Azerbaijan Honors WCO Chief for Customs Reform Efforts

Azerbaijan Honors WCO Chief for Customs Reform Efforts

World Customs Organization (WCO) Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya was awarded the “Order of Friendship” by the President of Azerbaijan for his outstanding contributions to customs reform in Azerbaijan. The article reviews the transformation of Azerbaijan's customs service, highlighting the WCO's supportive role and outlining future cooperation directions. It emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in customs modernization. The award recognizes Mikuriya's and the WCO's dedication to assisting Azerbaijan in enhancing its customs procedures and promoting efficient and secure trade facilitation.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Asiapacific Customs Centers Adopt Digital Tools Amid Pandemic

Asiapacific Customs Centers Adopt Digital Tools Amid Pandemic

The 19th Heads of Asia/Pacific WCO Regional Training Centers (RTCs) Meeting focused on the challenges and opportunities of remote training under the pandemic. Centers shared experiences and discussed key initiatives like digital transformation, international cooperation, talent development, and data analysis. The aim was to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance customs capacity, and collectively respond to the rapidly changing international trade environment. The meeting underscored the importance of adapting training methodologies and fostering collaboration to ensure effective customs operations in the new normal.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Backs Digital Shift in Western Balkans for Closer Ties

WCO Backs Digital Shift in Western Balkans for Closer Ties

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization visited North Macedonia to promote regional integration in the Western Balkans through digital transformation. He emphasized the importance of data analysis, coordinated border management, and Single Window systems. He suggested building a regionally interconnected customs system based on WCO standards. Furthermore, he highlighted the role of customs in disaster relief and the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders. This visit underscores the WCO's commitment to supporting efficient and secure trade facilitation in the region.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
China Files WTO Complaint Over EU EV Subsidies

China Files WTO Complaint Over EU EV Subsidies

China has filed a lawsuit with the WTO against the EU's provisional anti-subsidy measures on electric vehicles. China argues that the EU's ruling lacks factual and legal basis, violates WTO rules, and harms global climate cooperation. China urges the EU to correct its mistakes and safeguard China-EU economic and trade cooperation and the stability of the industrial chain and supply chain. The lawsuit underscores China's firm opposition to protectionist measures and its commitment to upholding the multilateral trading system.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
South Carolina Ports CEO Melvin Outlines Infrastructure Shipping Vision

South Carolina Ports CEO Melvin Outlines Infrastructure Shipping Vision

In an interview, Barbara Melvin, the new President and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), shared her insights on current import drivers, port infrastructure development, and the impact of the pandemic on container shipping. SCPA is actively pursuing port expansion, digital transformation, and supply chain diversification, aiming to become one of the most competitive ports in the United States. The focus is on enhancing capacity and resilience to better serve customers and navigate the evolving global trade landscape.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Port of LA Launches Incentives to Boost Competitiveness

Port of LA Launches Incentives to Boost Competitiveness

The Port of Los Angeles has launched the 'Ocean Carrier Incentive Program' to attract shipping companies and increase container throughput through cash rewards. The program offers incentives ranging from $5 to $15 per TEU, based on 2013 cargo volumes. This initiative aims to address increasing competition and the shift in freight volumes, solidifying the Port of Los Angeles' position in trans-Pacific trade. The program aims to boost cargo volume and improve the port's competitiveness in the face of evolving market dynamics.

02/04/2026 Port Encyclopedia
Read More
Asiapacific Customs Chiefs Meet in Shanghai to Boost Regional Cooperation

Asiapacific Customs Chiefs Meet in Shanghai to Boost Regional Cooperation

The 2018 Asia Pacific World Customs Organization Regional Training Center Heads Meeting was held in Shanghai, focusing on customs capacity building. Discussions centered on e-learning, training strategy implementation, seminar benefit optimization, and strengthening RTC functions. The meeting fostered regional cooperation, clarified the direction of capacity building, promoted the implementation of the WCO training strategy, and enhanced the international influence of Asia Pacific Customs. It emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to improve customs practices and facilitate trade within the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

With support from the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Burkina Faso to assist the country in implementing the revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and the SAFE Framework. The workshop focused on the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, providing practical guidance on the RKC and AEO for customs officials and private sector representatives of Burkina Faso. It also helped develop action plans to improve customs administration and promote international trade development in Burkina Faso.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Workshop Enhances Kazakhstans Customs Risk Management

WCO Workshop Enhances Kazakhstans Customs Risk Management

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop on Customs Risk Analysis in Astana, aiming to enhance the risk identification and response capabilities of the State Revenue Committee of Kazakhstan. Supported by the China Customs Cooperation Fund, the workshop covered risk analysis methodologies, model building, and response strategies. It promoted international cooperation and exchange, contributing to the construction of a secure and efficient international trade environment. The workshop provided practical tools and knowledge to improve risk management practices within the Kazakh customs administration.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Yantian Port to US West Coast Shipping Times Explained

Yantian Port to US West Coast Shipping Times Explained

This paper delves into the shipping time from Yantian Port to the US West Coast. It compares the time differences between Zim's expedited service, OA Alliance's expedited service, and regular ocean freight vessels. The analysis identifies key factors influencing shipping time, aiming to assist businesses in selecting the appropriate transportation method, optimizing supply chain management, and reducing logistics costs. The comparison provides insights into the trade-offs between speed and cost for different shipping options from Yantian to the US West Coast.

01/15/2026 Logistics
Read More