Ivory Coast Launches Transparent Customs System to Boost Trade

Ivory Coast Launches Transparent Customs System to Boost Trade

With support from the EU-WCO and the German Alliance for Trade Facilitation, Côte d'Ivoire is actively developing a national Advance Ruling System. This initiative aims to enhance trade transparency and predictability, reduce trade disputes, attract foreign investment, and improve customs efficiency. The system is expected to revitalize Côte d'Ivoire's trade development and serve as a model for other African nations. It will provide traders with binding rulings on tariff classification, origin, and other customs-related matters before import or export, fostering a more predictable and reliable trading environment.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Eswatini Introduces Etariff System to Streamline Trade

Eswatini Introduces Etariff System to Streamline Trade

With the support of the World Customs Organization, the Eswatini Revenue Service launched an electronic tariff project. This initiative aims to establish a comprehensive and integrated online platform that centralizes information on international trade regulatory measures. It provides interactive advance ruling functionalities, enhances trade transparency, reduces trade costs, and promotes trade facilitation. This project supports Eswatini in fulfilling its commitments under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and ultimately boosts the nation's competitiveness.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Advance Customs Clearance Boosts Efficiency at Shanghais Yangshan Port

Advance Customs Clearance Boosts Efficiency at Shanghais Yangshan Port

Yangshan Port implements an "Advance Declaration Before Entry" model to improve port operational efficiency, reduce cargo dwell time, and facilitate customs risk assessment and supervision. This model combines port functionality with bonded advantages, offering greater flexibility and convenience for businesses. It is a crucial guarantee for Yangshan Port's role as an international trade hub. The initiative streamlines the customs process, allowing for quicker cargo processing and contributing to the overall competitiveness of the port.

08/22/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Mongolia Boosts Customs Efficiency Via HS Rules Advance Rulings

Mongolia Boosts Customs Efficiency Via HS Rules Advance Rulings

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Mongolia successfully hosted a national workshop on the HS Nomenclature and Advance Rulings, aimed at enhancing the commodity classification skills of customs officials and addressing the increasingly complex challenges of international trade. Through international cooperation and experience exchange, Mongolian Customs is committed to improving efficiency, promoting trade facilitation, and contributing to national budget revenue. The workshop emphasized practical application and knowledge sharing to strengthen customs operations.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Boosts Trade with WCO Origin Predetermination Support

Bolivia Boosts Trade with WCO Origin Predetermination Support

The WCO is assisting Bolivia in enhancing its Origin Advance Ruling (OAR) capabilities. This initiative aims to promote trade facilitation, enabling Bolivia to better integrate into global value chains and strengthen its export competitiveness. By improving OAR processes, Bolivia can provide greater certainty and predictability to traders, reducing delays and costs associated with customs procedures. This collaboration with the WCO supports Bolivia's efforts to streamline trade, attract investment, and ultimately boost its economic growth through increased participation in international trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Implements Advanced Customs Preruling System

Botswana Implements Advanced Customs Preruling System

Botswana is actively advancing its advance ruling system to align with international standards and optimize its trade environment. Through self-assessment and international cooperation, Botswana is committed to improving its laws and regulations, strengthening capacity building, and streamlining processes. This aims to provide businesses with clearer and more reliable trade guidance, reduce trade risks, improve customs clearance efficiency, embrace trade facilitation, and enhance international competitiveness. The initiative is expected to significantly benefit businesses operating in Botswana and contribute to the country's economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uber Ruling Spotlights Gig Economy Contractor Challenges

Uber Ruling Spotlights Gig Economy Contractor Challenges

A US court ruling on an Uber class-action lawsuit impacts labor rights for independent contractors in the gig economy. The verdict emphasizes individual lawsuits, weakening the possibility of collective action. This analysis explores the challenges faced by independent contractors, including ambiguous legal definitions and a lack of rights. It calls for a balance between flexibility and security to build a sustainable gig economy model. The ruling highlights the ongoing debate surrounding worker classification and the need for updated labor laws to protect gig workers.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WTO Advocates Trade Transparency Via Advance Rulings

WTO Advocates Trade Transparency Via Advance Rulings

This article explores the role of advance rulings in international trade, highlighting the legal certainty and risk management advantages they offer to businesses and customs in terms of classification, origin, and valuation. The technical guidelines from the World Customs Organization support the implementation of advance rulings by countries, promoting trade efficiency and transparency.

08/08/2025 Logistics
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US Customs Shifts Refunds to Electronic ACH Payments

US Customs Shifts Refunds to Electronic ACH Payments

U.S. Customs announced the full digitalization of duty refunds, effective February 6th. Companies must ensure ACH electronic payment setup or designate a customs broker for collection; otherwise, direct refunds will be unavailable. This move is likely related to the Supreme Court's expected ruling on tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Businesses are advised to prepare promptly to navigate future trade changes. This digitalization aims to streamline the refund process and improve efficiency for both Customs and importers. Early preparation is crucial to avoid disruptions and ensure timely receipt of refunds.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Clarifies undertaken in Customs Rules to Ensure Fair Trade

WTO Clarifies undertaken in Customs Rules to Ensure Fair Trade

In 1983, the Customs Valuation Committee clarified that the term "undertaken" in Article 8 of the Customs Valuation Agreement should be interpreted as "carried out" in the English context. This interpretation aimed to standardize understanding and prevent trade disputes arising from linguistic differences. However, this clarification does not affect the French and Spanish versions of the Agreement. The ruling emphasizes the importance of consistent interpretation in international trade agreements to ensure fair and predictable application across different language versions.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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