New Global Guidelines Clarify Customs Valuation of Franchise Fees

New Global Guidelines Clarify Customs Valuation of Franchise Fees

The World Customs Organization issued a new advisory opinion clarifying that franchise fees should not be included in the customs valuation of imported goods under specific circumstances. Originating from a Mexican case and confirmed by the Technical Committee on Customs Valuation, this opinion aims to reduce import costs for businesses and enhance customs valuation transparency. Companies should study the opinion, assess their franchise agreements, and communicate with customs authorities to ensure valuation compliance and capitalize on trade opportunities. This helps in correctly determining the dutiable value and avoiding potential penalties.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos WACAM Project Modernizes HR in West and Central African Customs

Wcos WACAM Project Modernizes HR in West and Central African Customs

The WCO-WACAM project supports the modernization and upgrade of human resource management in customs administrations in West and Central Africa. Through regional workshops and technical assistance, it assists customs agencies in the region to reform their HR management systems. The project aims to build a competency-based HR management system, improve the overall quality and efficiency of customs staff, and promote trade facilitation and economic development. The initiatives are designed to enhance customs workforce capabilities and contribute to regional economic growth by streamlining customs processes and improving overall performance.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs General Administration And Ningbo Shipping Exchange Deepen Cooperation To Promote Global Trade Index Development

Customs General Administration And Ningbo Shipping Exchange Deepen Cooperation To Promote Global Trade Index Development

The General Administration of Customs' Global Trade Monitoring and Analysis Center has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Ningbo Shipping Exchange to engage in in-depth collaboration in global trade research and index construction. This partnership aims to leverage big data analysis to enhance the responsiveness of trade markets and support the development of both domestic and international trade.

07/28/2025 Logistics
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WCO and GS1 Collaborate to Enhance Global Trade Data Standards

WCO and GS1 Collaborate to Enhance Global Trade Data Standards

The World Customs Organization (WCO) collaborates with GS1 to build a more secure, efficient, and transparent global trade ecosystem through data-driven solutions. Their cooperation spans data standardization, risk management, and technological innovation, addressing global trade challenges and enhancing trade facilitation. This partnership aims to contribute to global economic prosperity by promoting streamlined processes and improved security measures within international trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Packing Lists Cut Disputes in Global Trade

Packing Lists Cut Disputes in Global Trade

The Packing List (PL) is crucial in international trade as it influences customs clearance, customer satisfaction, and insurance claims, serving as a 'secret weapon' to avoid foreign trade disputes. This article explores the definition, function, and ways to enhance management practices of packing lists to assist foreign trade companies in operating efficiently.

09/16/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Customs Tax Exemption Nature Codes and Import/export Goods Exemption Explained

Customs Tax Exemption Nature Codes and Import/export Goods Exemption Explained

The Customs Exemption Code System provides systematic support for the management of import and export goods and tax reductions. This article introduces the classification of customs exemptions, the coding structure, and the specific implementation scope and policy implications of various categories. The aim is to enhance transparency through classification, improve the efficiency and fairness of customs management, and thereby promote the healthy development of international trade.

11/30/-0001 Customs Knowledge
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Pacific Islands Boost Customs Valuation with Expert Program

Pacific Islands Boost Customs Valuation with Expert Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly launched the "Master Trainer Programme" to develop customs valuation experts in Pacific Island Countries. This initiative aims to establish a regional training system, enhance customs valuation capabilities, facilitate trade, increase revenue collection, and improve international competitiveness. The first working group activity has been successfully held, laying a solid foundation for future actions.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mexico Streamlines Ocean Freight Customs Clearance Process

Mexico Streamlines Ocean Freight Customs Clearance Process

This article provides a detailed overview of the latest sea freight customs clearance procedures in Mexico, including required documents, key steps, and frequently asked questions. It aims to help businesses understand and efficiently navigate Mexican sea freight customs clearance, ensuring smooth passage of goods and avoiding delays and extra costs. This guide helps protect international trade by providing the necessary information for successful customs clearance in Mexico.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Customs Adopts WCO Program to Enhance Audit Efficiency

Malawi Customs Adopts WCO Program to Enhance Audit Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO)'s 'Advanced Post-Clearance Audit' workshop program aims to enhance the audit capabilities of member customs administrations, particularly addressing the challenges faced by developing countries when using manual audit tools. The program emphasizes systematic auditing, risk assessment, data analysis, and cooperative auditing concepts. Successfully piloted in Malawi, it helps customs administrations strike a balance between control and trade facilitation.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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ROCB Europe Enhances Customs Talent Development

ROCB Europe Enhances Customs Talent Development

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting ROCB Europe in restructuring its organizational framework to build a competency-based human resource management system, ultimately enhancing regional customs capacity building. By defining positions, constructing competency models, and providing ongoing support, the WCO aims to create an efficient talent engine that promotes regional trade facilitation and security. This initiative contributes to strengthening the global customs cooperation network.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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