Ministry of Supply Uses Duty Drawback to Fuel Datadriven Expansion

Ministry of Supply Uses Duty Drawback to Fuel Datadriven Expansion

Ministry of Supply recovered millions of dollars in duty drawbacks through the Flexport platform, reinvesting the funds in R&D, new product launches, and market expansion. This case study highlights data integration, risk assessment, and process optimization as key success factors. To effectively leverage duty drawback policies, businesses should establish robust data systems, seek expert assistance, understand relevant regulations, optimize processes, and continuously evaluate their performance. This proactive approach ensures efficient utilization of available refunds and contributes to overall financial health.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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EU Eases CBAM Rules for Small Importers

EU Eases CBAM Rules for Small Importers

The Netherlands Emissions Authority has adjusted the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), significantly reducing the compliance burden for small importers. Importers with annual imports below 50 tons are exempt from reporting obligations, while those exceeding 50 tons can use EU default emission values. Importers should assess their import volumes, seek professional support, and prepare for the full implementation after the transitional period. This simplification aims to ease the initial adoption of CBAM for smaller businesses, ensuring a smoother transition to the new carbon regulation framework.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Tariff Engineering Strategies Aim to Cut Costs and Raise Profits

Tariff Engineering Strategies Aim to Cut Costs and Raise Profits

Tariff engineering is a strategy that involves fine-tuning product design, materials, or functionality to qualify for lower tariff rates. It effectively reduces import costs and enhances product competitiveness. Tools like the Flexport Tariff Simulator enable businesses to analyze tariff implications in real-time, optimize product plans, and achieve profit growth. By strategically modifying products to fit within more favorable tariff classifications, companies can significantly lower their overall landed costs and improve their market position. This proactive approach to tariff management is crucial for businesses engaged in international trade.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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US Imposes Countervailing Duties to Combat Unfair Trade Practices

US Imposes Countervailing Duties to Combat Unfair Trade Practices

A countervailing duty (CVD) is a tariff imposed by the United States to offset unfair competitive advantages gained by domestic industries due to foreign government subsidies. Targeting specific countries and products, CVDs aim to restore a level playing field in international trade. Businesses should monitor policy changes, ensure compliance, and proactively address the challenges posed by countervailing duties.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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US Tariffs Disrupt Global Shipping Industry

US Tariffs Disrupt Global Shipping Industry

The US tariff policy has triggered a trade war, severely impacting the global shipping industry. Sectors like container shipping, car transportation, and energy exports are all affected, leading to increased shipping rates and global economic uncertainty. The goal of revitalizing the US shipbuilding industry is unlikely to be achieved in the short term. Ultimately, consumers and businesses will pay the price for trade protectionism.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Custom Apparel Exporter Overcomes Rejection to Restore Trust

Custom Apparel Exporter Overcomes Rejection to Restore Trust

A foreign trade company faced customer returns due to quality issues in customized clothing, leading to difficulties in collecting payment and a trust crisis. Experts advise the company to proactively take responsibility, rebuild trust, and adopt a three-step strategy: assessing risks, striving for inspection, and handling issues flexibly. The importance of quality control as the foundation for the survival and development of foreign trade enterprises is also emphasized. Addressing the quality problem and communication effectively are crucial for restoring the business relationship and mitigating further financial losses.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Guide to Dutyfree Shipping for Small Parcels

Guide to Dutyfree Shipping for Small Parcels

This article provides an in-depth analysis of duty exemption policies for international small packets, detailing the types of goods more likely to qualify for tax relief, such as charitable aid, humanitarian assistance, policy-supported items, and compliant low-value goods. It offers a guide to avoid common pitfalls, reminding sellers to steer clear of high-risk products. The importance of accurate declaration, understanding destination country policies, and consulting professionals is emphasized, helping cross-border e-commerce businesses optimize tax costs and maximize profits.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Alibaba Bans Alcohol Sales to Saudi Arabia in Compliance Move

Alibaba Bans Alcohol Sales to Saudi Arabia in Compliance Move

Alibaba.com has announced a new regulation prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages and food products to Saudi Arabia. This rule, effective February 18, 2025, is based on Saudi Arabian law and Islamic Sharia, which forbids the sale of alcohol. Merchants are advised to review existing orders and adjust their sales strategies accordingly. Alibaba.com will strengthen its monitoring and impose penalties on violators. This measure aims to ensure that platform merchants comply with Saudi Arabian laws and highlights the importance of compliant operations in cross-border e-commerce.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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US Tariffs Hike Disrupts China Crossborder Ecommerce

US Tariffs Hike Disrupts China Crossborder Ecommerce

The US has initiated or increased tariffs on six categories of Chinese goods imported into the US, with rates generally high, reaching up to 1157.53% in some cases. Affected products include hardwood plywood, softwood plywood, brake drums, low-speed personal transportation vehicles, temporary steel fences, and slag pots. Cross-border e-commerce companies should adopt strategies such as diversifying market layouts, increasing product added value, and ensuring compliant operations to cope with trade risks. These measures are crucial for mitigating the impact of these new tariffs and maintaining competitiveness in the global market.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Shopify Launches Tax Tool for Global Ecommerce Sellers

Shopify Launches Tax Tool for Global Ecommerce Sellers

Shopify's duties and import taxes feature is now available to all plan users. Merchants can pre-collect duties at checkout, enhancing cost transparency and reducing rejection rates. To ensure smooth operation, bind the DDP shipping label, accurately fill in product information, update logistics policies, prepare commercial invoices, and optimize the refund process. This allows for a more streamlined and predictable experience for international customers, ultimately boosting sales and customer satisfaction.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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