Colombia Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

Colombia Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully conducted a Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) technical assistance workshop for the Colombian Tax and Customs Authority (DIAN). The workshop aimed to enhance DIAN's PCA capabilities and assist in applying the WCO PCA diagnostic tool. Through expert training and guidance, DIAN made significant progress in understanding PCA concepts, improving audit processes, and developing long-term development strategies. This contributes to building a more efficient and transparent tax system in Colombia.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Lesotho Customs Modernization with Audit Reform

WCO Boosts Lesotho Customs Modernization with Audit Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully completed a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic mission for the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA). The mission aimed to assess the LRA's systems, techniques, and methodologies related to PCA and provide recommendations for improvement, enhancing the efficiency and transparency of its tax administration system. This initiative is part of the HMRC-WCO-UNCTAD collaboration project, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in promoting customs modernization in developing countries.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Latin America Streamlines Customs Rulings to Boost Trade

Latin America Streamlines Customs Rulings to Boost Trade

Nineteen Latin American countries gathered to discuss the optimization and implementation of the Customs Advance Ruling (AR) mechanism. The seminar aimed to foster regional cooperation, share best practices, and refine relevant policies and regulations to build a more efficient, transparent, and predictable trade environment. This initiative helps businesses reduce trade risks, improve customs clearance efficiency, and optimize cost control, ultimately promoting economic development and global trade prosperity in the Latin American region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Rwanda Launches Online System to Ease Crossborder Trade

Rwanda Launches Online System to Ease Crossborder Trade

Rwanda Customs has launched an online advance ruling system integrated into its electronic single window. This aims to help traders clarify tariffs in advance, reduce trade risks, and accelerate customs clearance. To fully leverage the system's advantages, training and promotion are crucial to enhance traders' familiarity with the online application process, helping businesses seize market opportunities. The system improves transparency and predictability in cross-border trade, fostering a more efficient and reliable trading environment.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Key Tips for Avoiding ISF Filing Errors and Ensuring Compliance

Key Tips for Avoiding ISF Filing Errors and Ensuring Compliance

This article addresses common issues in ISF filing, such as incorrect seller information, late filing, and SCAC code errors. It provides practical advice to help importers avoid customs clearance risks and ensure smooth entry of goods into the US market. The importance of early preparation, information verification, selecting a professional customs broker, and timely communication are emphasized. By understanding these points, importers can minimize potential delays and penalties associated with ISF compliance.

01/08/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Strategies to Reduce Customs Delays in International Shipping

Strategies to Reduce Customs Delays in International Shipping

This article delves into the key factors influencing customs inspection rates for international express shipments, including commodity type, declaration method, recipient type, destination, and other variables. It offers practical tips such as accurate declaration, compliant documentation, and selecting the appropriate shipping channel. The aim is to help readers effectively mitigate inspection risks and create a robust defense for international express customs clearance, acting as a 'golden shield' against potential delays and complications.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Revises Trade Rules for Alcohol Powder Apparel Sets

WCO Revises Trade Rules for Alcohol Powder Apparel Sets

The 56th session of the Harmonized System Committee (HSC) of the World Customs Organization (WCO) released the latest commodity classification decisions, covering goods such as powdered alcohol, two-piece suits, and children's carriers. These decisions aim to provide clearer commodity classification criteria for international trade, reduce trade risks, improve customs clearance efficiency, and lower trade costs. They offer guidance for consistent application of the Harmonized System, facilitating smoother and more predictable global trade flows.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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HS Code Crucial for Smooth Crossborder Ecommerce

HS Code Crucial for Smooth Crossborder Ecommerce

HS Code is the 'universal language' of international trade and crucial for cross-border e-commerce. It standardizes commodity classification and simplifies customs clearance. Sellers must accurately declare HS Codes to avoid customs inspections and additional fees. Establishing a comprehensive product database and staying updated on HS Code revisions are key to successful cross-border e-commerce operations. Proper HS code management minimizes delays and ensures compliance, contributing to smoother international transactions.

01/23/2026 HS Code Query
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China Tightens Customs Rules to Curb Personal Shopping Proxies

China Tightens Customs Rules to Curb Personal Shopping Proxies

Starting June 1, China Customs has implemented new regulations for incoming travelers' luggage, prohibiting the release of five categories of imported goods to curb personal purchasing. Travelers must ensure their personal items from abroad fall within a 'reasonable quantity for personal use'; any excess will be temporarily held and subject to customs procedures. The tax exemption policy outlines specific restrictions for cigarettes, discs, and electronic products, which require special attention to compliance. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in customs intervention.

07/29/2025 Logistics
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WCO Advances Trade Reforms in Turkmenistan Via Revised Kyoto Convention

WCO Advances Trade Reforms in Turkmenistan Via Revised Kyoto Convention

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a seminar in Turkmenistan to promote the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and raise awareness of the importance of simplified and harmonized customs procedures. By providing detailed interpretations of the RKC articles, self-assessment tools, and considering Turkmenistan's specific context, the WCO is helping the country lay the groundwork for future accession to the RKC. This initiative aims to facilitate trade and promote economic development in Turkmenistan by streamlining its customs processes and aligning them with international standards.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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