WTO and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

WTO and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) emphasized the crucial role of collaboration between trade and customs communities in improving global well-being at the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council meeting. By strengthening information sharing, capacity building, and technological innovation, the WTO and WCO can jointly build a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable global trading system. This cooperation is essential for facilitating trade, ensuring security, and promoting economic development worldwide. The focus is on streamlining processes and fostering a collaborative environment for mutual benefit.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Digital Transformation Boosts Supply Chain Resilience

Digital Transformation Boosts Supply Chain Resilience

This paper explores how integrating digital manufacturing into the supply chain can enhance a company's ability to respond to economic and political uncertainties. It focuses on analyzing the implementation strategies and benefits of digital manufacturing, as well as the key elements in the digital transformation process. The aim is to help companies build a more resilient supply chain system. It discusses practical approaches to leverage digital technologies for increased agility and responsiveness, ultimately enabling businesses to navigate complex and volatile market conditions more effectively.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Zambia Tax Authority Adopts WCO Tool to Boost Efficiency

Zambia Tax Authority Adopts WCO Tool to Boost Efficiency

With support from the Sida-WCO Trade Facilitation Project, WCO experts assisted the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) in leveraging the Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM) to enhance strategic decision-making and governance. By establishing a data-driven performance evaluation system, ZRA aims to optimize operational efficiency and achieve customs modernization, ultimately contributing more significantly to Zambia's economic development. The PMM helps ZRA to monitor progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that resources are allocated effectively, leading to better trade facilitation and increased revenue collection.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Saudi Arabia Boosts Customs Efficiency with Wcobacked AEO Program

Saudi Arabia Boosts Customs Efficiency with Wcobacked AEO Program

A World Customs Organization (WCO) expert team recently visited Saudi Arabia to provide AEO system capacity building training to the Saudi ZATCA. The training focused on key elements such as the SAFE Framework of Standards, risk management, and Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs). This initiative aims to assist Saudi Customs in optimizing AEO implementation, enhancing trade facilitation, and promoting economic diversification. By strengthening its AEO program, Saudi Arabia can improve efficiency, security, and predictability in its customs procedures, ultimately contributing to a more competitive and attractive business environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and WTO Boost Global Trade Facilitation Committees

WCO and WTO Boost Global Trade Facilitation Committees

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the World Trade Organization (WTO), held a high-level course for chairs of National Trade Facilitation Committees. The course aimed to enhance participants' understanding of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and strengthen their ability to engage with stakeholders. The WCO shared its experience in stakeholder consultation and resource mobilization, introducing relevant tools and standards to support countries in establishing and improving their National Trade Facilitation Committees. This collaborative effort contributes to building a more open and efficient global trading system.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lightbulbscom Boosts Peak Season Output Via Logistics Optimization

Lightbulbscom Boosts Peak Season Output Via Logistics Optimization

LightBulbs.com doubled its shipping throughput during peak season without adding staff by integrating shipping and dimensioning solutions. Key strategies included a multi-carrier platform, automated dimensioning, real-time visibility, and a cost recovery system. These measures not only improved operational efficiency but also reduced costs and enhanced customer service levels. The integration allowed for smarter carrier selection and optimized packaging, leading to significant savings and a smoother customer experience during a high-demand period. This proactive approach ensured efficient order fulfillment and maintained customer satisfaction.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Lightbulbscom Boosts Shipping Capacity Without New Hires

Lightbulbscom Boosts Shipping Capacity Without New Hires

LightBulbs.com doubled its shipping throughput without increasing staff by integrating logistics operations and building a transportation and dimensioning system. Key strategies included adopting a multi-carrier shipping platform, automated dimensioning technology, real-time visibility systems, and cost recovery mechanisms. This provides valuable experience for e-commerce businesses facing logistics challenges. The integrated approach streamlined processes, allowing for faster order fulfillment and reduced shipping errors. The multi-carrier platform optimized carrier selection based on cost and delivery time, further contributing to efficiency and cost savings.

01/26/2026 Logistics
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Russia Eases China Border Trade with New Decree

Russia Eases China Border Trade with New Decree

Russian Presidential Decree No. 912 aims to alleviate congestion at western border crossings by allowing the import of certain goods without complete documentation. This temporary measure is intended to facilitate customs system reform and regulate China-Russia trade. In the long term, China-Russia cross-border e-commerce businesses need to adapt to the trend of digitalization and compliance, enhancing their compliance capabilities to gain an advantage in the future market. This emphasizes the importance of adhering to regulations for sustained success in the evolving trade landscape.

01/26/2026 Logistics
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Eus New GPSR Rules Require Authorized Representatives

Eus New GPSR Rules Require Authorized Representatives

With the mandatory implementation of the EU's General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) and the increasing stringency of e-commerce platforms' requirements for EU Representatives (EU Reps), cross-border e-commerce sellers must prioritize compliance. This article provides a detailed interpretation of the EU Rep system, GPSR regulations, the relationship between CE certification and EU Reps, and how to choose a compliant EU Rep service provider. It aims to help sellers better understand EU regulations, ensure compliant operations, and gain a competitive edge in the market.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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UK Ecommerce Sellers Face VAT Refund Challenges

UK Ecommerce Sellers Face VAT Refund Challenges

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the UK VAT refund mechanism, focusing on the triggering conditions, cycle, form, and operational process of VAT refunds. It also analyzes the causes of common problems. Sellers need to pay attention to key aspects such as negative declarations and bank account binding to ensure compliant declarations and efficient VAT refunds. Understanding the intricacies of the UK VAT system is crucial for cross-border e-commerce businesses operating in the UK to maximize their financial benefits and maintain regulatory compliance.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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