Gambia Revenue Authority Streamlines Trade to Spur Economic Growth

Gambia Revenue Authority Streamlines Trade to Spur Economic Growth

The Gambia Revenue Authority is collaborating with the World Customs Organization to optimize customs operations and strengthen trade facilitation measures through the implementation of performance assessment mechanisms. These measures include Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs and coordinated border management. The goal is to enhance the national performance assessment system and promote economic development in The Gambia. This collaborative effort aims to improve customs efficiency and effectiveness, ultimately contributing to a more streamlined and competitive trade environment.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Clarifies Customs Codes to Ease Global Trade

WCO Clarifies Customs Codes to Ease Global Trade

The 56th session of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Committee (HSC) released its latest classification rulings and opinions, covering items such as powdered alcohol, two-piece garments, and baby carriers. Revisions were also made to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes. These updates aim to provide import and export companies with more accurate HS code guidance, reduce trade costs, and improve customs clearance efficiency. The rulings and notes are crucial for proper commodity classification and compliance.

02/05/2026 HS Code Query
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Shipping Firms Urged to Optimize Container Sizes for Cost Savings

Shipping Firms Urged to Optimize Container Sizes for Cost Savings

This article, from a data analyst's perspective, delves into the CBM size and loading capacity of shipping containers. It provides detailed data on common container types such as 20GP, 40GP, 40HQ, and 45HQ. Using real-world examples, it guides readers to comprehensively consider factors like volume, weight, and packaging to select the most economical and efficient container solution, ultimately optimizing sea freight costs. The analysis aims to provide practical insights for businesses involved in international trade and logistics.

02/05/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Uzbekistan Boosts Trade with Faster Customs Clearance Study

Uzbekistan Boosts Trade with Faster Customs Clearance Study

Uzbekistan, with the support of the World Customs Organization and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, hosted a Time Release Study (TRS) technical workshop. The workshop aimed to strengthen capacity building, review action plans, and initiate the development of operational procedures and questionnaires. This initiative seeks to identify bottlenecks in cargo processing, enhance public-private cooperation, and streamline clearance procedures. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce trade time and costs, thereby improving Uzbekistan's international competitiveness.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Introduces Global Ecommerce Standards

Asiapacific Introduces Global Ecommerce Standards

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released a cross-border e-commerce framework, with the Asia-Pacific region leading the implementation. This framework aims to harmonize regulatory policies across countries, streamline customs clearance, strengthen risk management and consumer protection, and promote the healthy development of cross-border e-commerce. Its implementation will make overseas online shopping more convenient and safer for consumers, facilitate business expansion into overseas markets, and improve the overall service level of the industry.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Liberia WCO Boost Customs Efficiency for Humanitarian Aid

Liberia WCO Boost Customs Efficiency for Humanitarian Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), conducted a mission to Liberia to enhance the country's customs capacity and facilitation in responding to epidemics and natural disasters. By assessing needs, strengthening cooperation, and developing standard operating procedures, the mission laid the groundwork for improving Liberia's humanitarian relief system. This initiative highlights the importance of international collaboration in bolstering disaster preparedness and response capabilities within the customs framework.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Southern Africa Enhances Customs Valuation Via WCOJICA Initiative

Southern Africa Enhances Customs Valuation Via WCOJICA Initiative

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are jointly implementing the Customs Valuation (CV) Master Trainer Program (MTP) to create a professional and sustainable pool of CV trainers in Southern Africa. The third working group activity focused on developing training materials and enhancing practical skills. The WCO and JICA are committed to continuously supporting customs capacity building in the region, building an efficient and transparent customs valuation system, and promoting trade development.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Human Capital Investment Boosts Customs Efficiency in West and Central Africa

Human Capital Investment Boosts Customs Efficiency in West and Central Africa

The 9th Conference of Heads of Human Resource Management and Training of Customs Administrations of West and Central Africa was held in Ouagadougou, themed "Investing in Human Capital, Driving Performance." Representatives from 11 countries gathered to discuss human resource management reforms and drafted the "Ouagadougou Declaration," emphasizing strategic human resource management, investment in capacity building, and the importance of regional cooperation. Participants expressed gratitude for the World Customs Organization's support and looked forward to continued collaboration.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Philippines Streamlines Cargo Clearance to Boost Trade Efficiency

Philippines Streamlines Cargo Clearance to Boost Trade Efficiency

The Philippines will launch a National Time Release Study (TRS) in 2025 to enhance the efficiency of customs clearance for maritime imports and exports. Spanning two weeks, the study will focus on the Manila International Container Port and has received support from the World Customs Organization and HM Revenue and Customs of the UK. The final report is expected to be completed by the end of the year, providing a basis for subsequent reforms aimed at promoting trade facilitation and enhancing national competitiveness.

07/28/2025 Logistics
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Guide to Avoiding Costly Errors in International Shipping Documents

Guide to Avoiding Costly Errors in International Shipping Documents

This article provides a detailed interpretation of key filling points for ocean bills of lading, including shipper, consignee, vessel name, loading and unloading ports, marks and numbers, goods description, gross weight and volume, freight payment, place and date of issue, etc. It offers practical guidance with real-world examples to help you avoid common mistakes and ensure the smooth arrival of your goods. This guide aims to assist in accurately completing the bill of lading, a crucial document in international trade.

08/21/2025 Document Interpretation
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