China Tightens Customs Rules to Curb Personal Shopping Proxies

China Tightens Customs Rules to Curb Personal Shopping Proxies

Starting June 1, China Customs has implemented new regulations for incoming travelers' luggage, prohibiting the release of five categories of imported goods to curb personal purchasing. Travelers must ensure their personal items from abroad fall within a 'reasonable quantity for personal use'; any excess will be temporarily held and subject to customs procedures. The tax exemption policy outlines specific restrictions for cigarettes, discs, and electronic products, which require special attention to compliance. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in customs intervention.

07/29/2025 Logistics
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Central America Customs Modernized Under Global Trade Initiative

Central America Customs Modernized Under Global Trade Initiative

The WCO and SECO's GTFP project assists Central American countries in implementing the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), simplifying customs procedures, and promoting trade facilitation and economic growth. The project aims to streamline border processes, reduce transaction costs, and enhance the predictability and transparency of customs operations. By adopting the RKC standards, these countries can improve their competitiveness in the global market and attract foreign investment. This initiative contributes to regional integration and sustainable development by fostering a more efficient and effective trading environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ghanas Customs Reforms Boost Women in West African Trade

Ghanas Customs Reforms Boost Women in West African Trade

The World Customs Organization partnered with the Ghana Revenue Authority on a Gender Equality and Diversity project, empowering female traders in Ghana. The project included stakeholder meetings with SMEs and small traders, aiming to simplify trade procedures, provide information support, and promote gender equality. The outcomes of these meetings will be used to improve customs services and create a more equitable trading environment for women traders. This initiative seeks to address barriers faced by women in trade and foster inclusive economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Seeks to Streamline Global Trade Classification Standards

WCO Seeks to Streamline Global Trade Classification Standards

The World Customs Organization's midterm report affirms the HS's central role and recommends improvements to its usability and functionality to address evolving trade patterns. The report encourages active participation from all parties in the assessment process. The focus is on ensuring the Harmonized System remains a relevant and effective tool for international trade classification and customs procedures in a rapidly changing global landscape. This will involve streamlining processes and adapting to new technologies to enhance its overall effectiveness and accessibility.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advances Trade Reforms in Turkmenistan Via Revised Kyoto Convention

WCO Advances Trade Reforms in Turkmenistan Via Revised Kyoto Convention

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a seminar in Turkmenistan to promote the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and raise awareness of the importance of simplified and harmonized customs procedures. By providing detailed interpretations of the RKC articles, self-assessment tools, and considering Turkmenistan's specific context, the WCO is helping the country lay the groundwork for future accession to the RKC. This initiative aims to facilitate trade and promote economic development in Turkmenistan by streamlining its customs processes and aligning them with international standards.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Guidelines Boost Global Trade and Border Efficiency

WCO Guidelines Boost Global Trade and Border Efficiency

The 2017 WCO Global Transit Conference focused on improving cross-border transportation efficiency, releasing the 'Transit Guidelines' which emphasized the importance of political will, technological application, and international cooperation. The conference explored the development challenges faced by landlocked countries and shared successful experiences such as the EU's NCTS and the TIR Convention. The aim was to build a more efficient, convenient, and secure global transit ecosystem. The guidelines and discussions highlighted the need for harmonized procedures and data exchange to streamline transit operations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos Mercator Program Boosts Palestinian Trade Efficiency

Wcos Mercator Program Boosts Palestinian Trade Efficiency

The WCO commended Palestine's Mercator Program for its contributions to customs modernization and trade facilitation, supporting the implementation of the WTO Agreement. The WCO expressed its anticipation for deepened cooperation to further promote Palestine's economic development. The Mercator Program has significantly aided in streamlining customs procedures, reducing trade costs, and enhancing the overall efficiency of cross-border trade, aligning with international standards and best practices. The WCO looks forward to continued collaboration to build upon these achievements and foster sustainable economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tunisia Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Tunisia Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

With Tunisia's accession, the Revised Kyoto Convention now has 112 contracting parties, signaling accelerated global trade facilitation. This convention, a blueprint for modern customs, aims to reduce trade costs and improve customs clearance efficiency by simplifying procedures, optimizing risk management, and utilizing information technology. It promotes global trade growth and complements the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement, jointly building an open and prosperous trade system. The convention's focus on streamlined processes and technological advancements is crucial for enhancing customs efficiency worldwide.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Businesses Collaborate to Counter Global Trade Protectionism

WCO Businesses Collaborate to Counter Global Trade Protectionism

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) convened to discuss addressing trade protectionism, promoting trade facilitation, and regulating e-commerce. The meeting emphasized strengthening cooperation between customs and the private sector to jointly tackle global trade challenges and support economic and social development. Key topics included streamlining customs procedures, enhancing data exchange, and fostering a more predictable and transparent trading environment. The discussions highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in navigating the evolving landscape of international trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Initiative Boosts Trade for Landlocked Nations

WCO Initiative Boosts Trade for Landlocked Nations

The WCO supports landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) in integrating into global trade by simplifying transit procedures and reducing costs. Global transit conferences and WCO guidelines aim to build efficient and interconnected trade networks to promote development. These initiatives focus on streamlining customs processes, enhancing cooperation between transit countries, and improving infrastructure to facilitate the smooth and cost-effective movement of goods. Ultimately, the WCO's efforts contribute to the economic growth and diversification of LLDCs by connecting them to global markets.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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