Shipping Companies Face FMC Investigation Over Risk of Penalties for Urging Return of Empty Containers or Refusing Export Services

Shipping Companies Face FMC Investigation Over Risk of Penalties for Urging Return of Empty Containers or Refusing Export Services

Due to labor shortages caused by the pandemic, ports in Southern California are severely congested. Shipping companies are eager to send empty containers back to Asia, potentially neglecting services for U.S. exporters. If the charges against the carriers are confirmed, the Federal Maritime Commission will impose fines, emphasizing the responsibility of the shipping industry to comply with laws and regulations.

07/23/2025 Logistics
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Global Customs Forum Sets Future Work Priorities

Global Customs Forum Sets Future Work Priorities

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully held the inaugural meeting of the Customs Working Organization Forum (CWOF), bringing together global experts to discuss innovative customs working methods in the “new normal.” The meeting approved the CWOF's terms of reference and outlined future work directions, including the collection of case studies and the development of best practice guidelines. The aim is to build a more resilient and efficient customs working system, adapting to the evolving challenges of international trade and ensuring effective border management in a rapidly changing world.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Shanghai Port Strives To Enhance Container Throughput And Seize Global Leadership Position

Shanghai Port Strives To Enhance Container Throughput And Seize Global Leadership Position

Shanghai Port aims to enhance container throughput and maintain its position as the world's leading port by improving its transportation system and establishing an international shipping center. The focus will be on regional collaboration and technological empowerment, promoting integrated transportation in the Yangtze River Delta to strengthen economic circulation. Additionally, efforts will be accelerated on railway and highway construction to ensure efficient connections between major cities and support regional development.

07/22/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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El Salvador Adopts WCO Data Model to Boost Trade Efficiency

El Salvador Adopts WCO Data Model to Boost Trade Efficiency

El Salvador Customs is actively adopting the WCO Data Model to enhance clearance efficiency and promote trade development. By standardizing data, system interoperability is achieved, reducing trade costs and improving supply chain security. This initiative brings faster clearance speeds, enhanced competitiveness, and a more secure and reliable supply chain to businesses. This signals a brighter trade future for El Salvador Customs, fostering economic growth and facilitating international commerce.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahamas Customs Boosts Trade Via Wcobacked AEO Program

Bahamas Customs Boosts Trade Via Wcobacked AEO Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the Bahamas Customs Department in implementing an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program to enhance trade efficiency and security. Through training, regulatory development, and pilot projects, the Bahamas is actively building its AEO framework. AEO certification not only provides customs clearance benefits for businesses but also promotes global trade development. Chinese enterprises should also actively participate in the AEO system to enhance their international competitiveness.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Joins Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Burkina Faso Joins Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Burkina Faso has acceded to the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), becoming the 111th contracting party. The RKC simplifies customs clearance procedures, promotes trade facilitation, and enhances global competitiveness. By adopting the RKC, Burkina Faso aims to streamline its customs operations, reduce trade barriers, and ultimately boost its economic growth. This accession underscores the country's commitment to international standards and its desire to integrate more effectively into the global trading system.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Yiwusingapore Small Parcel Shipping Costs Drop

Yiwusingapore Small Parcel Shipping Costs Drop

Qisheng International Logistics offers DDP sea freight small parcel service from Yiwu to Singapore. Leveraging its efficient sea freight line, stable transit times, full visibility tracking system, and professional customs clearance team, Qisheng provides secure, reliable, and convenient logistics solutions. This service helps businesses expand into the Singaporean market by offering a hassle-free shipping experience with duties and taxes included in the price and streamlined customs processes.

01/26/2026 Logistics
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Ecuador Customs Lab Upgraded With WCO Support

Ecuador Customs Lab Upgraded With WCO Support

The World Customs Organization held a workshop in Ecuador to support the modernization of its customs laboratory and enhance its capabilities in commodity classification, tax collection, and combating smuggling. The meeting focused on topics such as the application of the Harmonized System, analytical methodologies, database applications, and green customs. The workshop highlighted the crucial role of a modern customs laboratory in improving customs clearance efficiency, increasing tax revenue, protecting the environment, and promoting international trade. It underscored the importance of investing in laboratory infrastructure and training for sustainable development.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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HS Codes Boost Green Trade and Sustainability Efforts

HS Codes Boost Green Trade and Sustainability Efforts

This paper explores the role of the World Customs Organization and its Harmonized System (HS) in the global green trade transition. By analyzing the HS's potential in identifying environmentally friendly products, restricting trade in harmful products, and supporting the development of a circular economy, it elucidates how this international trade tool can be leveraged to promote sustainable material lifecycle management and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The paper highlights the importance of HS codes in fostering green trade practices and achieving sustainability objectives.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Calls for Global Trade Collaboration Digital Shift

WCO Calls for Global Trade Collaboration Digital Shift

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) has called for enhanced international cooperation and digital transformation to address the challenges posed by the pandemic and build a more resilient global trade system. He emphasized the crucial role of customs in facilitating the cross-border flow of vaccines and essential goods, and encouraged leveraging data and technological innovation to improve management efficiency and service delivery. The WCO will continue to support its member customs administrations in their digital transformation efforts, contributing to the recovery of global trade.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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