Thailand Sierra Leone Push Kyoto Convention Signatories Over 100

Thailand Sierra Leone Push Kyoto Convention Signatories Over 100

With Thailand and Sierra Leone joining, the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) has surpassed 100 contracting parties, marking a significant step in global trade facilitation. The convention aims to simplify and harmonize customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and improve efficiency. It works in synergy with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement, injecting new vitality into global economic development. The WCO encourages more members to join and collectively promote trade facilitation. This milestone underscores the growing global commitment to streamlining trade processes and fostering economic growth through simplified customs procedures.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Customs Disputes Over RD Valuation in Trade

Global Customs Disputes Over RD Valuation in Trade

This article delves into the multilingual definition of “Research and Development” expenses within the World Customs Organization's Valuation Agreement, specifically examining discrepancies between the English, French, and Spanish versions. It incorporates Argentina's unique perspective and provides practical guidance for businesses to accurately declare R&D expenses, avoid valuation disputes, and ensure smooth customs clearance. The analysis highlights the importance of understanding nuances in different language versions of the agreement to mitigate risks associated with customs valuation and international trade compliance.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bahrain Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Audit Clearance Systems

Bahrain Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Audit Clearance Systems

The WCO assisted Bahrain in enhancing its Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) and Pre-Arrival Processing (PAP) capabilities to align with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Bahrain committed to applying the acquired knowledge and skills. The WCO will continue to support Bahrain's customs modernization efforts. This assistance aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs procedures, ultimately facilitating trade and economic growth for Bahrain.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Usmexico Crossborder Trucking Deal Opens Business Opportunities

Usmexico Crossborder Trucking Deal Opens Business Opportunities

The US-Mexico cross-border transportation agreement marks a new phase in North American trade. Fulfilling US commitments under NAFTA, it eliminates trade barriers and fosters nearshoring trends. Businesses should focus on compliance, security, communication, and technology, selecting suitable logistics partners to seize opportunities and optimize supply chains. Addressing these challenges is crucial for sustainable growth in this evolving landscape.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
China's FTZs Boost Trade Efficiency with Innovative Reforms

China's FTZs Boost Trade Efficiency with Innovative Reforms

The Free Trade Zone has enhanced trade facilitation and customs efficiency through innovative regulation and experience replication, successfully lowering warehousing and logistics costs. The pilot free trade zones in Zhejiang, Shaanxi, Liaoning, and Sichuan have implemented effective measures to support various types of trade, significantly boosting enterprise competitiveness and market participation. The simplification of customs processes and the application of technology have made import and export trade increasingly efficient, driving regional economic development and changing the market landscape.

07/29/2025 Logistics
Read More
US FTZ Warehouses Ease Trade Turbulence for Businesses

US FTZ Warehouses Ease Trade Turbulence for Businesses

Amidst increasing global trade uncertainties, US FTZ (Free Trade Zone) warehouses offer companies advantages like tariff deferral, duty-free exports, indefinite storage, and tariff rate selection. Especially with heightened US-China trade tensions, FTZ warehouses provide greater operational flexibility and strategies to mitigate trade risks and enhance supply chain resilience. They serve as a critical Plan B for businesses navigating these challenges, offering a 'domestic area outside customs' environment to optimize operations and minimize the impact of trade disputes.

01/04/2026 Warehousing
Read More
Latin America Enhances Trade with Crossborder Partnerships

Latin America Enhances Trade with Crossborder Partnerships

The World Customs Organization supported a Trade Facilitation Committee meeting for Latin American countries, focusing on issues such as expedited customs clearance, transit, and cooperation among border agencies. The meeting emphasized strengthening collaboration between border agencies and the private sector, as well as monitoring the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) to ensure the sustainability and success of trade facilitation efforts. These discussions aim to streamline processes and foster a more efficient and collaborative trade environment within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Ghana Establishes Customs Committee to Enhance Trade

Ghana Establishes Customs Committee to Enhance Trade

The Ghana Revenue Authority successfully launched a Joint Consultative Committee at Tema Port, aiming to optimize the trade environment and promote economic development through multi-stakeholder participation and collaborative governance. This initiative draws on international experience and implements the Trade Facilitation Agreement, strengthening capacity building. It offers valuable lessons for other countries and marks a significant step forward for Ghana in its trade facilitation journey. The committee is expected to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade barriers, ultimately boosting Ghana's economic competitiveness.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Uschina Trade Deal Leaves Logistics Firms Facing Uncertainty

Uschina Trade Deal Leaves Logistics Firms Facing Uncertainty

While the US-China Phase One trade deal was signed, trade uncertainties remain. The agreement mandates significant increases in Chinese purchases of US agricultural products, goods, and services, but achieving these targets faces challenges. Logistics and supply chain companies should monitor the agreement's implementation, diversify supply chains, optimize logistics networks, strengthen risk management, and flexibly adapt to evolving trade policies. The deal's impact on existing tariffs and potential future trade tensions necessitates a proactive approach to mitigate disruptions and ensure business continuity.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More