Central American Customs Boost Disaster Readiness with WCO Aid

Central American Customs Boost Disaster Readiness with WCO Aid

Members of the Central American Customs Council recently held an online seminar to enhance their capacity to handle relief supplies during natural disasters and other emergencies. The meeting reviewed current regulations, proposed strategic recommendations, and emphasized process digitalization and capacity building. They plan to develop a roadmap at the December meeting to build a more efficient regional disaster response system. The focus is on streamlining customs procedures to ensure rapid delivery of essential aid during crises, fostering greater cooperation and preparedness among member states.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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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Smart Customs Tech Boosts Global Trade Efficiency WCOWTO Report

Smart Customs Tech Boosts Global Trade Efficiency WCOWTO Report

The joint WCO/WTO report delves into the application, best practices, and challenges of technologies like blockchain, IoT, and big data in customs. It emphasizes that customs administrations should actively embrace technological change, strengthen international cooperation, increase technology investment, and improve regulatory frameworks. The goal is to enhance trade facilitation and promote global economic development. The report highlights the need for customs to adapt to the evolving technological landscape to effectively manage cross-border trade and ensure security.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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GIZ WCO Boost Gambia Trade with New Customs Tools

GIZ WCO Boost Gambia Trade with New Customs Tools

GIZ Germany, in collaboration with the WCO, is supporting Gambia in enhancing trade facilitation. The project focuses on optimizing risk management, strengthening inter-agency cooperation, and utilizing the WCO Time Release Study tool. The aim is to reduce cargo clearance times, improve trade efficiency, and ultimately promote economic development in Gambia. This initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and create a more competitive trading environment for the country.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sri Lankan Woman Breaks Barriers in Maledominated Customs Sector

Sri Lankan Woman Breaks Barriers in Maledominated Customs Sector

A Sri Lankan female Deputy Director of Customs shares her story of overcoming challenges and achieving career advancement in a male-dominated field. She encourages women to confidently challenge norms and promotes gender equality within the customs service. Her journey highlights the importance of perseverance and breaking down barriers for women in leadership roles, inspiring others to pursue their professional goals and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive workplace within the customs administration and beyond.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahrain Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Audit Clearance Systems

Bahrain Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Audit Clearance Systems

The WCO assisted Bahrain in enhancing its Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) and Pre-Arrival Processing (PAP) capabilities to align with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Bahrain committed to applying the acquired knowledge and skills. The WCO will continue to support Bahrain's customs modernization efforts. This assistance aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs procedures, ultimately facilitating trade and economic growth for Bahrain.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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FBA DDP Shipping Eases Customs Risks in Crossborder Ecommerce

FBA DDP Shipping Eases Customs Risks in Crossborder Ecommerce

The FBA double clear with tax included model is a new option for cross-border e-commerce sellers to avoid customs clearance risks. Logistics service providers handle customs clearance and tariffs, reducing seller risk, saving time and effort, and enabling cost control. However, sellers should still prioritize selecting reputable logistics providers, accurately declaring product information, understanding target country laws and regulations, and monitoring international developments. This approach offers a streamlined solution while requiring due diligence in choosing partners and staying informed about relevant regulations and global dynamics.

01/23/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Shipping Food to the Netherlands Transit and Customs Guide

Shipping Food to the Netherlands Transit and Customs Guide

This article provides a detailed analysis of the time it takes to ship food from China to the Netherlands by sea. It covers pre-shipment preparations, estimated sea freight time, customs clearance procedures, and an analysis of influencing factors. It aims to help readers understand the time required for sea freight of food to the Netherlands and offers practical advice on optimizing transportation efficiency. The information includes tips for streamlining the process and minimizing potential delays during the entire shipping duration.

01/23/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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FBA Sellers Adopt New Customs Strategies to Avoid Delays

FBA Sellers Adopt New Customs Strategies to Avoid Delays

This article deeply analyzes the clearance and transportation timeliness of FBA goods after arrival, breaking it down into three stages: unloading and container retrieval, customs clearance, and final delivery. It examines key factors affecting timeliness, such as port congestion, customs inspection, and document issues. Furthermore, it provides practical strategies to avoid delays and ensure efficient warehousing, helping sellers optimize their logistics processes and seize market opportunities. This includes tips on preparing documentation, choosing reliable carriers, and proactively managing potential delays. Aiming for faster FBA delivery and improved operational efficiency.

01/23/2026 Logistics
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Guide to Accurate HS Code Classification for Customs Compliance

Guide to Accurate HS Code Classification for Customs Compliance

This article details five methods for querying HS codes: querying on the official website of the General Administration of Customs, using third-party websites, utilizing AI-powered classification assistants, employing third-party customs systems for rough classification, and outsourcing to professional third-party classifiers. For each method, the operational steps, precautions, advantages, and limitations are explained. The aim is to help foreign trade enterprises efficiently and accurately classify commodities, thereby avoiding trade risks.

01/23/2026 HS Code Query
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