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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Zimbabwe Boosts Trade Audits with WCO Support

Zimbabwe Boosts Trade Audits with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Zimbabwe to enhance its customs' post-clearance audit (PCA) capabilities, implement the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), and strengthen customs-private sector cooperation. The workshop aimed to improve the effectiveness of PCA processes, ensuring compliance and promoting legitimate trade. By building capacity in PCA, Zimbabwe customs can better manage risks, optimize revenue collection, and contribute to a more efficient and secure trading environment. The event underscored the importance of collaboration between customs administrations and businesses in achieving trade facilitation goals.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Considers Xinjiang Product Ban Threatening Supply Chains

US Considers Xinjiang Product Ban Threatening Supply Chains

The US Senate passed a bill aiming to comprehensively ban imports from Xinjiang, China, based on a "presumption of guilt" principle. This impacts not only cotton and tomatoes but the entire supply chain. The bill is expected to pass the House and be signed by Biden. Businesses must immediately assess risks, reshape supply chains, and address the challenges posed by rising trade protectionism. The ban will force companies to provide clear and convincing evidence that their products are not made with forced labor, placing a significant burden on due diligence and compliance.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Eus Digital Services Act Imposes Stricter Ad Rules on Tech Giants

Eus Digital Services Act Imposes Stricter Ad Rules on Tech Giants

The EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) aims to regulate online content moderation by large tech companies and promote fair competition. This legislation significantly impacts the advertising strategies of giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta, particularly in protecting vulnerable groups. Implementation of the DSA will increase compliance costs for tech companies, potentially limit their innovation, and reshape the relationship between users and platforms. It may set a new global standard for digital regulation, forcing companies to be more transparent and accountable for the content they host and the advertising they display.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Streamlines Exports With Automated System AES

US Streamlines Exports With Automated System AES

The Automated Export System (AES) is an electronic declaration system introduced by US Customs, replacing traditional paper forms. It enables electronic declaration, real-time validation, and nationwide coverage of export information. This paper provides a detailed analysis of AES's functions, declaration process, legal and regulatory basis, and future development trends. It emphasizes the system's significant role in improving export efficiency and ensuring compliance. AES streamlines the export process by automating data submission and validation, contributing to faster clearance times and reduced errors. Its adoption is crucial for businesses engaged in international trade with the United States.

11/03/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Ireland Overhauls Biopharma Tariffs to Spur RD and Trade

Ireland Overhauls Biopharma Tariffs to Spur RD and Trade

Ireland has released a biopharmaceutical tariff adjustment plan aimed at reducing R&D and compliance costs, and strengthening its global competitiveness. The new policy focuses on tax reductions for R&D equipment, adaptation to new EU regulations, incentives for high-value drug exports, and restrictions on low-value-added product exports. This move aims to address challenges such as the impact of new EU regulations and increased global competition. It is expected to promote the quality and efficiency of Ireland's biopharmaceutical industry, optimize the global trade landscape, and inject new impetus into Sino-Irish and EU-Irish pharmaceutical trade.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Amazon Sellers Adapt to Storage Limits Ahead of Peak Season

Amazon Sellers Adapt to Storage Limits Ahead of Peak Season

Amazon has significantly reduced storage limits, posing challenges for sellers preparing for the peak season. This article delves into the reasons behind these restrictions and provides five compliant solutions to overcome them. These include leveraging Amazon managers, utilizing AGL advantages, embracing the Transparency Program, strategically using satellite warehouses, and opting for overseas warehouses. By implementing these strategies, sellers can break through storage limitations and seize market opportunities.

12/29/2025 Logistics
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Amazon Sellers Face Costly Return and Relabeling Challenges

Amazon Sellers Face Costly Return and Relabeling Challenges

Amazon's strict return and exchange policy poses challenges for sellers. Common issues include non-compliant product packaging, quality problems, and logistics delays. Solutions involve optimizing packaging, ensuring product quality, and enhancing communication with buyers, which can effectively reduce returns and exchanges while improving the customer shopping experience.

07/29/2025 Logistics
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Flexport Expands Amazon Fulfillment with LTL and FTL Services

Flexport Expands Amazon Fulfillment with LTL and FTL Services

This article provides a detailed guide on setting up Flexport LTL/FTL within the Amazon Seller Central. It covers essential steps such as selecting the shipping method, filling out cargo packaging information, and downloading box labels. The article emphasizes the collaboration with Flexport to optimize logistics strategies and ensure smooth delivery of goods to Amazon warehouses, ultimately helping sellers efficiently manage their cross-border logistics operations. It focuses on practical steps for a seamless integration and improved supply chain management.

01/20/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Amazon Sellers Guide to Mastering FNSKU Labels

Amazon Sellers Guide to Mastering FNSKU Labels

This article focuses on the FNSKU issues commonly encountered by Amazon sellers, providing an in-depth analysis of its definition, function, and how to obtain it. Through clear guidance, it helps sellers use FNSKU correctly, avoid delays in product warehousing, improve inventory management efficiency, and support Amazon operations. Understanding and properly utilizing FNSKU is crucial for efficient fulfillment and avoiding potential issues with Amazon's fulfillment network.

01/22/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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