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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North American Intermodal Market Grows Despite Challenges

North American Intermodal Market Grows Despite Challenges

North American intermodal transportation rebounded strongly in the second quarter, but the growth is partially due to a low base effect and asynchronous trends between international freight and import volumes. International container transport was driven by Canada, and IMC highway transportation saw a strong recovery. Future focus should be on economic, policy, and technological factors to optimize supply chains and capitalize on intermodal opportunities. While the rebound is positive, underlying issues need addressing for sustained growth in the freight market. Careful monitoring of these factors will be crucial for stakeholders.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Barbara Melvin Tackles Shipping Industry Challenges

Barbara Melvin Tackles Shipping Industry Challenges

In an interview, Barbara Melvin, COO of the South Carolina Ports Authority, shares her insights on the maritime industry, including the reasons for the surge in import volumes, the importance of port infrastructure development, and the impact of the pandemic on container shipping. She emphasizes the crucial role of infrastructure and views the pandemic as both a challenge and an opportunity. This interview provides a valuable window into the current state and future trends of the maritime industry, offering perspectives on navigating the evolving landscape of global trade and logistics.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Supports Benin Customs in Streamlining Disaster Relief Clearance

WCO Supports Benin Customs in Streamlining Disaster Relief Clearance

The World Trade Organization (WTO) assisted Benin Customs in developing standard operating procedures for clearing natural disaster relief goods. Through unified import procedures, accelerated clearance processes, expert experience sharing, and practical exercises, the project aims to establish an efficient and convenient customs clearance mechanism for disaster relief supplies. This initiative not only enhances Benin Customs' disaster response capabilities but also provides valuable lessons for other countries, contributing to the construction of a global disaster relief system. The focus is on speed and efficiency in getting aid to those who need it most.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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CPKC Navigates Labor Risks Shifting Imports in North American Rail Freight

CPKC Navigates Labor Risks Shifting Imports in North American Rail Freight

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the North American rail freight market, focusing on CPKC's strategic positioning and its collaboration with CSX. It examines the impact of labor relations on operations, reviews the contributions of key figures to corporate transformation, and forecasts port resilience under the reshaping of import patterns in 2025. The article emphasizes the need for companies to pay close attention to market dynamics, respond flexibly, and strengthen cooperation to adapt to future development trends. Companies must be agile to navigate the evolving landscape.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Container Imports Near Record Amid Tariffs Seasonal Demand

US Container Imports Near Record Amid Tariffs Seasonal Demand

U.S. container imports in August approached historical peak levels, driven by both tariff policies and seasonal demand. The report indicates a slight month-over-month decrease but a year-over-year increase, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Adjustments in tariff policies, the global economic situation, and supply chain resilience will be key factors influencing future import volumes. The surge suggests businesses are anticipating potential future trade changes and stocking up accordingly. This trend highlights the complex interplay between trade policy, economic forecasts, and logistical planning in the global market.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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Bing Ads Guide Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce ROI

Bing Ads Guide Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce ROI

This article focuses on the Bing Ads (Microsoft Ads) platform, providing a comprehensive guide for cross-border e-commerce advertisers, covering strategy and implementation. It includes insights into paid traffic, a comparative analysis of Google Ads and Bing Ads, and Bing Ads ad import and optimization techniques. The aim is to help advertisers improve their advertising ROI by leveraging the unique features and opportunities offered by Bing Ads for reaching a specific audience and achieving better cost efficiency compared to other platforms. This guide offers practical advice for maximizing campaign performance.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Rail Freight Gains Traction in European Ecommerce Logistics

Rail Freight Gains Traction in European Ecommerce Logistics

Railway DDP FBA is a novel logistics solution for the European e-commerce market. It combines the efficiency, economy, and safety of railway transportation with the convenience of DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service, providing a one-stop logistics solution for cross-border e-commerce sellers. By choosing a suitable Railway DDP FBA service provider, sellers can be empowered to succeed in the European market. This method offers a cost-effective and reliable way to transport goods directly to Amazon fulfillment centers, simplifying the import process and reducing potential delays.

01/23/2026 Logistics
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DHL Launches Datadriven Customs Clearance for Retailers

DHL Launches Datadriven Customs Clearance for Retailers

DHL Global Forwarding introduces comprehensive customs clearance services to help retailers navigate US import challenges. By integrating customs clearance, optimizing processes, reducing costs, and improving efficiency, DHL provides efficient, convenient, and compliant solutions. This offering empowers retailers to seize opportunities in the evolving trade landscape and achieve business growth. The service focuses on streamlining the often complex and time-consuming customs process, allowing retailers to focus on their core business and expand their reach in the US market. Ultimately, it aims to simplify cross-border trade and facilitate smoother operations for retailers.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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China Expands Traditional Medicine Exports to Morocco

China Expands Traditional Medicine Exports to Morocco

This article provides a detailed analysis of the regulations and procedures for sending Huoxiang Zhengqi capsules to Morocco. It compares the advantages and disadvantages of EMS and international express delivery, and offers important considerations and frequently asked questions. The aim is to help readers safely and compliantly ship medicine to Morocco, conveying health and care. It covers key aspects like customs regulations, required documentation, and potential restrictions to ensure a smooth and legal shipping process. The guide emphasizes the importance of adhering to both Chinese and Moroccan import laws.

01/28/2026 Customs Knowledge
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