Global Standards Set for Customs Leadership Excellence

Global Standards Set for Customs Leadership Excellence

The WCO's PICARD Programme, in collaboration with the International Network of Customs Universities (INCU), has developed a set of professional development standards for customs middle and senior managers. These standards aim to enhance the leadership, management capabilities, and professional skills of customs officials. They can be flexibly applied to internal training and recruitment strategies, helping to build high-performing customs management teams capable of addressing increasingly complex international trade challenges. The standards provide a framework for continuous improvement and professional growth within customs administrations worldwide.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
New IATA Guide Shifts Aviation Safety to Riskbased Audits

New IATA Guide Shifts Aviation Safety to Riskbased Audits

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released a new edition of the 'IOSA Audit Best Practice Handbook' to promote a shift towards risk-based aviation safety audits. The handbook provides guidance on advanced auditing techniques and internal audit program development. Used in conjunction with the IOSA Standards Manual, it helps airlines enhance their safety management and prepare for the new standards taking effect on April 1, 2025. This resource aims to support airlines in improving safety performance through a more proactive and targeted approach to auditing.

01/20/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
Read More
Postpandemic Supply Chain Faces Talent Shortage Skills Gap

Postpandemic Supply Chain Faces Talent Shortage Skills Gap

A CRIC report reveals that the pandemic has accelerated the evolution of supply chain culture, with agility, resilience, and collaboration becoming the new normal. Companies face a shortage of end-to-end talent, and internal development poses challenges. Breaking down silos and building an enterprise-level supply chain culture are crucial to enhance data-driven decision-making, agile responsiveness, and risk management capabilities. Furthermore, reshaping talent development systems and creating future-oriented competency models are essential to build an agile, resilient, and collaborative supply chain ecosystem.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Lagarde Touts Eurozone Resilience and New Growth Drivers

Lagarde Touts Eurozone Resilience and New Growth Drivers

ECB President Lagarde stated that the Eurozone economy is showing resilience, with domestic demand becoming the future growth engine. Declining savings rates are releasing consumer potential, and defense spending is supporting investment. While global risks remain, trade tensions have eased. Potential investments align with medium-term goals, and the Euro's exchange rate has risen due to a weaker dollar. The ECB will maintain policy flexibility to address challenges. The Eurozone demonstrates underlying strength despite external pressures, presenting potential investment opportunities as internal demand drives growth.

01/28/2026 Exchange Rate Query
Read More
North American Intermodal Traffic Declines Amid Industry Shifts

North American Intermodal Traffic Declines Amid Industry Shifts

Data from the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) shows a continued decline in North American intermodal volumes, though the rate of decrease is slowing. This downturn is attributed to a combination of macroeconomic conditions, internal industry factors, and geopolitical influences. IANA suggests that challenges and opportunities coexist, identifying cross-border trade as a potential growth area. Businesses need to transform and innovate, improve service quality and efficiency, expand service offerings, embrace technological innovation, and strengthen cooperation and collaboration to succeed in this evolving landscape.

01/29/2026 Logistics
Read More
Hangzhous Qiantang New Area Targets Global Manufacturing Hub Status

Hangzhous Qiantang New Area Targets Global Manufacturing Hub Status

Qiantang New Area is accelerating its development into a leading global advanced manufacturing base, focusing on artificial intelligence manufacturing and building a strategic platform to serve the new development pattern. It also aims to construct a modern and international industry new city. Through a combination of internal and external investment promotion strategies, scientific and technological achievements transformation, integrated industrial-urban development, and green transformation, Qiantang New Area strives to play a more significant role in the economic development of Hangzhou and even the entire country.

01/30/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Gambia Revenue Authority Reforms Management with WCO Backing

Gambia Revenue Authority Reforms Management with WCO Backing

The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), with WCO support, has initiated strategic management reforms aimed at enhancing project management capabilities and optimizing the strategic monitoring and evaluation system. Through this collaboration, the GRA is expected to significantly improve the implementation of its corporate strategic plan. This initiative also aims to serve as a model for other African tax administrations seeking to strengthen their strategic management frameworks and improve overall organizational performance. The focus is on building internal capacity and creating a more effective and accountable tax system.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Updates SAFE Framework to Boost Global Trade Security

WCO Updates SAFE Framework to Boost Global Trade Security

The 28th WCO SAFE Working Group meeting focused on the implementation monitoring and review of the SAFE Framework, emphasizing data strategy and green customs initiatives. The work plan was revised to align with the WCO strategic cycle. Companies should deeply understand the AEO system, strengthen internal compliance management, actively participate in industry exchanges, leverage technology to improve efficiency, and pay attention to green trade to seize the opportunities brought by the SAFE Framework. This includes understanding benefits, obligations, and best practices for successful AEO participation.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Optimizing Air Freight with Precise Cargo Door Measurements

Optimizing Air Freight with Precise Cargo Door Measurements

This article provides an in-depth analysis of cargo door dimensions of mainstream passenger and freighter aircraft models from Boeing and Airbus, revealing the roles and characteristics of different aircraft types in air cargo. Narrow-body aircraft are suitable for short-haul, small-parcel shipments. Wide-body aircraft are the mainstay of long-distance transport, while freighters are specifically designed for large cargo. Selecting the appropriate aircraft requires comprehensive consideration of cargo door dimensions, internal space, and cargo characteristics to ensure safe and efficient delivery.

02/02/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
Read More
WCO Issues Guidance on Customs Valuation and Transfer Pricing

WCO Issues Guidance on Customs Valuation and Transfer Pricing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) guide aims to harmonize customs valuation and transfer pricing, addressing the challenges posed by related-party transactions. It draws on practical experiences from various countries. The guide seeks to provide clarity and promote consistent application of valuation principles in the context of international trade, especially when dealing with multinational enterprises and their internal pricing policies. This harmonization effort is crucial for ensuring fair revenue collection and preventing trade distortions arising from discrepancies between customs valuation and transfer pricing methodologies.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More