WCO Enhances Customs Training to Strengthen Environmental Protection

WCO Enhances Customs Training to Strengthen Environmental Protection

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) Train-the-Trainer workshop in Kenya, focusing on the Basel and Montreal Conventions. Through capacity building, the WCO aims to assist national customs administrations in improving compliance, combating illegal trade, and protecting the environment. The Sida-WCO Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization (TFCM) Programme provides technical assistance to relevant customs agencies to address trade-related environmental issues and promote sustainable development. This initiative empowers customs officers to effectively enforce environmental regulations and contribute to global environmental protection efforts.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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UN Urges Aviation Industry to Tackle Singleuse Plastics

UN Urges Aviation Industry to Tackle Singleuse Plastics

The UN urges the aviation industry to collaborate with governments to address the 6 million tons of single-use plastic waste generated annually. It highlights the potential health risks of microplastics and the importance of a global plastics agreement. Recommendations include improving recyclability throughout the plastic lifecycle (production, usage, and recycling), encouraging retailers to reduce plastic use, and establishing robust recycling systems. The call is for the aviation sector to set clear plastic reduction targets and embrace sustainable development practices to mitigate the environmental impact of single-use plastics.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Maritime Data Initiative Aims to Ease Supply Chain Congestion

Maritime Data Initiative Aims to Ease Supply Chain Congestion

This webinar will focus on the Maritime Transportation Data Initiative (MTDI), featuring Flexport experts and a commissioner from the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission. They will discuss how standardized and transparent maritime shipping data can address supply chain bottlenecks, improve operational efficiency, enhance supply chain resilience, and optimize resource allocation. The webinar aims to help businesses understand the policy background, data standards, implementation paths, and response strategies of MTDI, enabling them to gain a competitive advantage. Learn how to leverage MTDI for a more efficient and resilient supply chain.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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SEKO Logistics Expands Chicago Hub Amid Ecommerce Growth

SEKO Logistics Expands Chicago Hub Amid Ecommerce Growth

SEKO Logistics launched a new global gateway in Chicago, tripling its size to address the growth of cross-border e-commerce and enhance its global logistics capabilities. The facility is equipped with advanced technology and offers diversified services, integrating contract logistics, air and ocean freight forwarding, and more. It serves clients in various industries, including aerospace and automotive. This expansion is part of SEKO's global expansion strategy, aiming to improve its global competitiveness and local service capabilities. The new gateway signifies SEKO's commitment to providing comprehensive and efficient logistics solutions worldwide.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Northwest Seaport Alliance Tackles Digital Shift Amid Supply Chain Challenges

Northwest Seaport Alliance Tackles Digital Shift Amid Supply Chain Challenges

The formation of the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) represents a strategic move by the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma to address challenges posed by digitalization and the global supply chain. This analysis examines the background of NWSA's establishment, the necessity of digital transformation, and the challenges facing logistics management by 2025. It proposes strategies for building a resilient supply chain, emphasizing that collaboration, innovation, and transformation are crucial for navigating the future of the logistics industry. The alliance aims to enhance competitiveness and adapt to evolving market dynamics.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Ports Expand Infrastructure to Ease Supply Chain Delays

US Ports Expand Infrastructure to Ease Supply Chain Delays

Descartes analyst Brendan McCahill provides an in-depth analysis of the current state and challenges of US port infrastructure. He highlights the need for West Coast ports to adapt to mega-ships, while East Coast and Gulf Coast ports are actively undergoing upgrades. To address natural disasters, ports should strengthen collaboration and information sharing. Future port development needs to focus on efficiency, technology, and cooperation to meet the challenges of the global supply chain. This includes investing in modern equipment and digital solutions to improve cargo flow and resilience.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Patent Office Overhauls SEP Governance Rules

US Patent Office Overhauls SEP Governance Rules

The USPTO has established an SEP working group to address patent licensing challenges in areas such as communications and AI. This marks a shift in the US from a 'judicial passive' approach to an 'administrative active' one, aiming to reshape the SEP governance system. This initiative could potentially influence global technology licensing rules by proactively addressing issues and potentially setting new standards for SEP licensing practices. The working group's findings and recommendations are expected to play a significant role in shaping future policies related to SEPs in the US and beyond.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Intensifies Plastic Waste Crackdown with WCO Backing

Asiapacific Customs Intensifies Plastic Waste Crackdown with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Indonesian and Philippine Customs in enhancing their plastic waste management capabilities through a virtual diagnostic mission, addressing the challenges posed by the Basel Convention amendments. This project aims to strengthen customs control over plastic waste in the Asia-Pacific region, combat illegal shipments, and raise awareness of the Convention. The WCO will develop an implementation plan and host regional workshops to foster cooperation and collectively address the plastic waste challenge. The initiative underscores the importance of customs in tackling environmental crime and promoting sustainable waste management practices.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Adopts HS Codes for Green Equipment Tracking

Global Trade Adopts HS Codes for Green Equipment Tracking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a series of workshops exploring the use of the Harmonized System (HS) to support environmentally sustainable trade. The workshops focused on the challenges and opportunities in identifying green technologies, incorporating perspectives from the EU, APEC, BIR, IRENA, and industry representatives. The aim was to promote the green transformation of the HS, facilitate trade in environmentally friendly machinery and equipment, and address classification challenges in the circular economy. The discussions highlighted the importance of accurate HS codes for promoting green trade initiatives and achieving environmental sustainability goals.

02/12/2026 HS Code Query
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Aviation Industry Pivots Amid Rising Fuel Costs Policy Pressures

Aviation Industry Pivots Amid Rising Fuel Costs Policy Pressures

The Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) urges the US and Europe to drive change in the aviation industry to address the challenges posed by high oil prices. He emphasizes relaxing foreign investment restrictions and promoting US-EU aviation liberalization to create a more flexible operating environment for airlines. High oil prices are eroding profits, and policy constraints are hindering development. Only through transformation can the industry survive. The call is for a proactive approach to navigate the current economic landscape and foster sustainable growth.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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