Zimbabwe Zambia Boost Trade with Customs Data Link

Zimbabwe Zambia Boost Trade with Customs Data Link

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Zimbabwe and Zambia are advancing customs data interconnectivity to facilitate cross-border trade. By standardizing data, establishing data exchange protocols, and creating a change management framework, the two countries aim to reduce clearance times, lower trade costs, and enhance risk management capabilities. This initiative serves as a model for customs cooperation in other African nations, promoting regional economic integration. The project emphasizes streamlined processes and improved efficiency, ultimately contributing to a more competitive and integrated trading environment.

IATA Launches OPS Portal to Improve Aviation Ground Safety

IATA Launches OPS Portal to Improve Aviation Ground Safety

The IATA Operations Portal (OPS Portal) is an online platform designed for airlines and ground service providers. It centralizes access to industry standards and facilitates information exchange, aiming to enhance standardization and safety in aviation ground operations. The portal offers features such as standards lookup, compliance assessment, and information sharing. It helps improve efficiency, reduce costs, and supports the continuous development of industry standards. By providing a single point of access to critical information, the OPS Portal streamlines operations and promotes best practices within the aviation industry.

Aviation Industry Advancing Toward Netzero IATA Reports

Aviation Industry Advancing Toward Netzero IATA Reports

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a sustainability consulting service to empower aviation businesses in reducing their carbon footprint and achieving net-zero transition. The service covers carbon footprint assessment, net-zero strategy development, emissions reduction leverage analysis, ESG disclosure and reporting, airport decarbonization, and technological innovation. IATA will also host a series of industry events to provide a platform for exchange and collaboration on sustainable development within the aviation sector. This initiative aims to accelerate the industry's progress towards a more environmentally responsible future.

Aviation Board Advances Data Standards for Digital Transformation

Aviation Board Advances Data Standards for Digital Transformation

IATA's ATSB is dedicated to developing aviation data exchange standards, promoting interconnectivity and digital transformation. The Open API Working Group is building a 'common language' to facilitate industry collaboration. This initiative aims to streamline data sharing and improve operational efficiency across the aviation sector by establishing standardized protocols and interfaces. The focus is on creating a more connected and data-driven ecosystem within the industry, ultimately leading to enhanced decision-making and improved passenger experiences. The 'common language' fosters interoperability between different systems and stakeholders.

01/08/2026 Airlines
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WCO Releases New Rules for Crossborder Ecommerce Shipments

WCO Releases New Rules for Crossborder Ecommerce Shipments

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released a report addressing the challenges of customs clearance for low-value cross-border e-commerce parcels. It proposes solutions in five areas: facilitation, risk management, data exchange, anti-counterfeiting regulation, and tax collection. The aim is to improve customs clearance efficiency, maintain market order, and promote the healthy development of cross-border e-commerce. The report provides guidance for customs administrations to streamline processes, enhance security, and ensure fair revenue collection in the rapidly growing e-commerce landscape.

WCO IPPC Align Trade Facilitation with Plant Health Rules

WCO IPPC Align Trade Facilitation with Plant Health Rules

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) have signed a cooperation agreement to enhance plant health protection while facilitating trade, addressing the challenges of plant pest and disease spread in global trade. The collaboration will focus on areas such as electronic phytosanitary certificates, e-commerce, sea containers, single windows, information exchange, and advocacy. The goal is to build a global community for plant health security, ensuring safer and more efficient international trade while safeguarding plant resources from harmful pests and diseases.

WCO Data Model Enhances Crossborder Ecommerce Security

WCO Data Model Enhances Crossborder Ecommerce Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Data Model Project Team (DMPT) emphasizes the crucial role of data in building a secure and efficient cross-border e-commerce environment and released the new WCO Data Model 3.7.0. The meeting focused on data standardization, information sharing, and data exchange related to e-commerce, aiming to improve risk management and customs clearance efficiency. This contributes to a safer and more efficient future for cross-border e-commerce by promoting harmonized data standards and facilitating seamless information flow between stakeholders.

Shell Scania Collaborate on Green Logistics Push

Shell Scania Collaborate on Green Logistics Push

Shell and Scania jointly hosted an offline event focusing on cost reduction, efficiency improvement, and green development for logistics companies. The conference will deeply analyze fuel economy, interpret Scania's TOE philosophy, and assess transportation capacity market trends. The "Fuel Saving and Carbon Reduction Pioneer Enterprise Program" will be launched, aiming to provide innovative solutions for logistics companies and help them achieve sustainable development. The event provides a platform for industry leaders to exchange ideas and explore best practices for optimizing operations and minimizing environmental impact.

South Africa Nigeria Strengthen Trade Ties Under Afcfta

South Africa Nigeria Strengthen Trade Ties Under Afcfta

Supported by the WCO's Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) successfully conducted an experience exchange focusing on post-clearance audit, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), and risk management. The aim was to enhance the NCS's risk management capabilities, promote trade compliance, and contribute to the prosperity of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This collaboration underscores the importance of customs cooperation in facilitating trade and strengthening regional economic integration through improved risk assessment and streamlined procedures.

Container Shipping Industry Faces Challenges Amid Consolidation Push

Container Shipping Industry Faces Challenges Amid Consolidation Push

The IANA Intermodal Expo is approaching, focusing on consolidation and differentiated services in the container shipping industry. The industry faces overcapacity challenges, making consolidation potentially unavoidable. Some carriers are pursuing differentiation, but alliance structures pose challenges. Shippers are increasingly prioritizing supply chain resilience, with digitalization, green initiatives, and intelligent solutions becoming future trends. The expo provides a platform for exchange, helping the industry address challenges and achieve sustainable development. The event will explore how companies can navigate the current landscape and capitalize on emerging opportunities.