WCO Chief Visits Dutch Customs to Boost Global Trade Links

WCO Chief Visits Dutch Customs to Boost Global Trade Links

WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya visited the Netherlands Customs, focusing on information sharing, GNC, data quality, the Multilateral Mutual Assistance Convention, and mutual recognition, discussing global customs cooperation. The Secretary General expressed gratitude for the Netherlands' contribution to WCO technical assistance and looks forward to continued collaboration to build an open, efficient, and secure new global trade landscape. The visit highlighted the importance of strengthened partnerships and innovative solutions for addressing evolving challenges in international trade and customs administration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Maersk VGM Declarations A Guide for Compliant Shipping

Maersk VGM Declarations A Guide for Compliant Shipping

This article provides a detailed guide on declaring Verified Gross Mass (VGM) through the Maersk platform. It covers the definition and importance of VGM, the declaration steps, authorized personnel for declaration, weighing methods, and frequently asked questions. The aim is to help users ensure their cargo complies with the International Maritime Organization's SOLAS convention, avoiding delays or legal liabilities arising from VGM issues. It outlines the process to properly submit VGM information via Maersk to ensure smooth and compliant cargo transportation.

09/28/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
Read More
New Global Rules Tighten Tracking of Chemical Weapons Precursors

New Global Rules Tighten Tracking of Chemical Weapons Precursors

The World Customs Organization has issued new recommendations urging member economies to incorporate specific substances controlled by the Chemical Weapons Convention into national statistical directories. This aims to more accurately track and monitor the international movement of these sensitive goods. Businesses should comprehensively review their product lines, update internal coding systems, and enhance employee training to ensure trade activities comply with relevant laws and regulations. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining international trade compliance and preventing the proliferation of chemical weapons.

11/03/2025 HS Code Query
Read More
WCO Guidelines Boost Global Trade and Border Efficiency

WCO Guidelines Boost Global Trade and Border Efficiency

The 2017 WCO Global Transit Conference focused on improving cross-border transportation efficiency, releasing the 'Transit Guidelines' which emphasized the importance of political will, technological application, and international cooperation. The conference explored the development challenges faced by landlocked countries and shared successful experiences such as the EU's NCTS and the TIR Convention. The aim was to build a more efficient, convenient, and secure global transit ecosystem. The guidelines and discussions highlighted the need for harmonized procedures and data exchange to streamline transit operations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Georgia Boosts Customs Efficiency With HS Reforms Global Partnerships

Georgia Boosts Customs Efficiency With HS Reforms Global Partnerships

Georgia Customs enhanced commodity classification skills and promoted customs modernization by hosting a Harmonized System (HS) workshop. The workshop, jointly organized by the WCO and the Georgian Revenue Service, covered the HS Convention, tariff classification practices, and advance ruling systems. It aimed to establish a tariff classification system compliant with international standards and facilitate trade. The experience of Georgia provides a valuable reference for other developing countries seeking to improve their customs procedures and ensure accurate commodity classification according to the HS.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Guide to Mastering VGM Compliance for Safer Cargo Shipping

Guide to Mastering VGM Compliance for Safer Cargo Shipping

This paper elaborates on the definition, declaration process, responsible parties, and precautions of VGM (Verified Gross Mass). It aims to assist shippers and related parties in accurately and timely submitting VGM information to ensure the safety and efficiency of cargo transportation and avoid delays and additional costs arising from non-compliant VGM declarations. The paper provides a detailed explanation of the VGM requirements under the SOLAS Convention and its impact on container shipping operations, emphasizing the importance of accurate weight verification for safe and compliant transport.

09/28/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
Read More
Hangzhou Adopts TIR for Efficient Crossborder Ecommerce

Hangzhou Adopts TIR for Efficient Crossborder Ecommerce

Hangzhou has successfully piloted the "TIR + Cross-border E-commerce" model, leveraging the International Road Transport Convention (TIR) to facilitate more convenient and efficient export of cross-border e-commerce goods. This model simplifies customs procedures, increases transportation speed, and reduces costs to only a quarter of air freight. It provides a novel logistics solution for cross-border e-commerce businesses, assisting them in expanding into overseas markets. The streamlined process and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive alternative for companies seeking to optimize their international shipping strategies.

11/03/2025 Logistics
Read More
WCO Releases Guide to Curb Illegal Trade in Ecosensitive Goods

WCO Releases Guide to Curb Illegal Trade in Ecosensitive Goods

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released guidelines to assist customs officers in combating illegal trade in environmentally sensitive commodities. The guidelines place particular emphasis on the Basel Convention and aim to strengthen border controls to protect the environment. By focusing on key areas such as waste management and hazardous materials, the WCO seeks to enhance customs' role in preventing the illicit movement of environmentally damaging goods across international borders and ensuring compliance with international environmental agreements. This initiative is crucial for safeguarding environmental security and promoting sustainable trade practices.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Malawi Boosts Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown with WCO Aid

Malawi Boosts Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown with WCO Aid

The WCO is assisting the Malawi Revenue Authority in enhancing its intelligence capabilities to combat illegal wildlife trade. This support includes providing expert assistance and training to strengthen the implementation of the CITES convention. The initiative aims to build a global enforcement network to effectively address wildlife trafficking. By improving intelligence gathering and analysis, the Malawi Revenue Authority will be better equipped to identify and intercept shipments of illegal wildlife products, contributing to the protection of endangered species and the disruption of criminal networks involved in this illicit trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO and IPPC Boost Global Trade with Stricter Plant Health Rules

WCO and IPPC Boost Global Trade with Stricter Plant Health Rules

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) signed a cooperation agreement to promote the safety and efficiency of international trade in plants and plant products. The cooperation will focus on five key areas: electronic data exchange, e-commerce, sea containers, single windows, and communication and promotion. The aim is to build a safer and more efficient plant trade system, inject new vitality into global trade, and build a global community of plant health. This partnership will contribute to smoother and more secure international trade flows.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More