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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Highgrowth Retailers Face Supply Chain Challenges

Highgrowth Retailers Face Supply Chain Challenges

This paper delves into common pitfalls in supply chain and logistics management for retail and e-commerce companies. These include product complexity, inadequate logistics deployment planning, poor cash flow management, lack of import data analysis, ad-hoc planning, and failure to adapt to supply chain evolution. To address these challenges, the report proposes corresponding mitigation strategies and optimization solutions. The aim is to help businesses improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and avoid risks, ultimately achieving faster and more sustainable growth. The focus is on practical solutions for real-world implementation.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Eastwest Trade Container Rates Surge Amid Global Demand

Eastwest Trade Container Rates Surge Amid Global Demand

This paper analyzes the recent surge in container freight rates on East-West routes, exploring the driving factors from both demand-side (economic recovery, trade growth) and supply-side (capacity control, port congestion). It elucidates the impact of rising freight rates on import/export companies, consumers, shipping companies, and the global supply chain. Furthermore, based on historical data and industry analysis, the paper forecasts future freight rate trends, emphasizing the need for businesses to monitor market dynamics and prepare for freight rate volatility. Businesses should pay close attention to market changes.

01/27/2026 Logistics
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DHL Launches Datadriven Customs Clearance for Retailers

DHL Launches Datadriven Customs Clearance for Retailers

DHL Global Forwarding introduces comprehensive customs clearance services to help retailers navigate US import challenges. By integrating customs clearance, optimizing processes, reducing costs, and improving efficiency, DHL provides efficient, convenient, and compliant solutions. This offering empowers retailers to seize opportunities in the evolving trade landscape and achieve business growth. The service focuses on streamlining the often complex and time-consuming customs process, allowing retailers to focus on their core business and expand their reach in the US market. Ultimately, it aims to simplify cross-border trade and facilitate smoother operations for retailers.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Chabahar Port Rivals Karachi As Key Afghan Trade Hub

Chabahar Port Rivals Karachi As Key Afghan Trade Hub

The Afghan Ministry of Industry and Commerce anticipates that Iran's Chabahar Port will potentially replace Pakistan's Karachi Port as Afghanistan's primary maritime outlet. Chabahar Port boasts a strategic location and offers a free trade zone for Afghan traders. The recent shipment of Indian-aided wheat from the port signals a new era for Afghan trade. This development highlights the growing importance of Chabahar Port in facilitating regional commerce and potentially reshaping the landscape of port competition in the region, offering Afghanistan a viable alternative for its import and export activities.

01/27/2026 Port Encyclopedia
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China Expands Traditional Medicine Exports to Morocco

China Expands Traditional Medicine Exports to Morocco

This article provides a detailed analysis of the regulations and procedures for sending Huoxiang Zhengqi capsules to Morocco. It compares the advantages and disadvantages of EMS and international express delivery, and offers important considerations and frequently asked questions. The aim is to help readers safely and compliantly ship medicine to Morocco, conveying health and care. It covers key aspects like customs regulations, required documentation, and potential restrictions to ensure a smooth and legal shipping process. The guide emphasizes the importance of adhering to both Chinese and Moroccan import laws.

01/28/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Container Imports Rise As Supply Chains Adjust Descartes

US Container Imports Rise As Supply Chains Adjust Descartes

Descartes' global shipping report reveals a significant increase in US container imports and a strong rebound in Chinese imports. However, port performance varies, and supply chain challenges persist. The report analyzes the drivers behind import growth, the disparities in port performance, and shifts in market share between East and West Coast ports. It also provides a future outlook on the supply chain, offering businesses recommendations on how to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. This report is crucial for understanding the current state and future trends of global shipping.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Experts Analyze Global Supply Chain Trends Amid Trade Shifts

Experts Analyze Global Supply Chain Trends Amid Trade Shifts

This podcast episode features Chris Rogers, Head of Supply Chain Research at S&P Global, providing insights into key issues such as the US import outlook, traditional peak season challenges, inventory digestion strategies, and US-China trade relations. Drawing on his extensive industry experience, Rogers offers practical advice for businesses navigating global trade uncertainties, helping them develop robust commercial strategies. He discusses how companies can adapt to changing market dynamics and mitigate risks in the current global landscape. This episode is a valuable resource for businesses seeking to understand and respond to evolving supply chain and trade trends.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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USPS Expands Sorting Centers to Speed Holiday Deliveries

USPS Expands Sorting Centers to Speed Holiday Deliveries

To handle the holiday surge in package volume, USPS will open 11 new sorting centers, optimizing processes and improving efficiency. This initiative is a key part of the "Delivering for America" plan, aimed at modernizing and streamlining the postal service's operations. The new centers will help expedite package delivery and reduce potential delays during peak season, ensuring a smoother and more reliable shipping experience for customers.

01/08/2026 Logistics
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USPS Expands Lastmile Network with New Delivery Units

USPS Expands Lastmile Network with New Delivery Units

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced the opening of over 18,000 Destination Delivery Units (DDUs) to various shippers. This initiative aims to expand its 'last mile' delivery network, increase revenue, and enable faster delivery services for retailers and logistics companies. This move is expected to improve USPS's operational efficiency and market competitiveness, as well as promote innovation in the logistics industry. By leveraging its existing infrastructure, USPS hopes to capture a larger share of the growing e-commerce delivery market.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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