Malawi Revenue Authority Adopts Competencybased HR System

Malawi Revenue Authority Adopts Competencybased HR System

With the support of the WCO and Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) is actively building a competency-based human resource management system (CBHRM) to enhance organizational effectiveness. This initiative aims to improve talent selection, customize training programs, implement objective performance evaluations, and optimize career development. MRA's experience provides valuable lessons for other developing countries' tax administrations. The CBHRM framework helps MRA to strategically manage its workforce, ensuring it possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively administer taxes and contribute to national development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Crossborder Ecommerce Faces New Customs Valuation Challenges

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces New Customs Valuation Challenges

The World Customs Organization released Advisory Opinion 4.19, clarifying how to handle royalties that include both patent rights for imported raw materials and trademark rights for the final product in customs valuation. This opinion aims to enhance valuation certainty, reduce trade friction, and assist businesses in tax planning. It offers valuable guidance for cross-border e-commerce and import-export enterprises, particularly regarding the treatment of royalties in determining customs value. The advisory opinion provides a framework for consistently applying valuation principles to complex licensing agreements.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Eswatini Launches Etariff Platform to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Eswatini Launches Etariff Platform to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Eswatini has launched an electronic tariff platform to enhance trade facilitation. A national workshop equipped tax officials with in-depth knowledge of the platform's functionalities, boosting their management capabilities. The platform boasts advantages such as information transparency, operational convenience, and data integration. It is projected to stimulate trade growth, attract foreign investment, and improve competitiveness. With its official launch imminent, Eswatini is poised to become a leader in trade facilitation within Africa. The platform is expected to streamline customs processes and reduce administrative burdens for businesses.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Upgrades Gender Equality Tool for Customs Agencies

WCO Upgrades Gender Equality Tool for Customs Agencies

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released an updated Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT) to assist member customs and tax administrations in assessing the integration of gender equality and diversity within their internal policies, practices, and external relations. The 2023 update focuses on security, action, and user experience. It includes a new security and safety chapter, strengthens action-oriented templates, and optimizes user experience design. This aims to promote gender equality within the customs domain and improve organizational performance through a more inclusive and equitable environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Chinese Influencers Lavish Baby Shower Stirs Online Debate

Chinese Influencers Lavish Baby Shower Stirs Online Debate

The extravagant full-moon banquet held by the internet celebrity couple "Guoyue" sparked controversy, exposing issues within the internet celebrity economy such as traffic monetization, flaunting wealth, and a lack of social responsibility. This event has prompted public reflection on the internet celebrity economic model, tax compliance, and industry regulation. It calls for internet celebrities to bear corresponding social responsibilities and earn public trust while pursuing commercial interests. The incident highlights the need for greater accountability and ethical considerations within the influencer marketing landscape.

12/31/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Malaysias Beauty Market Booms for Crossborder Ecommerce

Malaysias Beauty Market Booms for Crossborder Ecommerce

This article provides cross-border e-commerce sellers with a detailed practical guide on shipping cosmetics to Malaysia. It covers product selection strategies, logistics channel choices, platform registration, tax compliance, and popular product category recommendations. This guide helps you navigate the Malaysian beauty market successfully by offering insights into key aspects of the process, from choosing the right products to ensuring smooth delivery and adhering to local regulations. Learn how to optimize your operations and capitalize on the growing demand for beauty products in Malaysia.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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Polands Furniture Industry Adopts Green Policies Amid Euchina Trade Shifts

Polands Furniture Industry Adopts Green Policies Amid Euchina Trade Shifts

Poland is adjusting tariffs in its furniture industry to address new EU environmental regulations and domestic industry challenges. Through targeted tax reductions, export incentives, and process optimization, Poland aims to lower compliance costs for businesses, enhance product value, and deepen Sino-Polish trade cooperation. This initiative promotes the green transition and sustainable development of the furniture industry, ultimately achieving a win-win situation for businesses, consumers, and the environment. The adjustments are designed to help the industry adapt to changing market demands and ensure long-term competitiveness.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guide to Managing Detained International Shipments at Customs

Guide to Managing Detained International Shipments at Customs

It's common for overseas parcels to be detained by customs. This article addresses the reasons for detention, such as prohibited items, unclear declarations, missing documents, and exceeding tax thresholds. It provides solutions including contacting freight forwarders, supplementing materials, and truthfully correcting information. Prevention tips are also offered, such as understanding customs policies, standardizing customs declarations, and choosing reliable freight forwarders. Remaining calm and responding promptly are key to resolving the issue. Understanding import regulations and accurate documentation can minimize the risk of customs delays.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Updates PICARD Standards to Modernize Customs Training

WCO Updates PICARD Standards to Modernize Customs Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is undertaking a comprehensive upgrade of the PICARD Professional Standards to adapt to the rapidly evolving global trade landscape. The revised standards will focus on public-private partnerships, customs-tax linkages, coordinated border management, and cover emerging trends such as security, trade facilitation, technological advancements, and project management. This upgrade aims to cultivate forward-thinking and practically skilled customs professionals, ultimately fostering global trade development. The updated standards will ensure customs administrations are equipped to meet future challenges and opportunities.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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