This article provides a detailed analysis of the general rules and methods for the classification of HS customs commodity codes. It covers classification by item provisions, identification of product characteristics, and classification case studies, aiming to help professionals improve their classification efficiency and accuracy.
This paper reviews the 50-year development of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement, emphasizing its crucial role in maintaining fair trade and promoting international cooperation. It examines the agreement's impact on global trade practices and its contributions to reducing trade barriers. Furthermore, the paper looks forward to future development directions, considering emerging challenges and opportunities in the international trade landscape. It highlights the agreement's continued relevance in ensuring transparent and predictable customs valuation procedures, fostering trust among trading partners, and facilitating efficient cross-border trade flows.
This article summarizes recent key information in the cross-border e-commerce sector. It covers platform updates such as Amazon's new California appliance sales regulations, Alibaba's Miravia launch in Spain, and eBay's SpeedPAK shipping fee adjustments. It also highlights domestic news like Pudong New Area's foreign trade policies and Kunshan's import and export data. Furthermore, it provides insights into the economic and e-commerce development in countries like Japan and Indonesia. This information serves as a reference for cross-border e-commerce sellers.
Amazon faces a double benefit. European regulators are suing Amazon over 'unfair terms,' potentially forcing it to reduce restrictions on sellers. Simultaneously, the US Small and Light program's price threshold has increased from $8 to $10, boosting seller profit margins. Sellers should closely monitor these policy changes, optimize their pricing strategies, and improve product quality and service to capitalize on these opportunities. This presents a chance to enhance competitiveness and profitability within the Amazon marketplace.
New US regulations for air transport of lithium batteries will be implemented in phases starting in 2025, focusing on capacity limits, packaging testing, and label updates. From 2026, all lithium battery cells and packs must be transported at a state of charge (SOC) not exceeding 30% of their rated capacity. A new 3-meter stacking test is introduced, and labels are renamed to cover sodium-ion batteries. The FAA prohibits the air transport of damaged batteries. Cross-border e-commerce sellers need to pay close attention to the new regulations and adjust their strategies to ensure compliant transportation.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) signed a cooperation agreement to promote the safety and efficiency of international trade in plants and plant products. The cooperation will focus on five key areas: electronic data exchange, e-commerce, sea containers, single windows, and communication and promotion. The aim is to build a safer and more efficient plant trade system, inject new vitality into global trade, and build a global community of plant health. This partnership will contribute to smoother and more secure international trade flows.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is urging the government of El Salvador to adopt rapid antigen testing as an entry requirement to lower costs for travelers, simplify procedures, and promote the recovery of the aviation industry and the economy. IATA emphasizes that rapid antigen tests are safe, economical, and efficient, and have been adopted by many countries. Combined with vaccination, they can provide a double layer of protection. This initiative aims to stimulate tourism, create jobs, and revitalize the El Salvadoran economy.
The U.S. House of Representatives introduced H.R. 4350, the "Safe Skies Act," aiming to unify rest standards for passenger and cargo pilots. This bill seeks to address existing regulatory gaps in cargo pilot rest requirements, ultimately enhancing safety in air cargo operations. The proposed legislation has garnered significant attention within the industry, and its potential passage will significantly impact the future development of the U.S. air cargo industry.
The EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) aims to regulate online content moderation by large tech companies and promote fair competition. This legislation significantly impacts the advertising strategies of giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta, particularly in protecting vulnerable groups. Implementation of the DSA will increase compliance costs for tech companies, potentially limit their innovation, and reshape the relationship between users and platforms. It may set a new global standard for digital regulation, forcing companies to be more transparent and accountable for the content they host and the advertising they display.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the 8th edition of the Passenger Tariff Coordinating Conference Manual (PTCCM), updating industry standards across five pillars: general definitions, mileage principles, fare construction, currency application, and baggage rules. This new edition revises several resolutions to enhance fare transparency, reduce operational costs, promote international cooperation, and optimize the passenger experience. The updated PTCCM provides clearer and more efficient fare management regulations for the global aviation industry.
