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.

Multimodal Transport Smart Customs Enhance Crossborder Trade Efficiency

Multimodal Transport Smart Customs Enhance Crossborder Trade Efficiency

The State Council executive meeting has deployed new policies to facilitate cross-border trade, emphasizing a dual-engine approach of multimodal transport and smart customs to optimize the business environment. The new policies aim to reduce logistics costs, improve customs clearance efficiency, and help enterprises expand into international markets. Furthermore, it will strengthen risk prevention and control, building an efficient, intelligent, and secure cross-border trade system. This initiative is expected to significantly boost trade and foster a more competitive and streamlined environment for businesses engaged in international commerce.

01/26/2026 Logistics
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Eus Digital Services Act Imposes Stricter Ad Rules on Tech Giants

Eus Digital Services Act Imposes Stricter Ad Rules on Tech Giants

The EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) aims to regulate online content moderation by large tech companies and promote fair competition. This legislation significantly impacts the advertising strategies of giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta, particularly in protecting vulnerable groups. Implementation of the DSA will increase compliance costs for tech companies, potentially limit their innovation, and reshape the relationship between users and platforms. It may set a new global standard for digital regulation, forcing companies to be more transparent and accountable for the content they host and the advertising they display.

Seller Sprites AI Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce Efficiency

Seller Sprites AI Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce Efficiency

Seller Sprite showcased its AI matrix and the "China Cross-border E-commerce Industrial Belt Map" at the 2025 Zhejiang Cross-border Trade Fair. By leveraging data-driven product selection and intelligent operation empowerment, Seller Sprite provides cross-border sellers with a full-chain solution encompassing market analysis, competitor insights, and product optimization. This aims to help businesses reduce overseas expansion costs and improve operational efficiency. The solutions are designed to streamline the entire process, from identifying profitable niches to optimizing listings and managing inventory, ultimately empowering sellers to succeed in the global marketplace.

USPS Amazon Test Sunday Delivery to Address Financial Struggles

USPS Amazon Test Sunday Delivery to Address Financial Struggles

USPS partnered with Amazon to pilot Sunday delivery, enhancing Prime services and generating additional revenue. This move aims to improve customer satisfaction and compete more effectively in the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape. However, USPS faces significant challenges, including rising costs, union negotiations, and intense competition from other delivery providers like FedEx and UPS. The success of this Sunday delivery initiative and its impact on USPS's overall profitability remain to be seen. Whether this partnership can help USPS turn a profit in the long run is a key question.

01/26/2026 Logistics
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Maersk Restarts UCLA Service at Brazil Terminal to Boost Logistics

Maersk Restarts UCLA Service at Brazil Terminal to Boost Logistics

Maersk announced that starting July 13, 2025, the import operations of its UCLA service will move from the Santos DP World terminal back to the Brazil Terminal (BTP). This move aims to enhance operational efficiency and logistics connectivity, and customers are advised to make arrangements in advance to adapt to the adjustment.

08/04/2025 Logistics
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Maersk Simplifies VGM Submission Process for Shippers

Maersk Simplifies VGM Submission Process for Shippers

This article details the steps for submitting VGM (Verified Gross Mass) on the Maersk platform. It clarifies the scope of personnel authorized to submit VGM and provides relevant links for further information. The aim is to help users complete VGM submissions efficiently and accurately, ensuring the safety of cargo transportation. It covers the process, authorization, and resources available for VGM submission via Maersk.

MPC Container Ships Posts Strong Q1 2025 Amid Strategy Revamp

MPC Container Ships Posts Strong Q1 2025 Amid Strategy Revamp

MPC Container Ships delivered a strong performance in Q1 2025, supported by ample charter orders and solid profitability. The company is actively pursuing fleet renewal and sustainability strategies, including the delivery of its first dual-fuel vessel and optimization of its capital structure. Despite geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges, the container market remains resilient. MPC demonstrates its ability to navigate market fluctuations and capitalize on growth opportunities through strategic positioning and effective execution.