New Global Customs Codes Aim to Curb Plastic Waste by 2028

New Global Customs Codes Aim to Curb Plastic Waste by 2028

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System (HS) 2028 edition introduces new subheadings for plastic products, enhancing the visibility of specific polymers, expanded polystyrene articles, plant fiber items, plastic cotton swabs, fishing nets, and balloons. It also introduces a definition of 'single-use'. These adjustments will facilitate customs data collection, enabling governments to develop more effective trade regulations and promote sustainable plastic management. This will contribute to combating plastic pollution on a global scale.

02/06/2026 HS Code Query
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FMC Forms Shipper Advisory Panel to Address Supply Chain Woes

FMC Forms Shipper Advisory Panel to Address Supply Chain Woes

The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has established the National Shipper Advisory Committee, bringing together representatives from 24 import/export companies, including Target and Amazon. The committee aims to address global supply chain challenges and enhance the efficiency and fairness of the international freight system. Focusing on areas like container availability, market competition, and service reliability, the committee will provide strategic recommendations to the FMC. This initiative is intended to help the United States gain a greater competitive edge in global trade by improving its maritime shipping practices and addressing critical supply chain bottlenecks.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Trucking Industry Calls for Infrastructure Funding to Cut Congestion Costs

Trucking Industry Calls for Infrastructure Funding to Cut Congestion Costs

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has launched an advocacy campaign urging Congress to increase infrastructure investment to address traffic congestion and economic losses caused by aging roads and bridges. The ATA proposes raising the fuel tax to provide a sustainable funding source for the Highway Trust Fund. They are calling on the public to pressure their congressional representatives to support infrastructure development. The initiative highlights the urgency of modernizing America's transportation network to improve efficiency and boost the economy by reducing delays and ensuring the safe movement of goods.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Free Excel Template Simplifies Small Business Inventory Management

Free Excel Template Simplifies Small Business Inventory Management

This article introduces a practical Excel-based inventory and sales management system template suitable for small and micro enterprises and individual businesses. The system integrates management modules such as customers, products, sales, purchases, accounts receivable, unshipped goods, returns, and sales representatives. It automatically calculates and generates data through built-in functions and pivot tables, helping users efficiently manage inventory and sales data and improve operational efficiency. This Excel template offers a user-friendly solution for tracking sales, managing inventory, and generating reports without the need for expensive software.

01/23/2026 Warehousing
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Chile Summit Alters Asiapacific Trade Amid Uschina Tensions

Chile Summit Alters Asiapacific Trade Amid Uschina Tensions

Trade representatives from 14 nations convened in Chile to discuss the future of Asia-Pacific trade in the post-TPP era. The meeting, focusing on TPP alternatives, could become a new arena for US-China competition for economic dominance in the region. The positions and interactions of the parties will foreshadow the future Asia-Pacific trade landscape. The United States needs to re-evaluate its trade strategy to address China's growing influence. This gathering highlights the shifting dynamics and the need for strategic adaptation in the face of evolving regional power balances.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Hong Kong Ministers Draft Trade Negotiation Report

Hong Kong Ministers Draft Trade Negotiation Report

The Trade Negotiations Committee meeting reviewed the draft report for the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference. Representatives from various parties offered opinions and suggestions on the report's content, primarily focusing on wording, progress descriptions, and future directions. While disagreements existed, all parties expressed a willingness to seek consensus, laying the groundwork for future negotiations. The discussions aimed to refine the report and ensure it accurately reflects the current state of negotiations and sets a clear path forward. The meeting highlighted the complexities involved but also the commitment to finding common ground.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Harmonized System Crucial for Global Trade Efficiency

Harmonized System Crucial for Global Trade Efficiency

The Harmonized System (HS) is a crucial tool in international trade that enhances trade efficiency through standardized product classification. Developed by the World Customs Organization, it encompasses over 5,000 product categories, providing a framework for standardized data analysis and customs management. The HS ensures a universal language for global trade, effectively supporting the standardization of customs procedures and trade statistics across countries.

08/07/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Relies on Accurate Cross-Border Transport Declarations

Global Trade Relies on Accurate Cross-Border Transport Declarations

This guide elaborates on the customs declaration process for inbound and outbound transport vehicles and its key components, emphasizing the necessity and completeness of the declarations. According to customs regulations, the responsible personnel must truthfully declare cargo, passengers, and other essential information to ensure safe and smooth transport. Manifest declaration is a critical step that is vital for improving customs clearance efficiency.

07/28/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Serbia Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Risk Management Aid

Serbia Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Risk Management Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), conducted a risk management workshop for Serbian Customs. The aim was to enhance their risk management capabilities, establish a robust risk management system, and improve their risk registry. This initiative will help Serbian Customs improve inspection efficiency, increase transparency, and ultimately facilitate trade, contributing to the country's economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and WTO Partner to Simplify Global Trade Processes

WCO and WTO Partner to Simplify Global Trade Processes

The World Customs Organization (WCO) works closely with the World Trade Organization (WTO) to promote the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The WCO supports customs administrations in enhancing efficiency and transparency through capacity building, standard setting, information sharing, tool development, and advocacy. These efforts aim to simplify customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and ultimately contribute to the prosperity of global trade.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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