WTO Advocates Digital Customs to Ease Ecommerce Trade Barriers

WTO Advocates Digital Customs to Ease Ecommerce Trade Barriers

During the 2016 WTO Public Forum, a joint WCO/AAEI session focused on the role of digital customs in facilitating cross-border e-commerce. Discussions covered e-commerce definitions, customs challenges, platform compliance, national practices, and industry recommendations. The session emphasized building an open, convenient, and secure cross-border e-commerce environment through simplified regulations, enhanced cooperation, technological innovation, and support for SMEs. The goal is to promote global trade prosperity by leveraging digital customs and fostering a more efficient and inclusive e-commerce ecosystem.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Papua New Guinea Strengthens Anticounterfeiting Measures

Papua New Guinea Strengthens Anticounterfeiting Measures

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted an online training for Papua New Guinea Customs on combating counterfeiting and piracy. This initiative aims to enhance their intellectual property enforcement capabilities, protecting public health and economic development. With tools provided by the WCO and funding from Japan, PNG Customs will strengthen border controls to combat counterfeit goods and create a safer trading environment. The training focuses on practical skills and knowledge necessary to identify and seize counterfeit products, ultimately contributing to a more secure and legitimate global trade system.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Hong Kong to Rename Virtual Banks As Licensed Digital Banks

Hong Kong to Rename Virtual Banks As Licensed Digital Banks

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) plans to rename "Virtual Banks" to "Licensed Digital Banks" to eliminate public misconceptions about the term "virtual" and enhance trust. This move aims to further promote the development of digital banking in Hong Kong and align with international trends. Currently, digital banks in Hong Kong have 2.2 million customers and deposits of HK$37 billion. The rebranding reflects the growing maturity and acceptance of digital banking services in the region, signaling a commitment to innovation and financial inclusion.

02/12/2026 International Settlement
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Pet Fair Asia Urges Industry Unity Against Pandemic Challenges

Pet Fair Asia Urges Industry Unity Against Pandemic Challenges

The Asia Pet Show issued a proposal calling on colleagues in the national pet industry to take active action. Through self-discipline and self-inspection, scientific publicity, and industry mutual assistance, they can jointly cope with the challenges of the epidemic, improve the industry's safety level, ensure pet health and public safety, and promote the stable development of the industry. The initiative emphasizes the importance of responsible practices and collaboration to navigate the current situation and build a more resilient and trustworthy pet industry.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Contactless Commerce Growth Stalls Amid Uncertain Future

Contactless Commerce Growth Stalls Amid Uncertain Future

The pandemic has fueled the development of "Contactless Commerce," but its core remains cost reduction and efficiency improvement. Unmanned retail has cooled down, while smart express cabinets and meal pickup cabinets are dominated by giants. Robotic food delivery faces practical challenges. Policy support and changing consumer attitudes bring opportunities, but labor costs and technological bottlenecks still exist. In the future, the development of "Contactless Commerce" may be driven by public health factors. The key is balancing innovation with practical implementation and addressing existing limitations.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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XPO Sells 710M Intermodal Unit to STG Focuses on LTL and Brokerage

XPO Sells 710M Intermodal Unit to STG Focuses on LTL and Brokerage

XPO Logistics is selling its intermodal business to STG Logistics for $710 million, aiming to focus on less-than-truckload (LTL) and truck brokerage, creating two more explosive public companies. This move simplifies the business model and enhances the capital structure, drawing on the experience of the GXO Logistics spin-off. The separation is expected to be completed by the end of the year, transforming XPO into a pure-play LTL operator. This strategic divestiture allows XPO to concentrate its resources and expertise on its core strengths.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Carleton University IATA Launch Air Transport Policy Certificate

Carleton University IATA Launch Air Transport Policy Certificate

The Air Transportation Principles and Policy Professional Certificate program, a collaboration between IATA and Carleton University, aims to provide professionals with a comprehensive understanding of governmental policies impacting civil aviation. Through five online courses, the program enhances participants' influence within the industry, cultivates public sector insights, and fosters private sector advantages, ultimately enabling greater success in the field of aviation policy. This program is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex landscape of aviation regulations and contribute effectively to the industry's development.

11/03/2025 Logistics
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WCO Highlights Customs Key Role in Pandemic Preparedness

WCO Highlights Customs Key Role in Pandemic Preparedness

The WCO's COVID-19 project aims to enhance customs' capacity to respond to emergencies and ensure supply chain security. Key aspects include international cooperation and technological innovation. The project focuses on strengthening customs' preparedness, facilitating the flow of essential goods, and mitigating disruptions to global trade. By fostering collaboration and leveraging innovative technologies, the WCO seeks to build more resilient and secure supply chains in the face of future crises. This initiative underscores the importance of customs in safeguarding global trade and protecting public health during times of uncertainty.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Addresses Pandemics Gender Disparity with Equality Plan

WCO Addresses Pandemics Gender Disparity with Equality Plan

A virtual working group meeting of the World Customs Organization discussed the impact of the pandemic on gender equality, focusing on the economy, gender-based violence, and working from home. Representatives shared their respective responses, emphasizing the crucial role of customs in supporting employee well-being and protecting public interests. The discussion also explored how data analysis can provide a more precise understanding and response to the gender-differentiated challenges posed by the pandemic. The meeting highlighted the need for targeted interventions and policies to mitigate these disparities.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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USPTO Enhances Patent Search Tool for Ecommerce Sector

USPTO Enhances Patent Search Tool for Ecommerce Sector

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has launched a new version of its public patent search tool (PPUBS), replacing the old one. This article details the search process of PPUBS, including keyword search and the use of advanced search codes. It emphasizes the importance of PPUBS for cross-border e-commerce sellers to avoid infringement risks, suggesting that sellers master it as soon as possible. Understanding the new system is crucial for ensuring products do not violate existing patents and for staying competitive in the global marketplace.

01/04/2026 Customs Knowledge
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