Global Trade System Marks 30 Years As Harmonized Standard

Global Trade System Marks 30 Years As Harmonized Standard

The Harmonized System (HS) serves as a universal language for global trade, playing an irreplaceable role in facilitating international trade, customs management, and economic development. This paper reviews the HS's development over the past three decades, analyzes its significant functions and challenges, and proposes suggestions such as strengthening international cooperation, promoting technological innovation, and improving classification standards. The aim is to further enhance the HS's effectiveness and adaptability, contributing more significantly to the prosperity and development of global trade.

01/03/2018 Customs Knowledge
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White House Boosts Global Supply Chain Resilience Amid Bottlenecks

White House Boosts Global Supply Chain Resilience Amid Bottlenecks

The White House is actively taking steps to address global supply chain challenges, including strengthening international cooperation, adjusting domestic policies, and implementing data monitoring. However, experts disagree on the effectiveness of these measures, arguing that deeper analysis and more targeted solutions are needed to truly build a strong, reliable, and efficient global supply chain. The current efforts, while well-intentioned, may require further refinement to achieve lasting resilience against future disruptions and ensure smooth flow of goods.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Turmoil Spurs Insurance Industry to Address Supply Chain Risks

Global Turmoil Spurs Insurance Industry to Address Supply Chain Risks

Global supply chains are facing multiple risks, including geopolitical tensions and extreme weather events. The insurance industry needs to innovate actively, strengthen cooperation with all parties in the supply chain, and establish risk assessment models. Developing new insurance products and leveraging new technologies can improve risk management efficiency. Businesses should establish diversified supply chains, strengthen collaboration with suppliers, and invest in supply chain visibility technologies. By working together, we can build a secure and reliable global supply chain.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Boosts Tech Committee Focus on Ecommerce and Green Customs

WCO Boosts Tech Committee Focus on Ecommerce and Green Customs

The World Customs Organization's Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) held its first in-person meeting after a three-year hiatus, focusing on updates to the E-commerce Package, the development of a global customs data exchange platform, and green customs initiatives. The meeting revised the E-commerce Package maintenance mechanism, approved pressure testing guidelines, and discussed data models and cooperation guidelines. These efforts aim to enhance customs' ability to address global trade challenges and promote trade facilitation and security.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ravenna Port Becomes Key Adriatic Trade Hub

Ravenna Port Becomes Key Adriatic Trade Hub

Ravenna Port, a key maritime gateway in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, has become a leader in trade across the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea due to its advantageous geographic location. By joining the International Port Association, the port aims to enhance its global cooperation and operational efficiency, contributing significantly to regional economic growth.

08/05/2025 Port Encyclopedia
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WCO Guidelines Boost Global Trade and Border Efficiency

WCO Guidelines Boost Global Trade and Border Efficiency

The 2017 WCO Global Transit Conference focused on improving cross-border transportation efficiency, releasing the 'Transit Guidelines' which emphasized the importance of political will, technological application, and international cooperation. The conference explored the development challenges faced by landlocked countries and shared successful experiences such as the EU's NCTS and the TIR Convention. The aim was to build a more efficient, convenient, and secure global transit ecosystem. The guidelines and discussions highlighted the need for harmonized procedures and data exchange to streamline transit operations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Crack Down on Fake COVID19 Vaccines Illicit Trade

Global Customs Crack Down on Fake COVID19 Vaccines Illicit Trade

The World Customs Organization launched the "COVID-19-related Goods Cross-Border Transport Facilitation and Coordination Customs Supervision Emergency Project." This initiative combats counterfeit vaccines and related illicit trade while ensuring the smooth flow of legitimate goods. The project strengthens customs cooperation, enhances regulatory capabilities, optimizes customs clearance processes, and collaborates closely with vaccine companies, the transportation industry, and international organizations. This collaborative effort aims to secure the global vaccine supply chain and contribute to the global fight against the pandemic.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Agencies Tackle Global Waste Trade Crisis

Customs Agencies Tackle Global Waste Trade Crisis

A World Customs Organization report highlights the serious global waste trade situation, emphasizing the crucial role of customs in border control. The report analyzes the regional characteristics of waste trade and major illegal trade targets. It proposes strengthening risk management, increasing resource investment, enhancing international cooperation, and applying technology to address the issue. The aim is to build a new global waste governance framework. The report underscores the importance of effective customs procedures to combat illegal waste shipments and protect the environment.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Customs Training Programs Globally

WCO Boosts Customs Training Programs Globally

The 9th Global Meeting of Heads of WCO Regional Capacity Building Offices, Regional Training Centers, and Vice-Chair Offices highlighted the critical role of regional institutions in capacity building. The meeting reaffirmed commitments to the WCO’s annual Capacity Building Needs Assessment, donor engagement, and the maintenance of regional experts. Discussions also focused on the development of new tools, such as the WCO Training Diagnostics tool, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing the capacity of member customs administrations, and addressing global trade challenges.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Papua New Guinea Adopts Trade Conventions to Boost Commerce

Papua New Guinea Adopts Trade Conventions to Boost Commerce

Papua New Guinea's accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention and the Harmonized System Convention marks a significant step towards integrating into the global trade system. This move aims to simplify customs procedures, adopt international standards, and enhance trade efficiency and competitiveness. It also synergizes with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, promoting global trade facilitation. By aligning with these conventions, Papua New Guinea demonstrates its commitment to streamlined customs processes and improved trade practices, ultimately fostering economic growth and international cooperation.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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