Ivory Coast Launches Transparent Customs System to Boost Trade

Ivory Coast Launches Transparent Customs System to Boost Trade

With support from the EU-WCO and the German Alliance for Trade Facilitation, Côte d'Ivoire is actively developing a national Advance Ruling System. This initiative aims to enhance trade transparency and predictability, reduce trade disputes, attract foreign investment, and improve customs efficiency. The system is expected to revitalize Côte d'Ivoire's trade development and serve as a model for other African nations. It will provide traders with binding rulings on tariff classification, origin, and other customs-related matters before import or export, fostering a more predictable and reliable trading environment.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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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Switzerland WCO Aid Bolivias Customs Modernization for Trade

Switzerland WCO Aid Bolivias Customs Modernization for Trade

The WCO conducted an assessment of Bolivia Customs' implementation of the Mercator Agreement, recommending improvements in areas such as risk management and advance rulings. Bolivia expressed its gratitude and appreciation for the recommendations. The assessment highlighted the need for enhanced efficiency and transparency in customs procedures to further facilitate trade and economic growth. Bolivia acknowledged the value of the WCO's expertise and committed to implementing the suggested improvements to strengthen its customs operations and better align with international standards. This collaboration underscores the importance of international cooperation in promoting trade facilitation.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Initiative Extended to Boost Sustainable Growth

Global Trade Initiative Extended to Boost Sustainable Growth

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), jointly launched by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), has been officially extended for another year. The program aims to simplify trade procedures, enhance transparency, strengthen international cooperation, and build capacity to promote global trade development. This extension provides beneficiary countries with more opportunities to further advance trade facilitation reforms and improve their competitiveness in global trade. It allows for continued support in streamlining customs processes and fostering a more efficient and predictable trading environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Amazon US Freight Key Strategies to Avoid Pitfalls Boost Efficiency

Amazon US Freight Key Strategies to Avoid Pitfalls Boost Efficiency

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the three primary shipping modes for Amazon US Line (international express, air freight line, and sea freight line), offering detailed guidance on avoiding common pitfalls and selecting optimal channels. It emphasizes crucial criteria such as customs clearance capabilities, service type matching, last-mile delivery stability, price transparency, company qualifications and reputation, cargo tracking, and after-sales service. The goal is to assist sellers in choosing the most suitable shipping solution to ensure their goods are delivered to FBA warehouses safely, quickly, and cost-effectively.

01/26/2026 Logistics
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Brands Must Rebuild Trust in Aidriven Markets

Brands Must Rebuild Trust in Aidriven Markets

GEO reshapes brand trust in the AI era. Businesses need to build closed loops of authentic information and adapt to the evolving content ecosystem. Brand trust should be treated as a core strategic asset. Companies must prioritize transparency and ethical AI practices to foster genuine connections with consumers. Leveraging GEO-specific data can enhance personalization and relevance, further solidifying trust. By focusing on building and maintaining brand trust, businesses can navigate the complexities of the AI landscape and achieve sustainable success. This requires a proactive and consumer-centric approach.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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New Strategies Boost Visibility in Multimodal Supply Chains

New Strategies Boost Visibility in Multimodal Supply Chains

This paper explores achieving 100% supply chain transparency through the implementation of a control tower. It addresses overcoming real-time update obstacles, quantifying the benefits of advanced tracking, and leveraging TMS integration for automated visibility. The paper emphasizes that supply chain visibility is more than just knowing the location of goods; it's about using data insights to gain a competitive advantage. Key to this is building a robust control tower that provides a single source of truth for all supply chain activities, enabling proactive decision-making and improved operational efficiency.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Strategies for Building Resilient Supply Chains Amid Disruption

Strategies for Building Resilient Supply Chains Amid Disruption

Facing ongoing supply chain disruptions, companies need to transform their strategies, enhancing agility and transparency through technological innovation. This paper explores the technological foundations for building a resilient supply chain, outlines the five stages of supply chain maturity, and emphasizes the importance of company-wide participation in supply chain innovation. It further elucidates the value brought by evolution, including cost reduction, efficiency gains, and risk control, helping businesses stand out in the competitive landscape. The focus is on adapting and evolving to thrive in a dynamic and challenging global environment.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Chicago Rail Bypass Project Under STB Scrutiny

Chicago Rail Bypass Project Under STB Scrutiny

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has requested Great Lakes Basin Transportation (GLBT) to supplement information regarding its proposed Chicago rail bypass project. This includes a list of served cities, financial statements, and shareholder information. The project aims to alleviate rail congestion in the Chicago hub but faces opposition from railroad companies and environmental groups, as well as challenges related to financial transparency. The STB's decision primarily addresses procedural issues, leaving the project's future uncertain. The additional information will allow the STB to properly evaluate the project's impact and feasibility.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Freight and Manufacturing Leaders Push for Regulatory Reform

Freight and Manufacturing Leaders Push for Regulatory Reform

The US freight and manufacturing industries are grappling with increasingly burdensome and often impractical regulations. Businesses and organizations are advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of the existing regulatory framework, urging the implementation of a 'Regulatory Accountability Act.' This aims to address current regulatory challenges by enhancing transparency, strengthening data analysis, and actively soliciting public input. Regulatory reform is a complex undertaking requiring collaborative efforts from all stakeholders. The goal is to create a more efficient and effective regulatory environment that fosters economic growth and innovation while ensuring public safety and environmental protection.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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