelines and discussions highlighted the need for harmonized procedures and data exchange to streamline transit operations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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