WTO Moves to Standardize Global Customs Valuation Rules

WTO Moves to Standardize Global Customs Valuation Rules

The 1983 Customs Valuation Committee Decision clarified that the English term "undertaken" in the Customs Valuation Agreement should be interpreted as "carried out." This aims to standardize international trade terminology, enhance the accuracy and consistency of customs valuation, reduce the risk of trade disputes, and facilitate international trade. The French and Spanish versions of the term remain unchanged. This clarification ensures a more uniform application of the agreement across different language versions, promoting fairness and predictability in international trade transactions.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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
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WTO Addresses Customs Valuation Challenges in Global Trade

WTO Addresses Customs Valuation Challenges in Global Trade

This article delves into key customs valuation decision issues under the WTO framework, including the French translation of copyright, the meaning of the term 'undertaken,' the treatment of interest on imported goods, software carrier valuation, the definition of processing and improvement, and addressing customs queries and handling minimum prices and exclusive agency issues. It aims to provide trade participants with a clear understanding and effective response strategies within the international trade context. This helps navigate the complexities of customs valuation under WTO rules.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Belgian Customs Academy Train African Officials

WCO Belgian Customs Academy Train African Officials

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Belgian Customs School (BCS) are deepening their collaboration to provide tailored training for customs officials from French-speaking African countries. This includes visits to the WCO headquarters and upgraded BCS courses, aiming to enhance their professional capabilities. This initiative intends to better serve African economic development and provide a model for global customs cooperation. The partnership underscores the commitment to strengthening customs administrations in Africa and fostering a more efficient and effective global trade environment.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EU Weighs High Tariffs on Chinese Hybrid Cars Amid Trade Spat

EU Weighs High Tariffs on Chinese Hybrid Cars Amid Trade Spat

The EU is considering imposing tariffs of up to 35.3% on Chinese hybrid vehicles, potentially reaching 45% with existing rates. This stems from surging Chinese hybrid vehicle exports and EU concerns about subsidies. Simultaneously, the US exhibits protectionist tendencies, threatening tariffs on French goods. These events highlight escalating global trade friction and rising protectionism, creating uncertainty for the global economy. The proposed EU tariffs and US threats exemplify the growing trend of trade disputes and potential barriers to international commerce.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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France Hosts Border Management Symposium to Strengthen Alliances

France Hosts Border Management Symposium to Strengthen Alliances

A seminar on collaborative border management, hosted by French Customs in Bordeaux, explored new models for 21st-century border management. The conference focused on three key themes: reshaping the border concept, enhancing economic benefits, and building new collaborative models. It emphasized the importance of information sharing, risk management, and international cooperation, providing insights into the future direction of border management. The discussions highlighted the need for innovative approaches to address evolving challenges and opportunities in cross-border trade and security.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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France Optimizes Luxury Goods Shipping to China

France Optimizes Luxury Goods Shipping to China

This article delves into the key factors affecting the delivery time of French luxury goods directly shipped to China, including customs clearance, international logistics, and domestic delivery. It compares the delivery time differences between brand official website direct shipping and third-party forwarding, and explores trends and strategies for optimizing delivery time. The aim is to provide consumers with a more efficient cross-border shopping guide. The analysis focuses on improving the speed and reliability of receiving luxury items from France.

02/05/2026 Logistics
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Integration of Yangtze River Delta Railway Logistics Centers Enhancing Service and Efficiency to Support High-quality Development

Integration of Yangtze River Delta Railway Logistics Centers Enhancing Service and Efficiency to Support High-quality Development

The Yangtze River Delta railway has improved logistics efficiency by integrating existing freight centers, contributing to high-quality economic development. The application of new transportation models and equipment has optimized diverse transportation products. This series of reforms marks a further transformation of railway logistics into the modern service industry.

07/23/2025 Logistics
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SF International Launches E-commerce Express Service for Russia, Empowering a New Era in Cross-border Logistics

SF International Launches E-commerce Express Service for Russia, Empowering a New Era in Cross-border Logistics

SF International has launched a new e-commerce delivery service to Russia, focusing on door-to-door shipping for packages under 30KG. They promise no price increases during peak seasons and guaranteed delivery times. This service utilizes a route from Changchun to Russia, ensuring delivery to major cities within 5 days, effectively addressing challenges in customs clearance and logistics timeliness, thus enhancing the service experience. SF has also completed a comprehensive service upgrade to ensure customers receive real-time logistics information.

07/21/2025 Logistics
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