DOJ Expands Whistleblower Program to Tackle Customs Fraud

DOJ Expands Whistleblower Program to Tackle Customs Fraud

The U.S. Department of Justice has expanded its pilot program for corporate whistleblower rewards to include customs fraud and tax evasion. Rewards can reach up to 30% of the forfeited amount. This aims to combat tax evasion tactics like misrepresenting the origin or misclassifying goods, maintaining a fair trade environment. Insiders and competitors with relevant information are encouraged to report, but should be aware of the risks and seek professional assistance. Companies should strengthen compliance operations to avoid legal pitfalls.

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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Iran Japan Sign Customs Pact to Boost Trade

Iran Japan Sign Customs Pact to Boost Trade

Iran and Japan signed an agreement on mutual assistance and cooperation in customs matters. This aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries' customs administrations in areas such as information exchange, document assistance, and technical cooperation. The goal is to improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, optimize the business environment, and promote bilateral trade and economic relations. The agreement, modeled after the World Customs Organization's Model Agreement, establishes a solid legal foundation for Iran-Japan customs cooperation, signaling a new era in bilateral trade.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Pacific Islands Boost Customs Skills Via WCO Training

Pacific Islands Boost Customs Skills Via WCO Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the Harmonized System (HS) Classification Master Trainer Program for Pacific Island Countries, aiming to enhance their HS coding capabilities by developing a pool of regional experts. The inaugural working group event brought together experts from various countries to share experiences and discuss development strategies, laying the foundation for trade facilitation in the Pacific Island region. This initiative is crucial for improving customs efficiency and ensuring accurate tariff application, ultimately contributing to economic growth and regional integration.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Program Extended to Strengthen Customs Operations

Global Trade Program Extended to Strengthen Customs Operations

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) have agreed to a no-cost extension of one year for the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP). Launched in 2018, the GTFP has benefited numerous countries by significantly improving customs management and trade facilitation through capacity building, institutional reforms, cooperation promotion, and technological innovation. This has injected new momentum into global trade development.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Maldives Boost Customs Audits Via Virtual Workshop

Uzbekistan Maldives Boost Customs Audits Via Virtual Workshop

Uzbekistan and Maldives Customs held a virtual workshop where Uzbekistan learned from the Maldives' experience in post-clearance audit to enhance its own capabilities. The workshop facilitated knowledge sharing and best practices in customs procedures, specifically focusing on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of post-clearance audit processes. This collaboration highlights the importance of international customs cooperation in strengthening national customs administrations and promoting trade facilitation.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Adopts Tech to Boost Trade Efficiency

Asiapacific Customs Adopts Tech to Boost Trade Efficiency

The WCO Asia/Pacific region hosted a workshop on disruptive technologies, focusing on the application of technologies like blockchain, AI, and IoT in the customs domain. The meeting aimed to share experiences, gather input for updating relevant WCO research reports, and promote digital transformation within Asia/Pacific customs administrations. This initiative seeks to enhance trade facilitation and compliance levels by leveraging innovative technologies and fostering collaboration among customs organizations in the region.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Agencies Adopt Virtual Classrooms to Boost Training

Customs Agencies Adopt Virtual Classrooms to Boost Training

The pandemic has presented challenges to customs personnel training. Live virtual classrooms have become crucial for overcoming these difficulties. This paper emphasizes that customs organizations should actively embrace change, drawing on WCO guidelines. By carefully designing courses, strengthening interaction, and leveraging technology, they can create effective virtual classrooms, enhance personnel capabilities, and drive customs modernization. Ultimately, this promotes trade facilitation and national security. The focus is on adapting to the new normal and utilizing virtual platforms for continuous learning and development within customs administrations.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Groups Boost Collaboration at Annual Meeting

Global Customs Groups Boost Collaboration at Annual Meeting

The Customs Representatives Association's online annual meeting celebrated its reconstruction. The Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization congratulated the association and emphasized the importance of cooperation. The meeting adopted measures to optimize the organization, improve services, and expand international cooperation. These efforts aim to strengthen the association's role in facilitating international trade and promoting effective customs practices worldwide. The focus was on building a more robust and responsive organization to meet the evolving challenges of the global trade landscape and foster stronger partnerships among customs administrations.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Pacific Nations Strengthen Customs to Spur Economic Growth

Pacific Nations Strengthen Customs to Spur Economic Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has launched the Master Training Program (MTP) to develop regional taxation experts in Pacific Island Countries. This initiative aims to enhance customs valuation and commodity classification capabilities, thereby addressing tax revenue leakages and promoting sustainable economic development. Focusing on the specific taxation challenges faced by these island nations, the program builds a pool of expert trainers and develops specialized training materials. This provides a solid foundation for regional customs capacity building and contributes to improved revenue collection.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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