Customs Agencies Enhance Efficiency Via SECOWCO Partnership

Customs Agencies Enhance Efficiency Via SECOWCO Partnership

The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) aims to improve customs and tax administration in developing countries. Through training courses and capacity building initiatives, the GTFP helps managers master the latest management concepts and techniques to promote trade facilitation and support economic development. The program has supported customs and tax officials in numerous countries to enhance their capabilities, contributing to a more open and prosperous international trading system. This includes providing resources and expertise to modernize procedures and improve efficiency.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO OECD Align Customs and Transfer Pricing to Boost Trade

WCO OECD Align Customs and Transfer Pricing to Boost Trade

A joint workshop by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) aimed to enhance the expertise of customs and tax authorities in customs valuation and transfer pricing. It promoted cooperation to resolve tax disputes and trade frictions arising from valuation differences. The workshop included rule learning, practical exchanges, and provided WCO guidelines as reference. Future efforts will focus on deepening collaboration to build a fair trade environment by addressing valuation challenges and fostering international cooperation.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Guide to German VAT Rules for Online Sellers

Guide to German VAT Rules for Online Sellers

This article provides detailed answers to frequently asked questions regarding German Value Added Tax (VAT) for sellers doing business in Germany. It covers topics such as issuing compliant VAT invoices, when to collect VAT, VAT treatment rules for different sales models, and the VAT refund process. Furthermore, it analyzes whether non-EU companies need to register for German VAT in various scenarios. The aim is to help sellers better understand and comply with German VAT regulations, thereby minimizing tax risks.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Brazil Clamps Down on Shell Firms Hits Ecommerce Trade

Brazil Clamps Down on Shell Firms Hits Ecommerce Trade

The Brazilian e-commerce market is facing a tax crackdown, leading to the suspension of numerous shell company accounts and posing a risk of cargo detention for Mercado Libre sellers. This analysis examines key dimensions of the tax audit, provides urgent response recommendations, and emphasizes the core elements of long-term compliant operations. The aim is to help sellers navigate the compliance path and find a way out of the current predicament, ensuring continued business operations within the legal framework.

02/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Thailand Importers Guide to Costefficient Customs Clearance

Thailand Importers Guide to Costefficient Customs Clearance

This article provides a detailed analysis of the customs clearance costs for sea freight containers from China to Thailand, including tariffs, value-added tax (VAT), special consumption tax, and agency fees. It also analyzes the key factors influencing these costs. Furthermore, the article offers a cost estimation formula and recommendations for selecting a customs clearance agent, aiming to help cargo owners optimize logistics costs and successfully complete customs clearance procedures. The guide helps navigate the complexities of Thai customs and manage expenses effectively.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Customs Duty Reassessment Rules and Compliance Strategies Explained

Customs Duty Reassessment Rules and Compliance Strategies Explained

This article provides a detailed interpretation of the scope and time limits for supplementary duty payments, including underpaid or missed duties due to classification or valuation errors after goods release, domestic sales transfer of specific duty-free or reduced-duty goods, and illegal smuggling. It clarifies the statute of limitations for customs to recover underpaid or missed taxes and emphasizes the importance of compliant operation for businesses and individuals to mitigate tax risks. Aiming to help enterprises understand the regulations and avoid potential tax liabilities.

09/26/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Mauritius Revenue Authority Upgrades HRM After WCO Review

Mauritius Revenue Authority Upgrades HRM After WCO Review

The World Customs Organization conducted a diagnostic review of the Mauritius Revenue Authority's (MRA) human resource management system to support the MRA in establishing a modern and transparent HRM system. The review team proposed competency-based recommendations for improvement, which the MRA intends to actively adopt to enhance its human resource management capabilities and support its tax administration functions. This initiative aims to strengthen the MRA's ability to attract, retain, and develop skilled personnel, ultimately improving the efficiency and effectiveness of tax collection and compliance.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Asiapacific Strengthens Trade Oversight with Customs and Pricing Reforms

Asiapacific Strengthens Trade Oversight with Customs and Pricing Reforms

The World Customs Organization, in collaboration with the OECD and the World Bank Group, held an Asia-Pacific seminar focusing on the nexus between customs valuation and transfer pricing. The conference emphasized the need for enhanced information sharing and collaborative supervision between tax and customs authorities to address challenges posed by related-party transactions. This aims to improve cross-border trade compliance, enhance tax collection efficiency, and build a more efficient cross-border trade regulatory system. The discussions highlighted practical approaches and best practices for effective collaboration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More