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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Cape Verde WCO Launch Trade Efficiency Study

Cape Verde WCO Launch Trade Efficiency Study

With support from the WCO-WACAM project, Cape Verde Customs is preparing its first Time Release Study (TRS) to identify bottlenecks, optimize customs procedures, and enhance trade competitiveness. Through WCO expert workshops and public-private partnership action plans, Cape Verde aims to fulfill the Trade Facilitation Agreement, establishing an efficient and transparent customs system to promote economic development. The TRS will provide valuable data for informed decision-making and targeted reforms, ultimately streamlining the flow of goods and boosting Cape Verde's participation in global trade.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Crossborder Ecommerce Faces Customs Valuation Hurdles

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces Customs Valuation Hurdles

This paper delves into the challenges of customs valuation in cross-border e-commerce, highlighting the importance of digital transformation and the necessity of public-private partnerships. By standardizing electronic invoices, promoting electronic payments, and strengthening risk management, the aim is to build a fair, transparent, and efficient cross-border e-commerce trading environment. This will ultimately foster global trade prosperity. The paper argues that digitalization is crucial for addressing valuation complexities and ensuring compliance in the rapidly evolving landscape of cross-border e-commerce.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Antigua and Barbuda Boosts Customs Oversight with WTO Aid

Antigua and Barbuda Boosts Customs Oversight with WTO Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic of Antigua and Barbuda Customs to enhance trade facilitation. Through observation and discussions, the WCO assessed the current state of PCA implementation and provided recommendations for improvement. Moving forward, the WCO will continue to collaborate, assisting Antigua and Barbuda Customs in refining risk management, data analysis, personnel training, and IT systems. This includes strengthening cooperation with the private sector to promote trade development. The goal is to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ecommerce Boom Drives Six Key Trends in Freight Industry

Ecommerce Boom Drives Six Key Trends in Freight Industry

Faced with rising freight costs and driver shortages, shippers are actively adjusting their strategies. Six major trends in freight management are emerging: portfolio freight management, collaborative efforts to address driver shortages, reducing detention time, increasing private fleets, adopting technology to manage fleets, and developing autonomous trucks. These trends will reshape the future of freight, helping businesses manage logistics more efficiently. The adoption of autonomous driving especially promises to revolutionize long-haul transportation and alleviate driver scarcity, offering a potential solution to current industry challenges.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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ALAN Walmart Foundation Boost Disaster Relief Supply Chains

ALAN Walmart Foundation Boost Disaster Relief Supply Chains

The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), in collaboration with the Walmart Foundation, has launched a project to enhance disaster supply chain management capabilities of non-profit organizations. This initiative aims to improve relief efficiency and ensure faster delivery of aid to disaster victims through knowledge sharing, capacity building, and fostering collaboration. The partnership will promote cooperation between non-profits and private sector companies, building a stronger, more efficient, and sustainable disaster relief system. The project emphasizes building resilience and preparedness within the humanitarian supply chain.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Central America Advances Customs Modernization Via Publicprivate Partnerships

Central America Advances Customs Modernization Via Publicprivate Partnerships

A seminar on customs modernization and border management cooperation in Central America was held in Chile, emphasizing the crucial role of public-private partnerships in promoting trade facilitation and economic development. Participants shared experiences, discussed challenges, and expressed confidence in future collaboration. The World Customs Organization highlighted the importance of risk management and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. New member countries also expressed a strong desire to continue advancing relevant cooperation. The event underscored the commitment to modernizing customs procedures and enhancing regional trade efficiency.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Amazon Launches Lowprice Strategy to Rival Temu and Shein

Amazon Launches Lowprice Strategy to Rival Temu and Shein

Amazon launched a low-price platform called "Haul" to compete with Temu and Shein. This presents both opportunities and challenges for small and medium-sized cross-border sellers. It offers increased exposure for low-priced products but may also intensify price competition, impacting private label brands and dropshipping models. Sellers need to closely monitor Haul's developments, adjust their strategies, and focus on improving product quality and brand value to remain competitive in this evolving landscape. This requires a shift towards differentiation beyond just price.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Chinese Brand COROS Gains US Market Share with Datadriven Approach

Chinese Brand COROS Gains US Market Share with Datadriven Approach

COROS, with its focus and professionalism, creates products that meet the core needs of outdoor enthusiasts. Through strategies like signing top athletes as ambassadors, community marketing, and private domain operation, they successfully built a professional outdoor image. This allowed them to stand out in the highly competitive North American market and become a leader in the outdoor sports watch sector. Their success provides valuable lessons for Chinese brands seeking to expand globally, demonstrating the power of targeted product development and strategic marketing in a niche market.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Kroger Walgreens Team Up on Grocery Delivery Expansion

Kroger Walgreens Team Up on Grocery Delivery Expansion

Kroger and Walgreens are partnering to test online order pick-up services, aiming to enhance customer convenience and address retail competition. This initiative is part of Kroger's omnichannel strategy, building a seamless online and offline retail ecosystem through private labels, e-commerce platforms, and pick-up services. The pick-up model is expected to become a standard in the retail industry, with refined operations and mutually beneficial partnerships being key to success. This collaboration highlights the growing importance of convenience and accessibility in the modern retail landscape.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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