New Global Guidelines Clarify Customs Valuation of Franchise Fees

New Global Guidelines Clarify Customs Valuation of Franchise Fees

The World Customs Organization issued a new advisory opinion clarifying that franchise fees should not be included in the customs valuation of imported goods under specific circumstances. Originating from a Mexican case and confirmed by the Technical Committee on Customs Valuation, this opinion aims to reduce import costs for businesses and enhance customs valuation transparency. Companies should study the opinion, assess their franchise agreements, and communicate with customs authorities to ensure valuation compliance and capitalize on trade opportunities. This helps in correctly determining the dutiable value and avoiding potential penalties.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Tackles Ecommerce Challenges at Davos Forum

WCO Tackles Ecommerce Challenges at Davos Forum

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization attended the Davos Forum, focusing on the opportunities and challenges presented by cross-border e-commerce. Through multilateral meetings, the crucial role of customs in trade facilitation was emphasized. The Secretary General actively advocated for data sharing, technology application, and international cooperation, aiming to build a secure and efficient cross-border e-commerce ecosystem and enhance the influence of customs in global trade. The discussions highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to address evolving complexities and ensure seamless trade flows in the digital age.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Tiktok Shop Challenges Amazon Rakuten in Japans Beauty Market

Tiktok Shop Challenges Amazon Rakuten in Japans Beauty Market

TikTok Shop is still in its exploratory phase within the Japanese market, with beauty and personal care identified as a potential growth catalyst. Merchants need to pay attention to the rational consumption habits of Japanese consumers and strengthen localized operations. A dual approach of content seeding and product card conversion is crucial. Focusing on niche functional products and culturally relevant makeup can also help gain traction in this competitive landscape. Success hinges on understanding local preferences and tailoring strategies accordingly to navigate the challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Tiktok Shop Seasia Gains on Double 11 As ERP Aids Crossborder Sales

Tiktok Shop Seasia Gains on Double 11 As ERP Aids Crossborder Sales

TikTok Shop's GMV in Southeast Asia increased by 2.3 times during the Double 11 shopping festival, highlighting the monetization potential of live-streaming e-commerce and short videos. Echain ERP is deeply adapted to the characteristics of TikTok Shop, providing accurate data analysis, intelligent advertising placement, refined influencer operations, efficient order management, and precise settlement profit calculation. It helps cross-border e-commerce sellers seize market opportunities and achieve business growth. Echain ERP empowers sellers to optimize their TikTok Shop performance and capitalize on the booming Southeast Asian market.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Yangzhous Toy Industry Expands Via Crossborder Ecommerce

Yangzhous Toy Industry Expands Via Crossborder Ecommerce

Hanjiang District in Yangzhou held a cross-border e-commerce event to support the transformation and upgrading of local toy industry belt enterprises. The event focused on policy interpretation, platform empowerment, emerging platform opportunities, data insights, compliant operation, and resource docking. It aims to build a learning and exchange platform for enterprises, promoting the Yangzhou toy industry belt to leverage cross-border e-commerce for global expansion. The event is expected to help local businesses navigate the complexities of international trade and capitalize on the growing demand for toys worldwide.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Rail Industry Navigates Safety and Efficiency with Megatrains

Rail Industry Navigates Safety and Efficiency with Megatrains

Rail freight companies are adopting longer train strategies to reduce costs and improve efficiency, raising safety concerns. The rise of multimodal transportation brings new opportunities but also faces service quality challenges. Balancing efficiency and safety is crucial to ensure the sustainable development of rail freight. Longer trains can increase the risk of derailments and other accidents. Multimodal transport requires seamless coordination between different modes, which can be difficult to achieve. Therefore, it is important to invest in safety measures and improve service quality to ensure the long-term viability of rail freight.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Ottawa Warehouses Adapt to Meet Ecommerce Demand Surge

Ottawa Warehouses Adapt to Meet Ecommerce Demand Surge

An Ottawa logistics fulfillment company successfully transitioned from a traditional warehousing model to an e-commerce order fulfillment model through strategic transformation, process optimization, and technology enablement, achieving rapid business growth. Their experience demonstrates that embracing e-commerce is an inevitable choice for third-party logistics companies. Businesses should seize e-commerce opportunities and achieve business leaps by optimizing processes, introducing technology, and strengthening cooperation. This case highlights the importance of adapting to the evolving market landscape and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and meet the demands of online retail.

01/27/2026 Warehousing
Read More
North American Intermodal Volume Declines Amid Supply Chain Challenges

North American Intermodal Volume Declines Amid Supply Chain Challenges

The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) reported a first decline in North American intermodal volumes in five years during Q3, impacted by supply chain disruptions and weather events. While the year-to-date volume for the first nine months still shows growth, challenges and opportunities persist. Collaborative efforts are needed to strengthen infrastructure, optimize networks, increase labor availability, improve equipment utilization, and promote digitalization. These actions are crucial for reshaping supply chain resilience in the face of ongoing uncertainties and fostering future growth in the intermodal sector.

01/27/2026 Logistics
Read More
Crossborder Ecommerce Sees Boom in Magnetic Charger Demand

Crossborder Ecommerce Sees Boom in Magnetic Charger Demand

This article delves into the business opportunities of magnetic chargers in cross-border e-commerce. It provides comprehensive guidance, from product advantages and market demand to shipping methods and marketing strategies, helping you create a trending product and achieve significant sales growth. The importance of air freight is emphasized, and multi-channel marketing and excellent after-sales service strategies are proposed to help sellers stand out in a competitive market. This analysis aims to equip sellers with the knowledge needed to capitalize on the magnetic charger's potential and maximize their success.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Europe Faces Trade Paradox As China Gains Supply Chain Edge in 2026

Europe Faces Trade Paradox As China Gains Supply Chain Edge in 2026

This article delves into the practical challenges behind Europe's call for 'de-risking' from China, revealing its structural dependence on the Chinese supply chain. By analyzing factors like cost, production capacity, and alternative solutions, it highlights the fundamental reasons why Europe struggles to decouple from 'Made in China.' The article also predicts a 'collective restocking wave' in the European market by 2026 and provides three key strategies for foreign traders to seize opportunities and tap into the European market, offering actionable insights for those seeking to capitalize on the evolving trade landscape.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More