Strict Regulations and Requirements for Shipping Bills in Latin America

Strict Regulations and Requirements for Shipping Bills in Latin America

In Latin America, the Bill of Lading (BL) has a series of strict requirements, including clear details of the shipper, receiver, and notifier, as well as the inclusion of a valid tax identification number and freight charges. Additionally, special cargo such as tires must include the chassis number and production date. The Bill of Lading must contain a four-digit HS code for smooth customs clearance. Adhering to these regulations is crucial for the successful completion of transportation.

07/28/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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El Salvador Upgrades Customs Labs to Boost Trade Efficiency

El Salvador Upgrades Customs Labs to Boost Trade Efficiency

El Salvador hosted a workshop on modernizing customs laboratories to enhance commodity classification capabilities and promote trade facilitation. Sponsored by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the workshop focused on the Harmonized System (HS) classification and international cooperation. The aim was to improve the accuracy and efficiency of customs procedures, ultimately contributing to smoother and faster trade flows. This initiative underscores the importance of modern customs infrastructure and skilled personnel in supporting global trade and economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Georgia Enhances Customs Skills with WCO Classification Training

Georgia Enhances Customs Skills with WCO Classification Training

With the support of the WCO, Georgia hosted a national workshop on commodity classification, aimed at enhancing the institutional capacity of the Revenue Service and cultivating a core team of experts. Through theoretical learning, practical exercises, and expert exchanges, participants significantly improved their understanding and application of the HS, laying a solid foundation for the future development of Georgian Customs. This workshop also provides valuable experience for other countries seeking to improve their commodity classification expertise.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Secretariat in Postpandemic Trade Revival

WCO Backs Secretariat in Postpandemic Trade Revival

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Council supported the Secretariat, focusing on key areas like capacity building and trade facilitation. By adopting resolutions such as the HS 2022 Amendments, the WCO COVID-19 Action Plan, and the SAFE Framework 2021, the WCO aims to simplify customs procedures, strengthen international cooperation, and improve customs management. These efforts are designed to contribute to global economic recovery and safeguard trade development in the post-pandemic era by empowering customs administrations around the world.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EU Boosts Cameroons Customs Classification Skills

EU Boosts Cameroons Customs Classification Skills

The World Customs Organization is assisting Cameroon in implementing its customs modernization program, with funding from the European Union, focusing on enhancing tariff classification capabilities. Through training workshops held in Douala, Cameroonian customs officials learned about the HS coding system, case studies, and trade facilitation agreements. This initiative aims to improve the accuracy of commodity classification, promote regional integration, and foster trade development. The program emphasizes practical application and knowledge transfer to ensure sustainable improvements in customs procedures.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Nigeria Customs Modernizes Ruling System to Ease Trade

Nigeria Customs Modernizes Ruling System to Ease Trade

The Nigeria Customs Service is actively implementing a national Advance Ruling System aimed at reducing trade costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing trade predictability for businesses by pre-determining commodity classification, tax rates, and other relevant matters. This initiative, part of the EU-World Customs Organization Africa HS project, draws on the successful experiences of Ethiopia and Liberia. It is expected to significantly improve Nigeria's business environment and promote economic development by providing clarity and certainty to traders before importation.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Indonesia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Enhanced Customs Analytics

Indonesia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Enhanced Customs Analytics

Indonesia held a national data analysis workshop to enhance customs officers' data analysis and machine learning skills, aiming to optimize HS code classification and customs valuation. Through strategic discussions and practical technical training, the workshop supports Indonesian Customs in building a data-driven organization, improving efficiency, optimizing decision-making, and strengthening risk prevention. This initiative promotes trade facilitation and leads the way towards intelligent customs operations, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and effective customs administration.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Djibouti Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Enhance African Trade

Djibouti Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Enhance African Trade

With support from the World Customs Organization and the European Union, Djibouti is updating its national tariff system to align with the international standard Harmonized System (HS). This initiative aims to enhance trade facilitation, increase fiscal revenue, improve international competitiveness, and promote sustainable development, ultimately positioning Djibouti as a new trade hub in Africa. The modernization of the tariff system is expected to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade barriers, contributing to economic growth and regional integration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Trumps Reciprocal Tariffs Threaten Crossborder Ecommerce

Trumps Reciprocal Tariffs Threaten Crossborder Ecommerce

The Trump administration's 'reciprocal tariffs' policy presents new challenges for cross-border e-commerce. Businesses should proactively respond by relocating production bases, optimizing HS codes, adjusting product structures, deepening localized operations, and embracing diversified markets. Furthermore, professional financial and tax services can assist companies in compliant operations and optimizing cost structures, enabling them to thrive in a complex and ever-changing policy environment. This proactive approach is crucial for navigating the uncertainties and maintaining a stable business foundation.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Algeria Boosts Customs Tech with Dutch Lab Expertise

Algeria Boosts Customs Tech with Dutch Lab Expertise

Algerian customs experts visited the Netherlands to study its customs laboratory, aiming to learn from its best practices in operational models, infrastructure, and technology applications. This visit was a support activity under the EU-WCO HS-Africa Programme, designed to assist Algeria in building a modern customs laboratory and enhancing its capabilities in tariff classification, commodity analysis, and trade facilitation. The initiative seeks to strengthen Algeria's customs infrastructure and expertise, ultimately contributing to more efficient and effective trade processes.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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