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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Moldova Boosts Customs Valuation Skills Via WTO Workshop

Moldova Boosts Customs Valuation Skills Via WTO Workshop

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a customs valuation workshop in Moldova to enhance the valuation capabilities of Moldovan customs officials within the WTO framework. The workshop focused on establishing and utilizing valuation databases, verifying the authenticity of declared prices, analyzing valuation challenges for special goods, and introducing the advance ruling system. From a data analyst's perspective, the workshop emphasized data standardization, risk assessment model construction, and data support for the advance ruling system, thereby boosting Moldova's trade facilitation level. This initiative aims to streamline customs procedures and promote smoother international trade for Moldova.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Importers Face Rising Customs Valuation Challenges

Importers Face Rising Customs Valuation Challenges

This article provides an in-depth analysis of customs valuation challenges, including common causes, response steps, and preventive measures. It emphasizes the importance of actively cooperating with customs investigations, providing sufficient evidence, maintaining communication, and seeking professional assistance. The aim is to help importers effectively address valuation inquiries and ensure smooth customs clearance of goods. By understanding the process and taking proactive steps, importers can minimize delays and potential penalties associated with customs valuation disputes.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Experts Address Ecommerce Valuation Hurdles

Global Customs Experts Address Ecommerce Valuation Hurdles

The World Customs Organization's inaugural E-commerce and Customs Valuation Symposium addressed the challenges of valuing cross-border e-commerce goods. Representatives from international organizations, customs administrations, and businesses discussed data acquisition, valuation methodologies, compliance costs, and fraud risks. The symposium emphasized international cooperation, technological innovation, and process simplification to foster a fair, transparent, and efficient cross-border e-commerce environment. The aim is to promote global trade development by addressing valuation complexities and ensuring accurate revenue collection while facilitating legitimate trade flows.

01/05/2026 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 Aids Togo in Customs Valuation to Boost Trade Efficiency

WCO Aids Togo in Customs Valuation to Boost Trade Efficiency

WCO training assisted Togo in enhancing its customs valuation capabilities. This initiative focused on strengthening personnel skills to ensure compliant and efficient valuation practices. By improving valuation procedures, the training contributes to trade facilitation and promotes smoother international trade flows. The program aims to equip Togo's customs officials with the necessary expertise to accurately assess the value of imported goods, leading to increased revenue collection and improved border security. Ultimately, this technical assistance supports Togo's economic development by fostering a more transparent and predictable trading environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Valuation and Transfer Pricing Align for Multinationals

Customs Valuation and Transfer Pricing Align for Multinationals

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the OECD jointly held a seminar in Pretoria, focusing on the nexus between customs valuation and transfer pricing. The conference promoted cooperation between tax and customs authorities, exploring the application of transfer pricing studies in customs valuation. It emphasized information sharing, aiming to build a fairer international trade environment. Discussions centered on how transfer pricing methodologies can inform customs valuation practices, ensuring accurate and equitable assessment of goods for duty purposes. The initiative seeks to enhance transparency and combat illicit financial flows related to trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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New Customs Rules Clarify Valuation of Franchise Royalties

New Customs Rules Clarify Valuation of Franchise Royalties

The new WCO regulations clarify that franchise and brand royalties are not included in customs valuation if they are not directly related to the imported goods. Businesses need to understand the criteria for determining this direct relationship to minimize trade costs. This clarification provides greater certainty and potentially reduces the customs duties payable on imported goods where franchise or brand royalties are involved but are unrelated to the specific characteristics or production of those goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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