West and Central Africa Boost Customs Cooperation

West and Central Africa Boost Customs Cooperation

The 2015 Liaison Office Meeting on Customs Capacity Building in West and Central Africa was held in Senegal, focusing on regional customs reform and capacity enhancement. The meeting reviewed the implementation of the strategic plan, initiated the identification of assistance needs, promoted a regional capacity-building market, and discussed key projects. Through mutual cooperation and field visits, the aim was to improve regional customs efficiency, facilitate trade, and safeguard the economic development of West and Central Africa. The meeting emphasized collaboration to strengthen customs operations and regional integration.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Pembina Airport Emerges As Key North American Air Freight Hub

Pembina Airport Emerges As Key North American Air Freight Hub

This article details the unique status of Pembina Airport (PMB) as a non-customs airport in North America, including its code information, geographical location, operational characteristics, and specific clearance requirements. Through the West Coast Cargo three-letter code query system, users can conveniently obtain global airport information and optimize air freight operations. The airport's designation as a non-customs facility presents specific procedures for international arrivals and departures, requiring careful planning and adherence to regulations. PMB's role is crucial for regional connectivity despite its non-customs status.

09/29/2025 Airport Codes
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Guide to Air Cargo Operations at Bam Airport BXR

Guide to Air Cargo Operations at Bam Airport BXR

This article provides a detailed overview of Bam Airport (BXR) in Iran, including its three-letter code, general information, customs clearance requirements, and instructions on using the West Bank Airport three-letter code query system. It highlights the challenges and solutions associated with customs clearance at non-customs airports. The aim is to offer valuable information and guidance to shippers and logistics companies planning to utilize Bam Airport for air freight operations. It serves as a practical resource for navigating the specific requirements and procedures involved.

09/29/2025 Airport Codes
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Crossborder Ecommerce Faces New Customs Valuation Challenges

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces New Customs Valuation Challenges

The World Customs Organization released Advisory Opinion 4.19, clarifying how to handle royalties that include both patent rights for imported raw materials and trademark rights for the final product in customs valuation. This opinion aims to enhance valuation certainty, reduce trade friction, and assist businesses in tax planning. It offers valuable guidance for cross-border e-commerce and import-export enterprises, particularly regarding the treatment of royalties in determining customs value. The advisory opinion provides a framework for consistently applying valuation principles to complex licensing agreements.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Crossborder Ecommerce Faces Stricter Air Shipment Customs Rules

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces Stricter Air Shipment Customs Rules

This article delves into the core elements of customs compliance for cross-border e-commerce goods transported via international air freight. It covers crucial aspects such as accurate declaration information, document completeness and consistency, and adaptation to destination country regulations. Furthermore, it proposes key methods to mitigate customs clearance risks, including proactive policy research, strengthened document review, selection of professional partners, standardized packaging and labeling, and robust contingency planning. This aims to empower cross-border e-commerce sellers with the tools for compliant and efficient customs clearance.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Agencies Combat Plastic Waste Surge

Asiapacific Customs Agencies Combat Plastic Waste Surge

The World Customs Organization (WCO) concluded virtual diagnostic missions to Indonesia and the Philippines, aiming to enhance customs' capacity in the Asia-Pacific region to combat the illegal cross-border movement of plastic waste. The project involved assessing the current state of customs in both countries, developing improvement plans, and planning a regional workshop to foster cooperation in addressing the plastic waste challenge. This initiative supports the implementation of the Basel Convention's Plastic Waste Amendments and promotes collaborative efforts to manage plastic waste effectively.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Europe Customs Chiefs Prioritize Digitalization to Boost Trade Compliance

Europe Customs Chiefs Prioritize Digitalization to Boost Trade Compliance

The 2019 WCO European Regional Heads of Customs Conference focused on topics such as regional transit system compatibility, performance measurement, e-commerce, and the WCO Strategic Plan. The meeting emphasized the importance of integrity and digital transformation, and also addressed the appointment of the new Head of the ROCB in Baku. The conference aimed to enhance the effectiveness of European customs administrations and promote regional trade development. The Russian Federal Customs Service was highly commended for its organizational work.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Agencies Adopt AI to Drive Digital Transformation

Customs Agencies Adopt AI to Drive Digital Transformation

The WCO MENA Leadership Workshop highlighted the crucial role of technology and digital leadership in customs digital transformation. By embracing technologies like AI and Big Data, and building strategic partnerships, customs leaders can effectively improve operational efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately achieve customs modernization and sustainable development. The workshop emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving technological landscape to enhance border security, facilitate trade, and ensure revenue collection in a rapidly changing global environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Latin American Tax Program Enhances Leadership Compliance

Latin American Tax Program Enhances Leadership Compliance

The advanced course on Tax and Customs Administration successfully held its third and fourth editions in Guatemala, providing strategic skills and tools to senior tax and customs officials from Central and South America. Jointly launched by the IMF, the Spanish Institute for Fiscal Studies, and the WCO, the course aims to enhance tax and customs administration and facilitate trade in the region. The upcoming fifth edition will continue to focus on modern management skills and leadership development.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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