Ethiopia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Audit Program

Ethiopia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Audit Program

A WCO assessment report highlights challenges faced by Ethiopia's Post Clearance Audit (PCA). Recommendations include strengthening legal frameworks, improving risk management practices, and enhancing IT infrastructure. These improvements aim to increase the efficiency of customs control and facilitate trade. Addressing these areas is crucial for Ethiopia to optimize its customs operations and contribute to regional and global trade competitiveness. Successful implementation will require sustained commitment and strategic resource allocation.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Russian Customs Struggles with Rigid Performance Metrics

Russian Customs Struggles with Rigid Performance Metrics

The Russian customs performance evaluation system faces issues such as complex and rigid indicators, and an overemphasis on results rather than processes, leading to inefficient resource allocation and difficulty in meeting public needs. This paper suggests building a scientific performance evaluation system by clarifying assessment goals, simplifying the indicator system, introducing external evaluation, and strengthening process management. The aim is to improve customs efficiency and transparency.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lesotho Revenue Authority Upgrades HR System with WCO Assistance

Lesotho Revenue Authority Upgrades HR System with WCO Assistance

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) is actively modernizing its human resource management. Through capacity building and process optimization, the LRA aims to establish an efficient and strategically aligned HR system, becoming a model within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) region. This article details the LRA's actions, WCO's support, and the challenges and opportunities faced. It also looks ahead to the LRA's future development in the field of human resource management.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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LTL Freight Industry Braces for Major NMFC Changes in 2025

LTL Freight Industry Braces for Major NMFC Changes in 2025

The NMFTA is implementing significant NMFC reforms in 2025, impacting carriers, shippers, and 3PLs. To mitigate potential freight rate increases, businesses should actively participate in NMFTA listening sessions to understand the changes, adjust internal processes, and embrace density-based pricing to enhance negotiating power. Proactive engagement is crucial for navigating the upcoming LTL freight challenges successfully. By understanding the implications and adapting strategies, companies can better manage costs and maintain a competitive edge in the evolving LTL landscape.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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USPS Expands Lastmile Delivery to Compete in Logistics

USPS Expands Lastmile Delivery to Compete in Logistics

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is opening its 'last-mile' delivery network, aiming to leverage its vast infrastructure to reduce logistics costs, improve delivery speed, and increase revenue. This move has the potential to reshape the logistics landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Key aspects to watch include the bidding process, pricing strategies, and operational execution details. If successful, this initiative could benefit e-commerce businesses, retailers, and consumers alike by providing more efficient and cost-effective delivery options.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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EU and Taiwan Advocate Ending Preshipment Inspections to Ease Trade

EU and Taiwan Advocate Ending Preshipment Inspections to Ease Trade

The EU and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu submitted a proposal to the WTO advocating for the phased elimination of pre-shipment inspection (PSI) by all members to facilitate trade. The proposal outlines differentiated timelines for members based on their development levels, emphasizing transitional arrangements and technical assistance. Eliminating PSI is expected to reduce trade costs and improve efficiency. However, it also highlights the importance of customs capacity building and risk management to ensure smooth trade flows and prevent potential abuses after PSI removal.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EU and Taiwan Propose Trade Streamlining by Ending Preshipment Checks

EU and Taiwan Propose Trade Streamlining by Ending Preshipment Checks

Joint proposals by the EU and Taiwan, among others, advocate for the elimination of mandatory Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) to foster trade facilitation. This initiative aims to reduce costs and enhance competitiveness through measures such as technical assistance. By removing PSI, the proposal seeks to streamline trade processes, ultimately benefiting businesses and consumers through lower transaction costs and improved efficiency. The focus is on modernizing customs procedures and leveraging technology to achieve smoother and more predictable trade flows.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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CAR Rebuilds Customs with WCO Aid Postcrisis

CAR Rebuilds Customs with WCO Aid Postcrisis

With WCO support, the Central African Republic Customs has launched post-crisis reforms aimed at building institutional capacity, compliance enforcement, trade facilitation, and international cooperation through strategic planning and recovery programs. The reforms prioritize border security and utilize data analysis to quantify their impact. These efforts contribute to national economic development and security assurance.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Chinese Cargo Owners Unite Against Maersks Seal Fee Spark Controversy in Shipping Industry

Chinese Cargo Owners Unite Against Maersks Seal Fee Spark Controversy in Shipping Industry

Chinese cargo owners have united to protest against Maersk over disputes regarding sealing fees, marking a significant shift in foreign trade companies' response to unreasonable charges. Three major associations in Xiamen have strongly condemned Maersk's actions, urging for the protection of cargo owner rights and greater industry transparency. This issue transcends mere fee disputes, as it holds profound implications for the future development of the maritime shipping industry.

07/28/2025 Logistics
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