Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs to Curb Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs to Curb Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the Asia-Pacific Border Management Waste Project to strengthen customs control over plastic waste in the Asia-Pacific region, combat illicit trade, and raise awareness of the Basel Convention amendments. Through virtual diagnostic missions to Indonesia and the Philippines, the WCO will develop detailed implementation plans and host regional workshops to promote regional cooperation in addressing plastic waste management challenges and building green border defenses. The project aims to enhance the capacity of customs administrations to effectively regulate and manage the transboundary movement of plastic waste.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Agencies Protect Vaccine Supply Chains From Counterfeits

Global Customs Agencies Protect Vaccine Supply Chains From Counterfeits

The World Customs Organization launched the “Project to Facilitate and Coordinate Customs Controls on Cross-Border Transport of Critical COVID-19-Related Goods” to combat counterfeit vaccines and other illicit goods, ensuring the efficient flow of legitimate supplies. Funded by Japan Customs, the project strengthens customs supervision through multilateral collaboration and technological empowerment. It aims to build a global pandemic prevention and control barrier, safeguarding human health. This initiative promotes secure and efficient trade in essential goods during the COVID-19 crisis, fostering international cooperation to combat the pandemic.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Tool Boosts Customs Training in Eswatini Pilot

WCO Tool Boosts Customs Training in Eswatini Pilot

The WCO piloted an assessment tool to enhance customs capacity building. Working with Eswatini, data was collected to refine the tool. The initiative aims to empower customs officers and improve their professional capabilities. This pilot program provides valuable insights for further development and implementation of the assessment tool, contributing to more effective and efficient customs operations globally. The focus is on providing customs administrations with the means to identify areas for improvement and tailor capacity building programs accordingly.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances IT Leadership for West and Central African Customs

WCO Enhances IT Leadership for West and Central African Customs

The WCO held an Information Technology Strategic Seminar for West and Central Africa in Senegal. This event aimed to enhance customs leadership capabilities to address evolving trade challenges and promote economic development within the region. The seminar focused on leveraging information technology to improve customs efficiency, security, and compliance. Participants explored strategic approaches to modernize customs operations and facilitate legitimate trade flows, ultimately contributing to regional economic growth and integration. The WCO continues to support its member administrations in adopting innovative solutions for effective border management.

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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WCO Boosts Trade Facilitation Efforts in Latin America

WCO Boosts Trade Facilitation Efforts in Latin America

The WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the ALACAT International Congress, highlighting customs' crucial role in promoting economic competitiveness and implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The WCO showcased relevant tools and measures, emphasizing the importance of customs-business cooperation. During the event, the WCO also strengthened collaboration with Spanish Customs and the Catalan private sector, aiming to build a more efficient and transparent customs system and promote global trade facilitation.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Tackle Ecommerce Valuation for Smoother Trade

Global Customs Tackle Ecommerce Valuation for Smoother Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held its second seminar on E-Commerce and Customs Valuation, focusing on the valuation challenges in cross-border e-commerce. The event brought together international organizations, customs administrations, and private sector representatives to discuss policies, procedures, and practices. The aim was to address the challenges posed by the dynamic nature of e-commerce trade, facilitate trade, and build a fair and efficient cross-border e-commerce ecosystem. The WCO is actively working to develop a more comprehensive e-commerce valuation system to promote the healthy development of cross-border e-commerce.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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DR Congo Boosts Customs Oversight to Reform Trade Practices

DR Congo Boosts Customs Oversight to Reform Trade Practices

The General Directorate of Customs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) sought technical assistance from the World Customs Organization (WCO) to regain control over customs valuation, aiming to assess and enhance the capabilities of customs officers. Following a diagnostic assessment, the WCO recommended that the DRC utilize modern tools such as risk management and post-clearance audit, and supported its strategy to comply with the Niamey Declaration and the Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative not only improves customs valuation capacity in the DRC but also revitalizes the national economy and reshapes the trade landscape.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Amazon Merch Leverages AI for Costfree Profit Growth

Amazon Merch Leverages AI for Costfree Profit Growth

This article delves into leveraging AI to empower the Amazon Merch platform for zero-cost profitability. Through real-world examples from Reddit users, it unveils the earning potential of combining AI and SEO. The analysis highlights lesser-known reasons for its success, emphasizing the importance of AI tools. The article encourages readers to pursue their interests, continuously learn, and innovate to seize this asset-light, low-barrier-to-entry entrepreneurial opportunity. It explores how AI can be used for design and keyword optimization to maximize visibility and sales on Amazon Merch, offering a practical guide for aspiring entrepreneurs.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Beijing Hosts Global Supply Chain Expo to Enhance Trade Links

Beijing Hosts Global Supply Chain Expo to Enhance Trade Links

The 7th International Supply Chain and Logistics Exhibition will grandly open in Beijing, focusing on new opportunities for supply chain and logistics industry development under the "Belt and Road" Initiative. Hosted by authoritative organizations such as China National Convention Center Group, the exhibition aims to create a world-class logistics exhibition platform, promote regional collaboration and international trade facilitation. It gathers top domestic and foreign government and enterprises, covering sea, land, air and rail multimodal transport. A special Central and Eastern European exhibition area will be set up to help companies "go global" and "bring in", jointly building a new pattern of interconnectedness.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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