Middle East North Africa Customs Crack Down on Artifact Smuggling

Middle East North Africa Customs Crack Down on Artifact Smuggling

The World Customs Organization held a seminar in Tunisia, focusing on combating cultural heritage smuggling in the Middle East and North Africa region. Participants suggested strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing the capacity of customs officers, utilizing technological tools, and improving laws and regulations. The aim is to more effectively protect invaluable cultural heritage. The discussions emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts and modern approaches to counter the illicit trafficking of cultural artifacts, ensuring the preservation of these treasures for future generations.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Air Freight Industry Seeks Balance in Speed and Security

Global Air Freight Industry Seeks Balance in Speed and Security

Ground handling of international air freight is a crucial link connecting cargo departure, arrival, and air transportation. By digitizing information flow, standardizing operating procedures, and intelligently scheduling resources, it can improve ground handling efficiency and ensure cargo safety. In the future, with the application of technologies such as drone unloading and 5G real-time monitoring, ground handling will be upgraded to "unmanned and fully automated". This transformation promises faster turnaround times, reduced costs, and enhanced security for air cargo operations.

02/03/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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WCO Forum Outlines Postpandemic Customs Strategy

WCO Forum Outlines Postpandemic Customs Strategy

The inaugural meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Working Methods Forum (CWOF) was successfully held, bringing together global experts to discuss the transformation of customs working methods. The meeting clarified future work directions, emphasizing the importance of technology, personnel, and leadership. It also planned follow-up activities aimed at building a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable customs system. The forum highlighted the need for customs administrations to adapt to evolving global challenges and embrace innovative approaches to trade facilitation and border security.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lesotho Revenue Authority Advances Operational Excellence in Strategic Retreat

Lesotho Revenue Authority Advances Operational Excellence in Strategic Retreat

The Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) successfully held a high-level strategic retreat to clarify strategic priorities, enhance leadership, and accelerate reform and modernization. The World Customs Organization, the World Bank, and the Finnish Customs Cooperation Fund provided support. The retreat strengthened the management team's cohesion and provided clear direction for the organization's future development. Key focus areas included improving tax administration, fostering effective leadership, and driving strategic growth initiatives to enhance the LRA's overall performance and contribution to Lesotho's economic development.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO OECD Align Customs and Transfer Pricing to Boost Trade

WCO OECD Align Customs and Transfer Pricing to Boost Trade

A joint workshop by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) aimed to enhance the expertise of customs and tax authorities in customs valuation and transfer pricing. It promoted cooperation to resolve tax disputes and trade frictions arising from valuation differences. The workshop included rule learning, practical exchanges, and provided WCO guidelines as reference. Future efforts will focus on deepening collaboration to build a fair trade environment by addressing valuation challenges and fostering international cooperation.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Trumps Trade War Disrupts Global Economy Alters Trade Flows

Trumps Trade War Disrupts Global Economy Alters Trade Flows

The Trump trade war, initiated in 2017 to address trade deficits and intellectual property issues, has profoundly impacted the global economy. Economic shocks such as increased tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and agricultural damage, along with heightened internal divisions and strained international relations, highlight the complexity of the trade war. Future trends include ongoing negotiations, a revival of multilateralism, and supply chain restructuring. Countries need to diversify markets, enhance industrial competitiveness, and promote international cooperation to navigate the evolving global landscape.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Temus Growth Challenges Amazons Ecommerce Dominance

Temus Growth Challenges Amazons Ecommerce Dominance

Pinduoduo's overseas version, Temu, has risen rapidly, rivaling Amazon and reshaping the global cross-border e-commerce landscape. Its fully managed model and low-price strategy are key factors, but it also faces challenges such as tightening tax policies and compliance requirements. In the future, competition in cross-border e-commerce will focus on supply chain efficiency, brand building, and compliant operations. Chinese companies need to seize opportunities and transform from simply 'selling goods' to 'establishing roots' in the global market.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Russian Ecommerce Opens Doors for Smes Amid Dominant Platforms

Russian Ecommerce Opens Doors for Smes Amid Dominant Platforms

The Russian e-commerce market is dominated by large platforms, yet niche segments offer opportunities for SMEs. Fresh food e-commerce is growing rapidly, and online pharmacies are experiencing increased demand. While most e-commerce businesses are small-scale, the market remains open to SMEs. The future trend points towards collaborative development between platforms and SMEs, requiring SMEs to maintain flexibility and innovation to succeed in this dynamic landscape. This collaborative ecosystem will likely foster growth and cater to evolving consumer needs.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Ozon Expands Free Pickup Points to Boost Ecommerce Growth

Ozon Expands Free Pickup Points to Boost Ecommerce Growth

Ozon launches a program offering free transfer of "prime location" pickup points, aiming to retain valuable locations and simplify the exit process for original owners. The initial locations are in cities like Moscow and Yekaterinburg, with new owners not required to pay a deposit. While franchise enthusiasm has cooled slightly, the total number of pickup points continues to grow, indicating a promising future for community e-commerce. This presents a low-cost opportunity for aspiring e-commerce entrepreneurs to enter the market.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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Tiktok Fuels Demand for Weighted Plush Toys As Anxiety Aid

Tiktok Fuels Demand for Weighted Plush Toys As Anxiety Aid

Weighted plush toys are trending on TikTok, becoming a popular stress reliever for adults. These toys combine a cute appearance with stress-reducing functionality, providing physical relaxation through their weight and psychological comfort through their plushness. Market data indicates significant potential, with personalization, smart features, and emotional connection being key future development trends. The appeal lies in their ability to provide tactile comfort and a sense of security, resonating with individuals seeking stress relief and emotional well-being in a fast-paced world.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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