US President Trump has again proposed a $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan, but the unclear funding sources raise concerns. There are growing calls for infrastructure improvements, particularly in freight and drone sectors. Raising the gas tax is one possible funding solution, but toll roads are controversial. Regardless, upgrading US infrastructure is becoming increasingly urgent.
This article provides a practical guide for freight forwarding newcomers, covering learning methods, customs clearance practices, special situation handling, bill of lading interpretation, and volumetric weight conversion. It helps newcomers quickly get started with freight forwarding by learning during lunch breaks, differentiating between tax refunds and buying out, understanding Iran business considerations, interpreting HBL and OBL, and mastering volumetric weight conversion for air and sea freight. This guide offers essential tips and knowledge to accelerate the learning curve and improve efficiency in daily freight forwarding tasks.
Frequent complaints arise in cross-border e-commerce logistics, with customs clearance delays and last-mile delivery being primary culprits. Optimizing the entire cross-border logistics chain is crucial. This includes domestic 'three inspections' standards, intelligent sorting, international air and sea freight options, RCEP customs clearance channels, destination country pre-clearance, EIN tax number requirements, variations in last-mile delivery efficiency, overseas warehouse models, and a full-link visualization system. Addressing these factors can significantly improve the overall customer experience and efficiency in cross-border e-commerce.
With the support of the WCO and Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) is actively building a competency-based human resource management system (CBHRM) to enhance organizational effectiveness. This initiative aims to improve talent selection, customize training programs, implement objective performance evaluations, and optimize career development. MRA's experience provides valuable lessons for other developing countries' tax administrations. The CBHRM framework helps MRA to strategically manage its workforce, ensuring it possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively administer taxes and contribute to national development.
With the support of the Swedish government through the WACAM project, Benin Customs has successfully implemented a competency-based human resource management system. This system covers key areas such as recruitment, training, and performance evaluation, aiming to enhance the overall effectiveness of the customs administration. The Minister of Finance expressed support for the project and hopes to extend it to the tax department. A pilot competency assessment project will be launched at Cotonou Airport, laying the foundation for the modernization of human resources within Benin Customs.
The unique nature of international air transport clashes with traditional tax jurisdictions. This paper argues for the necessity of implementing a zero-rating VAT refund mechanism for international aviation. It emphasizes that this mechanism can reduce operational costs, promote international travel and trade, enhance competitiveness, and ensure fairness. ICAO resolutions provide guidance for governments to develop relevant policies, contributing to the construction of an interconnected global aviation network. This approach helps to streamline processes and foster a more efficient and equitable system for international air travel.
With support from the World Customs Organization, the Burundi Revenue Authority is undergoing modernization through the development of a competency-based HRM system. This aims to improve operational efficiency, increase tax revenue, and enhance stakeholder relations. The workshop focused on empowering the HR department to build a competency model and develop an action plan. The WCO will continue to provide support to help the Burundi Revenue Authority achieve its modernization goals. This initiative highlights the importance of HR in driving organizational change and improving public service delivery.
The Amazon Global Selling Seller Year-End Strategy Summit (Henan) will be held in Zhengzhou on January 27th. Focusing on "AI-Driven Cross-border Operation Growth," the summit covers core topics such as AMC applications, AI advertising, account compliance, platform policies, logistics optimization, and financial & tax compliance. It aims to provide Henan cross-border sellers with practical annual strategy guidance to help them succeed in 2026. The event offers insights and tools to leverage AI for enhanced efficiency and growth in the global marketplace.
This article delves into four compelling reasons to enter the Amazon Europe market: a vast potential customer base, lower competitive pressure, thriving market growth, and convenient Amazon support. It also provides a practical cross-border logistics guide, covering market research, sales preparation, and tax compliance, to help you navigate the European market with ease and achieve business success. Learn how to prepare your business for the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the European e-commerce landscape and optimize your supply chain for efficient delivery.
With the support of the WCO/JICA joint project, the tax authorities of the five East African countries launched a senior trainer program for Post Clearance Audit (PCA) to enhance regional PCA capabilities and promote trade facilitation. By establishing a network of experts, improving training capabilities, and developing cooperation plans, customs administrations in East Africa will strengthen cooperation, address challenges, and contribute to regional economic development. The initiative aims to build a sustainable framework for PCA expertise and collaboration within the East African Community.
