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.

Guide to Streamlining Customs Clearance for Air Freight

Guide to Streamlining Customs Clearance for Air Freight

In international air freight customs clearance, the commercial invoice is crucial for customs valuation and determining the nature of goods. From a data analyst's perspective, this paper provides a detailed interpretation of the commercial invoice's key elements, including basic information, goods description, signature and declaration, data consistency, special goods instructions, and declared value. The aim is to help businesses create standardized and accurate invoices, avoiding customs clearance delays and potential risks. This ensures smooth and compliant international air shipments.

Crossborder Ecommerce Firms Face Valuation Compliance Challenges

Crossborder Ecommerce Firms Face Valuation Compliance Challenges

Declared value in cross-border e-commerce significantly impacts customs duties and inspections. This paper explores the risks associated with under-declaration and proposes a balanced strategy for accurate declaration. It emphasizes that precise declaration contributes to a win-win situation of tax optimization and efficient customs clearance. The study recommends sellers to consider transaction documents and national policies, and consult with professional logistics advisors to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.

Global Art Transport Faces Insurance Valuation Challenges

Global Art Transport Faces Insurance Valuation Challenges

Art transportation insurance requires precise valuation assessment and comprehensive risk coverage. Key considerations include proof of value, appraisal reports, and replacement costs to determine adequate coverage. Customized insurance plans are essential to address the unique challenges and potential risks associated with transporting valuable artworks. Focusing on these aspects ensures that the insurance policy effectively protects against damage, loss, or theft during transit, providing peace of mind for collectors and institutions alike.

Mongolia Improves Customs Valuation with WCO Assistance

Mongolia Improves Customs Valuation with WCO Assistance

At the request of the Mongolian Customs General Administration, a World Customs Organization (WCO) expert team conducted a diagnostic review of its valuation system and provided recommendations for improvement. The aim is to assist Mongolian Customs in building a more efficient and transparent valuation system by strengthening internal cooperation, developing talent, and keeping abreast of international best practices. This will enhance revenue collection, optimize the business environment, and promote trade development in Mongolia.

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces New Customs Valuation Challenges

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces New Customs Valuation Challenges

The World Customs Organization released Advisory Opinion 4.19, clarifying how to handle royalties that include both patent rights for imported raw materials and trademark rights for the final product in customs valuation. This opinion aims to enhance valuation certainty, reduce trade friction, and assist businesses in tax planning. It offers valuable guidance for cross-border e-commerce and import-export enterprises, particularly regarding the treatment of royalties in determining customs value. The advisory opinion provides a framework for consistently applying valuation principles to complex licensing agreements.

WCO Workshop Enhances Panama Customs Valuation Practices

WCO Workshop Enhances Panama Customs Valuation Practices

With the support of the China Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a virtual workshop on customs valuation for Panama Customs, aiming to enhance its capacity to implement the WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation. The workshop covered key concepts, latest developments, and post-clearance audit applications of the Agreement. Through a combination of theory and practice, it improved participants' skills in document review, customs clearance, and risk management. The WCO will continue to deepen cooperation to support global customs capacity building and promote trade prosperity.

Peru Adopts Global Standards for Customs Valuation

Peru Adopts Global Standards for Customs Valuation

Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, Peruvian Customs held a virtual forum focusing on customs valuation risk management. Participants exchanged experiences on database applications and discussed optimizing value verification procedures and public-private partnerships to combat valuation irregularities. Peruvian Customs plans to strengthen its value verification system and deepen collaboration with the private sector. The WCO will continue to provide support, enhancing transparency and predictability in cross-border trade. The forum highlighted the importance of efficient and fair customs valuation for trade facilitation.

SHEIN Hits 400B Valuation Amid Fastfashion Expansion

SHEIN Hits 400B Valuation Amid Fastfashion Expansion

SHEIN is attempting an "Amazon-like" transformation by introducing a third-party marketplace model to break through growth bottlenecks and address competitive pressures. This move aims to enrich product variety, enhance user stickiness, and expand into the mid-to-high-end market. However, the path to platformization and moving upmarket is fraught with challenges. Whether SHEIN can succeed remains to be seen. The success of this transformation will depend on factors like attracting quality sellers and maintaining its competitive pricing.