Congo Enhances Customs Valuation with WCO Support

Congo Enhances Customs Valuation with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the General Directorate of Customs and Excise of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DGDA) in its transition following the termination of contracts with private inspection companies. A WCO expert mission visited the DRC to help DGDA officials consolidate their knowledge, introduce new tools, and provide technical support through meetings and workshops. The aim is to establish an efficient and transparent customs valuation system, promoting economic development and integration into the global economy for the DRC.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Risks and Costs of Uncleared Goods in Global Trade

Risks and Costs of Uncleared Goods in Global Trade

This paper explores the feasibility, risks, and costs associated with pre-arrival of uncleared goods. Operationally feasible, it relies on coordination with customs brokers and carries inspection risks. Cost-wise, pre-arrival and amendment fees may incur additional expenses. We recommend a comprehensive assessment of factors such as cargo nature, customs broker capabilities, and port regulations before making a decision. Careful consideration is advised.

08/22/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Key Steps for Efficient International Air Freight Shipping

Key Steps for Efficient International Air Freight Shipping

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the international air freight shipping process. It covers key stages including pre-shipment preparation, booking confirmation, cargo handover, customs declaration and security inspection, loading and transportation, and final delivery. The article emphasizes important considerations such as standardized Shipper's Letter of Instruction, house air waybill requirements, and security inspection timelines. The aim is to assist businesses and individuals in completing international cargo transportation efficiently and compliantly.

01/05/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
Read More
Importers Face Challenges With Bonded Goods Deferred Duties

Importers Face Challenges With Bonded Goods Deferred Duties

Bonded goods refer to imported commodities for which customs duties are temporarily not paid and are required to be stored in a bonded warehouse under customs supervision. This system provides enterprises with financial flexibility, simplifies trade processes, and ensures the safety of goods. During the bonded period, goods can also undergo simple processing, repackaging, and re-export trade, promoting international trade development. This allows businesses to defer duty payments until the goods are actually released into the domestic market, improving cash flow and competitiveness.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
China Updates Baggage Declaration Rules for Travelers

China Updates Baggage Declaration Rules for Travelers

This article provides a detailed guide on completing the "Customs Declaration Form for Inbound/Outbound Passengers of the People's Republic of China," emphasizing the importance of truthful declaration. It explains key points, common mistakes, and precautions for filling out the form, aiming to help travelers pass through customs smoothly and avoid unnecessary problems. The guide covers aspects like item descriptions, quantities, and values. It also mentions professional customs declaration and inspection services for complex situations, ensuring compliance and efficient processing of luggage and personal effects.

08/21/2025 Document Interpretation
Read More
Freight Forwarders Guide to Avoiding Repeat Customs Inspections

Freight Forwarders Guide to Avoiding Repeat Customs Inspections

This article delves into the common issue of shipments initially released then subjected to customs inspection in freight forwarding. It analyzes potential causes and proposes solutions, including standardized declarations, complete documentation, understanding policies, and credit management. Furthermore, it addresses common issues like discrepancies in equipment handover forms and zero value in proforma invoices. The importance of sharing freight forwarding experience is emphasized to help practitioners better handle customs inspections and mitigate trade risks. Aiming to provide practical guidance and reduce potential problems during customs clearance processes.

08/22/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
New Zealand Tests WCO System to Boost Air Cargo Security

New Zealand Tests WCO System to Boost Air Cargo Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Cargo Targeting System (CTS) air cargo capability has been piloted in New Zealand, aiming to enhance global air cargo risk assessment and pre-inspection capabilities. The New Zealand Customs Service will comprehensively test and evaluate the system, providing customs agencies worldwide with smarter, more efficient risk management tools. This initiative contributes to building a safer and more convenient global trade environment by improving the ability to identify and mitigate potential threats in air cargo shipments before they reach their destination.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Comoros Enhances Trade Via WTO Customs Training

Comoros Enhances Trade Via WTO Customs Training

The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) jointly held a workshop to provide technical assistance on customs valuation to Comoros, which is seeking to join the WTO, helping it fulfill its accession obligations. The workshop focused on the WTO's Valuation Agreement, covering valuation methods, appeal procedures, pre-shipment inspection, and trade facilitation. The aim was to enhance Comoros' trade competitiveness and build an efficient and transparent trade environment. The training is crucial for Comoros to align its customs practices with international standards.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
AI Enhances Customs Fraud Detection Curbing Tax Evasion

AI Enhances Customs Fraud Detection Curbing Tax Evasion

The DATE neural network model, developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), leverages a dual attention mechanism and tree-aware embedding techniques to effectively identify potential customs fraud transactions and improve inspection efficiency. Successfully piloted in Nigeria and open-sourced for use by customs administrations worldwide, this model has the potential to become a new tool in combating cross-border tax evasion. It offers a data-driven approach to detecting irregularities and enhancing risk assessment in international trade, ultimately contributing to fairer and more secure global commerce.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More