WCO BRS Partner to Advance Green Trade Via HS Codes

WCO BRS Partner to Advance Green Trade Via HS Codes

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS) highlighted their collaboration in addressing environmental and social issues using the Harmonized System (HS) at the BRS COPs in Geneva. The WCO facilitates customs control of goods threatening the environment and human health by introducing HS codes. They shared elements of successful proposals, aiming to strengthen global cooperation and build a sustainable trade future. This partnership demonstrates how the HS can be leveraged for environmental protection and responsible trade practices on a global scale.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Expertise France Boost Gender Equality in African Tax Agencies

WCO Expertise France Boost Gender Equality in African Tax Agencies

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Expertise France jointly organized a gender equality workshop in Côte d'Ivoire. The workshop aimed to raise awareness of gender equality among customs and tax officials in West and Central Africa. Practical tools, such as the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT), were introduced. The event also facilitated the exchange of experiences between countries, laying the foundation for a more equitable and inclusive customs and tax environment. The initiative underscores the importance of international collaboration in promoting gender equality within customs and taxation sectors.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Implements New Trade Valuation Rules to Boost Revenue

WCO Implements New Trade Valuation Rules to Boost Revenue

The WCO Technical Committee on Customs Valuation has adopted two new advisory opinions concerning the valuation treatment of income tax in royalties and the valuation of buyer's own trademarks on imported goods. These new rules aim to enhance certainty and transparency in customs valuation, promote international trade facilitation, optimize customs revenue, and ensure the healthy development of global trade. They provide guidance on complex valuation issues, contributing to a more predictable and equitable international trade environment. The opinions seek to clarify existing valuation principles and address practical challenges faced by customs administrations and traders alike.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Temu Adjusts Ad Strategy As Ecommerce Sellers Adapt

Temu Adjusts Ad Strategy As Ecommerce Sellers Adapt

Temu is adjusting its global strategic layout, shifting its traffic investment budget towards emerging markets like Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Sellers should avoid direct competition in the US and European markets and instead focus on these new opportunities. Strategies include using the fully managed model for product testing and the semi-managed model for profit generation. Data-driven, refined operations are crucial. Sellers should also closely monitor platform policy changes and market trends to adapt their business strategies accordingly and achieve business growth in the new market environment.

01/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Customs Valuation and Transfer Pricing Align for Multinationals

Customs Valuation and Transfer Pricing Align for Multinationals

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the OECD jointly held a seminar in Pretoria, focusing on the nexus between customs valuation and transfer pricing. The conference promoted cooperation between tax and customs authorities, exploring the application of transfer pricing studies in customs valuation. It emphasized information sharing, aiming to build a fairer international trade environment. Discussions centered on how transfer pricing methodologies can inform customs valuation practices, ensuring accurate and equitable assessment of goods for duty purposes. The initiative seeks to enhance transparency and combat illicit financial flows related to trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Ecuador Customs Lab Upgraded With WCO Support

Ecuador Customs Lab Upgraded With WCO Support

The World Customs Organization held a workshop in Ecuador to support the modernization of its customs laboratory and enhance its capabilities in commodity classification, tax collection, and combating smuggling. The meeting focused on topics such as the application of the Harmonized System, analytical methodologies, database applications, and green customs. The workshop highlighted the crucial role of a modern customs laboratory in improving customs clearance efficiency, increasing tax revenue, protecting the environment, and promoting international trade. It underscored the importance of investing in laboratory infrastructure and training for sustainable development.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Europe Boosts Customs Training with Datadriven Strategies

Europe Boosts Customs Training with Datadriven Strategies

A meeting of the World Customs Organization's European region was held in Moscow to strengthen cooperation and coordination in customs capacity building within the region. The meeting reviewed the progress of five major capacity development projects and discussed the development of a database of regional customs education institutions, a logistics manual, an e-journal, and a common learning platform. These initiatives aim to enhance regional customs capacity, promote trade facilitation, and ensure security. The discussions laid the groundwork for future advancements in these areas, contributing to a more efficient and secure customs environment.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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St Lucia Aims to Enhance Trade Via AEO Program

St Lucia Aims to Enhance Trade Via AEO Program

Saint Lucia initiated its AEO program exploration in 2009, aiming to simplify customs procedures and enhance business competitiveness by certifying secure and reliable trade operators. A workshop shared Jamaica's experience, emphasizing the importance of swift action. While the private sector expressed concerns, it pledged support. AEO certification is a global trend, and Saint Lucia needs to overcome challenges and seize opportunities to achieve trade facilitation and economic development. The program seeks to streamline processes and improve efficiency for authorized economic operators, fostering a more competitive and attractive trade environment.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Banggood Denies Bankruptcy Adapts Ecommerce Strategy

Banggood Denies Bankruptcy Adapts Ecommerce Strategy

This article clarifies the rumors of Guangzhou cross-border e-commerce giant Banggood's "bankruptcy" and analyzes the reasons for its layoffs and strategic transformation. Banggood is shifting from a "product-spreading" model to a "product-focused" e-commerce approach to cope with market competition and enhance its core competitiveness. The article also discusses the choice of cross-border e-commerce models, emphasizing that companies should make decisions based on their own circumstances and market environment to maintain profitability. This transformation is crucial for survival and success in the evolving e-commerce landscape.

01/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Crossborder Ecommerce Boom Strains Shenzhen Logistics Firm

Crossborder Ecommerce Boom Strains Shenzhen Logistics Firm

A Shenzhen-based freight forwarding company's financial issues led to the detention of eight containers in US ports, incurring substantial demurrage fees and causing concern among cross-border e-commerce sellers. High demurrage costs and chaotic shipping conditions exacerbate the risk of financial collapse in the freight forwarding industry. This article advises sellers to exercise caution when selecting freight forwarders and provides a series of tips to avoid potential pitfalls, ensuring cargo security and reducing operational risks. This situation highlights the importance of due diligence in the current volatile shipping environment.

01/04/2026 Logistics
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