US Ports Question Harbor Maintenance Tax Spending

US Ports Question Harbor Maintenance Tax Spending

This article examines the efficiency of the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) funding utilization in the United States, particularly around President's Day. The Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014 aimed to increase HMT-funded projects, but improvements are still needed in fund allocation and usage efficiency. The article calls for a re-evaluation of the WRRDA Act's implementation to ensure funds are effectively used to improve port facilities and promote the American economy.

01/19/2026 Port Encyclopedia
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Mozambique Modernizes Tax HR with WCO Assistance

Mozambique Modernizes Tax HR with WCO Assistance

At the invitation of the Mozambique Tax Authority (MRA) and with funding from the CCF-China, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of MRA's Human Resource Management (HRM) system modernization. The aim was to address HR challenges and achieve strategic goals by optimizing the HR framework. The assessment included meetings, interviews, and workshops, culminating in recommendations for improvement submitted to the MRA. The Commissioner General of MRA expressed optimism for future collaboration. This initiative highlights the importance of HR upgrades and customs cooperation for effective capacity building within customs administrations.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guatemala Strengthens Customs Oversight for Tax Reform

Guatemala Strengthens Customs Oversight for Tax Reform

The Superintendency of Tax Administration of Guatemala, with SECO-WCO support, held a leadership and management development workshop for senior managers. The aim was to enhance the skills of customs managers, promote the modernization of the customs system, facilitate trade, increase tax revenue, and improve international competitiveness. The WCO's Leadership and Management Development Programme makes a significant contribution to the development of customs systems worldwide. The workshop emphasized strategic thinking and effective implementation of customs reforms, ultimately fostering a more efficient and transparent trade environment.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Ecommerce Sellers Face New Tax Challenges

US Ecommerce Sellers Face New Tax Challenges

The US Supreme Court's ruling allowing states to collect sales tax from e-commerce has impacted cross-border e-commerce sellers. Amazon may benefit, but other platforms face challenges. Sellers need to understand tax policies, adjust pricing strategies, optimize supply chains, and consider diversifying markets to mitigate tax risks. This requires proactive adaptation to the changing tax landscape and a focus on maintaining compliance across different jurisdictions. Ignoring these changes could lead to significant financial penalties and hinder growth in the US market.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Japan Proposes Tax on Overseas Mobile Games

Japan Proposes Tax on Overseas Mobile Games

Japan plans to impose consumption tax on overseas mobile games to close tax loopholes, potentially mirroring EU regulations on large app platform commissions. This could impact the profits of overseas mobile game developers and prompt Japan to strengthen payment regulations, similar to South Korea. Globally, discussions and regulations regarding platform commissions like the 'Apple Tax' are increasing. This poses both challenges and opportunities for Chinese mobile game companies expanding overseas, requiring them to adapt to evolving global tax and regulatory landscapes.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Madagascar Revamps HR to Strengthen Tax Revenue

Madagascar Revamps HR to Strengthen Tax Revenue

The Madagascar Revenue Authority (MRA), with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO), launched an HR modernization project. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, optimize tax collection, and improve employee engagement by building a competency-based HR management system. The MRA will focus on developing a highly skilled and professional tax workforce through competency models, digital empowerment, and cultural transformation. This transformation will enable the MRA to contribute more significantly to Madagascar's economic development.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ecommerce Sellers Face Stricter Crossborder Tax Rules

Ecommerce Sellers Face Stricter Crossborder Tax Rules

Cross-border e-commerce sellers are receiving tax warning messages, causing widespread anxiety about tax compliance within the industry. Experts advise against excessive panic, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting. Regulators may adopt tiered supervision, and industry standardization is seen as a necessary step for development. The increasing scrutiny highlights the need for businesses to prioritize tax compliance to avoid penalties and ensure long-term sustainability in the evolving regulatory landscape. Accurate record-keeping and proactive engagement with tax authorities are crucial for navigating these challenges.

02/11/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Amazon Overhauls Tax Reporting for Crossborder Ecommerce

Amazon Overhauls Tax Reporting for Crossborder Ecommerce

The release of Amazon's tax reports signals a new era of "data reconciliation" for cross-border e-commerce. These reports encompass business operating data directly linked to tax declarations. Sellers should promptly download and verify the data, reconcile discrepancies, and adjust their declaration logic to embrace the "accrual basis" accounting. Pilot programs in multiple regions offering "tax exemption without invoices" send positive signals. Only by proactively adapting to regulations can businesses thrive in compliant competition and achieve sustainable growth.

02/11/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Shanghai Intensifies Crackdown on Export Tax Fraud

Shanghai Intensifies Crackdown on Export Tax Fraud

Shanghai tax authorities have cracked down on export tax rebate fraud, investigating Shanghai Jinhui Investment Industry Co., Ltd. and Ru Chen International Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. in two separate cases. The individuals involved have been severely punished by law, demonstrating the tax authorities' determination to maintain tax order and safeguard national financial security. The crackdown underscores the commitment to preventing economic crimes related to export tax rebates and ensuring fair trade practices.

02/11/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Bosnias Tax Authority Risk Management

WCO Enhances Bosnias Tax Authority Risk Management

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the Indirect Taxation Authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ITA BiH) in enhancing its risk management capabilities through a national workshop. The workshop covered risk assessment, profiling, information management, and resource optimization, fostering exchange between ITA BiH and international experts. This event laid the foundation for ITA BiH to strengthen its risk management system and improve enforcement efficiency. Recommendations included continued international cooperation and domestic collaboration to further improve risk management practices.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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