Costa Rica Streamlines Trade with New Customs Preruling System

Costa Rica Streamlines Trade with New Customs Preruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Costa Rica in upgrading its customs system, with a focus on implementing an Advance Ruling System to enhance commodity classification and origin management, thereby facilitating trade. This initiative aims to improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, and increase trade certainty by providing businesses with clearer expectations. This approach is a valuable model for other countries and businesses seeking to streamline their customs processes and improve trade efficiency.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comprehensive Analysis of Customs Clearance Terminology Essential Knowledge for Optimizing Import and Export Processes

Comprehensive Analysis of Customs Clearance Terminology Essential Knowledge for Optimizing Import and Export Processes

This article provides a detailed analysis of key terms and their meanings in customs clearance, assisting import and export practitioners in understanding the customs supervision mechanism. It aims to improve operational efficiency and ensure compliance. The content covers various aspects including cargo management supervision, inspection processes, release standards, and product classification.

07/24/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Duty Exemption Codes Explained

Customs Duty Exemption Codes Explained

This article provides a detailed overview of the classification and structure of customs duty exemption codes, including regulations for general taxation, gratuitous aid, statutory exemptions, and specific regional goods. By defining each code and outlining its applicability, it aids logistics professionals in understanding customs procedures, ensuring compliance and efficiency in trade.

07/21/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Bahamas Strengthens Customs Tariffs to Increase Revenue

Bahamas Strengthens Customs Tariffs to Increase Revenue

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a national workshop in the Bahamas on the Harmonized System (HS) to enhance the Bahamas Customs' capacity in tariff classification. The workshop covered the theory and practice of HS coding, emphasizing the application of the General Rules for Interpretation and focusing on issues such as the classification of parts. Through talent development and the Mercator Program, it aims to facilitate trade in the Bahamas. The workshop also explored the relationship between HS code optimization and tax revenue growth from a data analysis perspective.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Iran Accelerates HS 2017 Translation to Facilitate Trade

Iran Accelerates HS 2017 Translation to Facilitate Trade

Iran Customs is translating the World Customs Organization's HS 2017 Explanatory Notes into Persian. This initiative aims to reduce trade barriers, improve customs clearance efficiency, and provide clearer commodity classification guidance for Iranian import and export businesses. The first two volumes have been released, and translation of the remaining chapters is underway. This effort will facilitate international trade, enhance Iran's trade participation, and revitalize economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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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GS1 Standards Simplify Customs Boost Global Trade Efficiency

GS1 Standards Simplify Customs Boost Global Trade Efficiency

GS1 global standards are facilitating the standardization, digitalization, and unification of customs product classification, addressing existing complexities, inefficiencies, and conflicts. Utilizing key elements like GTIN, GPC, and GDSN, and incorporating China's pioneering practices of linking GTIN with HS codes, pilot projects have shown initial success. Moving forward, GS1 will continue to strengthen cooperation, promote standardized product classification, and facilitate global trade.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Distinction Between Hazardous Chemicals and Dangerous Goods

Distinction Between Hazardous Chemicals and Dangerous Goods

This article provides a detailed analysis of dangerous chemicals and hazardous goods, highlighting their similarities in some areas while noting significant differences in customs declaration and classification. Dangerous chemicals primarily cover chemical substances and emphasize long-term hazards, whereas hazardous goods focus on short-term transportation risks. Using MDI as an example, the recognition process helps clarify the key points of classification standards.

07/17/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Algeria Boosts Trade Security with Dutch Customs Lab Aid

Algeria Boosts Trade Security with Dutch Customs Lab Aid

Algerian experts visited the Netherlands to study customs laboratories, aiming to adopt best practices for building a modern customs laboratory in Algeria. The visit focused on work organization, infrastructure, and technology application, with a deep dive into the laboratory's role in tariff classification. This initiative is part of the EU-World Customs Organization (WCO) HS-Africa Programme, designed to enhance customs management in African countries, promoting trade facilitation and security. The knowledge gained will contribute to Algeria's efforts to improve its customs procedures and efficiency.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tariff Classification Cuts Costs for Businesses

Tariff Classification Cuts Costs for Businesses

Regular reviews of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) can lead to significant cost savings for manufacturers. Experts indicate that simple tariff reclassification strategies can effectively reduce corporate tariff expenditures, enhance market competitiveness, and help businesses respond flexibly to the volatile trade environment.

08/05/2025 Customs Knowledge
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