New Customs Rules Affect Licensing Fees Royalties

New Customs Rules Affect Licensing Fees Royalties

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released new Advisory Opinion 4.19 on customs valuation, addressing the complex valuation issues related to royalties and license fees under Article 8.1(c) of the Customs Valuation Agreement. This opinion clarifies the valuation principles for single royalties encompassing both patents and trademarks. It assists businesses in accurately calculating import costs, reducing valuation disputes, and promoting the healthy development of international trade. This guidance aims to provide clarity and consistency in the application of customs valuation rules related to intellectual property rights.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Adopts Standardized Ecommerce Customs Rules

Asiapacific Adopts Standardized Ecommerce Customs Rules

The WCO Asia-Pacific E-commerce Symposium focuses on 15 core standards for cross-border e-commerce, aiming to promote regional e-commerce standardization, ensure smooth trade flows, and boost economic recovery. The symposium highlights the importance of harmonized customs procedures and data standards to facilitate efficient and secure cross-border transactions within the Asia-Pacific region. By adopting these standards, countries can reduce trade barriers, enhance transparency, and foster greater trust among trading partners, ultimately contributing to sustainable economic growth and development in the region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mongolia Launches Customs Program to Train Reformminded Executives

Mongolia Launches Customs Program to Train Reformminded Executives

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a leadership development workshop for Mongolian Customs, aiming to enhance the leadership skills of senior managers and promote customs reform. The workshop emphasized 'knowing yourself' and 'managing yourself', covering topics such as leadership, ethics, and communication. Participants reflected on their management styles and committed to improvements. The workshop prompted Mongolian Customs to improve its training system, laying the foundation for customs modernization. It focused on building the capacity of Mongolian Customs officials to effectively lead and manage change within their organization.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Agencies Boost Biodiversity Protection Efforts

Global Customs Agencies Boost Biodiversity Protection Efforts

The World Customs Organization actively responds to World Environment Day, focusing on biodiversity protection. Through combating environmental crime, capacity building, and international cooperation, it is committed to building a sustainable future. The WCO emphasizes the crucial role of customs in protecting ecosystems, combating illegal trade, and promoting sustainable development. It calls for global joint efforts to protect our planet. The organization advocates for strategies to prevent the exploitation of natural resources and the illegal trafficking of endangered species, reinforcing customs' commitment to environmental security.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Labs Share Pandemic Best Practices

Global Customs Labs Share Pandemic Best Practices

Facing the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Customs Organization (WCO)'s network of customs laboratories, the BRLR, held an online meeting to share experiences and best practices, and to discuss how to better support its members. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by the BRLR during the pandemic, shared best practices such as optimizing laboratory processes, developing rapid detection methods, and strengthening information sharing. It also looked forward to the vision of building a stronger global customs laboratory network in the future.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Azerbaijan Expands AEO Program to Facilitate Silk Road Trade

Azerbaijan Expands AEO Program to Facilitate Silk Road Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting Azerbaijan Customs in accelerating its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, aiming to enhance supply chain security and improve trade efficiency. Through capacity-building workshops and the development of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs), Azerbaijan is poised to better leverage its strategic geographic location as a key node on the 'Silk Road' to foster economic development. This initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and promote a more secure and efficient trading environment for businesses operating in and through Azerbaijan.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asia Boosts Customs Capacity to Curb Illegal Wildlife Trade

Asia Boosts Customs Capacity to Curb Illegal Wildlife Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Inama Project, conducts customs capacity building training in Asia to combat illegal wildlife trade (IWT) and protect endangered species. The project contributes to building a strong defense against IWT by enhancing the skills of customs officers, strengthening international cooperation, raising public awareness, and promoting policy improvements. Businesses should also actively participate in protecting biodiversity. The training aims to improve detection and prevention of IWT, ultimately safeguarding vulnerable species and ecosystems from the devastating impacts of this illicit activity.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Boosts Customs Skills for WTO Accession Bid

Comoros Boosts Customs Skills for WTO Accession Bid

A joint WTO-WCO workshop aimed to enhance Comoros' customs valuation capabilities in preparation for WTO accession. The workshop covered topics such as customs valuation methods, pre-shipment inspection, and trade facilitation. The goal was to assist Comoros in establishing an efficient and transparent trade system to promote economic development. The experience of Comoros can offer valuable insights for other developing countries seeking to improve their trade practices and integrate into the global trading system. This initiative highlights the importance of capacity building for successful WTO membership.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs HR Strategies for Crisis Resilience and Adaptation

Customs HR Strategies for Crisis Resilience and Adaptation

This article provides an in-depth interpretation of the World Customs Organization (WCO) guidelines, aiming to assist customs administrations in enhancing human resource resilience during crises. It analyzes the challenges faced by customs HR under the pandemic and elaborates on seven key areas for building resilience, including leadership & communication, employee health & safety, and workplace transformation. Drawing on international best practices, the article offers valuable insights and references for customs administrations to address future challenges. This resource is designed to strengthen HR functions within customs agencies globally.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guatemala Strengthens Customs Oversight for Tax Reform

Guatemala Strengthens Customs Oversight for Tax Reform

The Superintendency of Tax Administration of Guatemala, with SECO-WCO support, held a leadership and management development workshop for senior managers. The aim was to enhance the skills of customs managers, promote the modernization of the customs system, facilitate trade, increase tax revenue, and improve international competitiveness. The WCO's Leadership and Management Development Programme makes a significant contribution to the development of customs systems worldwide. The workshop emphasized strategic thinking and effective implementation of customs reforms, ultimately fostering a more efficient and transparent trade environment.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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