Shipping Industry Grapples With Customs and HBL Challenges

Shipping Industry Grapples With Customs and HBL Challenges

This article provides a detailed analysis of common issues in freight forwarding practices, including the application for "Proof of Non-Shipment," customs clearance process handling, and the issuance of House Bills of Lading (HBL). It also explains customs clearance fees in the Shenzhen area, aiming to help foreign trade practitioners better understand and handle related matters. The article serves as a practical guide for navigating the complexities of international shipping and customs procedures, offering valuable insights for streamlining operations.

08/22/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Colombia Boosts Customs Checks with WCO Backing

Colombia Boosts Customs Checks with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted Colombia's Directorate of National Taxes and Customs (DIAN) in upgrading its Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) system. This involved reviewing strategies, piloting procedures, and strengthening legal frameworks, significantly enhancing DIAN's compliance capabilities and enforcement powers. This initiative aims to reduce compliance risks for businesses, improve customs clearance efficiency, enhance trade facilitation, and boost corporate reputation. Ultimately, it fosters a more stable and predictable trade environment for Colombia's economic growth and its global trading partners.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahrain Customs Boosts Efficiency with WCO Modernization Support

Bahrain Customs Boosts Efficiency with WCO Modernization Support

With WCO support, Bahrain Customs enhanced its post-clearance audit capabilities through workshops and learned about pre-arrival processing systems to meet WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement requirements. This initiative aims to optimize customs clearance processes, improve efficiency, and inject new vitality into Bahrain's economic development. The WCO's continued support will help Bahrain Customs modernize and serve as a model for other developing countries. The training focused on risk management and data analysis techniques to improve audit effectiveness and targeting.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Air Waybills Vital for International Air Freight Customs

Air Waybills Vital for International Air Freight Customs

The Air Waybill (AWB) is a crucial transport document in international air freight, serving as proof of the transport contract and recording cargo information. It plays multiple roles in the customs clearance process, including serving as a fundamental certificate, verifying legality, tracking transport processes, assisting in tax calculations, and providing proof of pickup. Its significance in ensuring smooth customs clearance is vital.

08/04/2025 Document Interpretation
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Inland Container Depots Key Hubs and Development Potential in Global Logistics

Inland Container Depots Key Hubs and Development Potential in Global Logistics

Inland Container Depots (ICDs) are crucial transit nodes in global logistics networks, providing storage, customs clearance, and other services for importers, exporters, and logistics service providers. The advantages of ICDs include alleviating port congestion and making efficient use of resources. Their operational processes encompass container arrival, registration, storage, customs clearance, and dispatch, with costs varying based on location and service specifics.

07/24/2025 Logistics
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WCO Enhances Angolas Customs Valuation to Boost Trade Revenue

WCO Enhances Angolas Customs Valuation to Boost Trade Revenue

The World Customs Organization (WCO) recently assisted Angola Customs in enhancing its customs valuation capabilities. By assessing infrastructure needs, providing recommendations on risk management and post-clearance audit, and conducting customs valuation workshops, the WCO helped Angola Customs improve revenue collection efficiency, promote compliant trade, and strengthen customs valuation oversight of multinational corporations. This assistance demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in improving customs administration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Can Rubles Be Used for Export Customs Declarations

Can Rubles Be Used for Export Customs Declarations

This article discusses the use of rubles as a currency in export customs declarations. According to customs regulations, the declaration must select a currency listed in the currency code table, which does not include rubles. Although there are differing opinions on the matter, it is advisable to consult customs brokers for a better understanding of the requirements and operational standards set by various customs authorities.

07/28/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Manifest Deadlines Key Guide for Trade Compliance

Customs Manifest Deadlines Key Guide for Trade Compliance

Customs manifests are crucial documents in international trade. The declaration deadlines vary depending on the manifest type (export, advance, import) and are subject to local regulations. This article details the declaration deadlines for these three types of manifests. It is recommended to consult local authorities for accurate information and to ensure compliant declarations.

09/28/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Ocean Freight and Customs Fees Avoiding Hidden Trade Costs

Ocean Freight and Customs Fees Avoiding Hidden Trade Costs

Although both shipping fees and customs fees are part of international logistics, they differ in nature, collection parties, and calculation methods. Shipping fees mainly pertain to maritime transport costs, while customs fees are related to customs declaration services. Understanding the composition of these fees helps avoid hidden costs and enhances the effectiveness of logistics cost management.

08/05/2025 Customs Knowledge
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