New Customs Rules Affect Licensing Fees Royalties

New Customs Rules Affect Licensing Fees Royalties

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released new Advisory Opinion 4.19 on customs valuation, addressing the complex valuation issues related to royalties and license fees under Article 8.1(c) of the Customs Valuation Agreement. This opinion clarifies the valuation principles for single royalties encompassing both patents and trademarks. It assists businesses in accurately calculating import costs, reducing valuation disputes, and promoting the healthy development of international trade. This guidance aims to provide clarity and consistency in the application of customs valuation rules related to intellectual property rights.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Korea Partner to Enhance Global Customs Platform Clikc

WCO Korea Partner to Enhance Global Customs Platform Clikc

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Korea Customs Service (KCS) signed an agreement where KCS will provide funding for the WCO's CLiKC! e-learning platform. This funding will support platform upgrades and enhanced functionalities. The upgraded CLiKC! platform will feature updated course content, optimized technology, and expanded multilingual support. The goal is to enhance the professional skills and knowledge of customs officials worldwide, benefiting supply chains and promoting trade facilitation and compliance. This initiative aims to foster greater efficiency and effectiveness within customs administrations globally.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs and Rights Holders Strengthen IP Protections

Global Customs and Rights Holders Strengthen IP Protections

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held its 9th Rights Holders Consultation Group Meeting, focusing on the current state of intellectual property infringement and discussing challenges such as IP protection in the e-commerce environment and environmentally sound disposal of infringing goods. The meeting emphasized strengthening cooperation between customs and rights holders, building information exchange platforms, and jointly combating counterfeit goods to maintain fair trade practices and promote global economic prosperity. This collaborative approach aims to effectively address IP infringements and safeguard legitimate trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Seeks to Streamline Global Trade Classification Standards

WCO Seeks to Streamline Global Trade Classification Standards

The World Customs Organization's midterm report affirms the HS's central role and recommends improvements to its usability and functionality to address evolving trade patterns. The report encourages active participation from all parties in the assessment process. The focus is on ensuring the Harmonized System remains a relevant and effective tool for international trade classification and customs procedures in a rapidly changing global landscape. This will involve streamlining processes and adapting to new technologies to enhance its overall effectiveness and accessibility.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Supports Turkmenistans AEO Program to Enhance Trade

WCO Supports Turkmenistans AEO Program to Enhance Trade

The WCO supports Turkmenistan in implementing its AEO program, enhancing trade facilitation and supply chain security. The workshop covered AEO implementation, validation, risk management, and other key aspects. This initiative aims to promote economic growth by streamlining customs procedures and fostering international trade partnerships. The focus was on practical application and knowledge sharing to ensure the successful adoption of AEO standards within Turkmenistan's customs framework. Ultimately, this collaboration seeks to create a more efficient and secure trading environment for all stakeholders.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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El Salvador Joins Revised Kyoto Convention Boosting Global Trade

El Salvador Joins Revised Kyoto Convention Boosting Global Trade

The 32nd Session of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) Management Committee concluded successfully, with El Salvador joining, bringing the number of contracting parties to 135. The meeting finalized the review of updated guidelines for both general and specific annexes, covering key areas such as customs security, advance rulings, and coordinated border management. Moving forward, the RKC will continue to be updated, contributing to global trade facilitation. The updates aim to streamline customs procedures and enhance security measures for international trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Malaysia Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Origin Ruling System

Malaysia Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Origin Ruling System

The WCO is assisting Malaysia in accelerating the development of its advance ruling system for Rules of Origin. This initiative aims to enhance trade facilitation, optimize regulatory procedures, and improve predictability for businesses. By strengthening customs capacity and streamlining processes related to origin determination, Malaysia can benefit from increased trade flows and a more efficient and transparent customs environment. The support from the WCO is crucial in enabling Malaysia to effectively implement and utilize advance rulings, contributing to overall economic growth and competitiveness.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Workshop Enhances IP Rights Protection in Latin America

WCO Workshop Enhances IP Rights Protection in Latin America

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an Intellectual Property (IP) seminar in Panama, aiming to enhance the capacity of Latin American customs authorities to combat counterfeit goods. The seminar focused on strategic implementation, regional collaboration, digital transformation, and practical exercises. These efforts are designed to lay the foundation for a new landscape of secure trade. The event emphasized the importance of coordinated actions in protecting intellectual property rights and preventing the trade of illicit goods across borders within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Urges Global Trade Resilience at BASC Congress

WCO Urges Global Trade Resilience at BASC Congress

The WCO Deputy Secretary General highlighted the importance of international trade resilience at the 10th World BASC Congress. He presented the WCO's work in standardizing customs procedures, promoting international cooperation, and building capacity, with specific mention of the SAFE Framework and its positive impact on AEO programs. The WCO will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to address international trade challenges and promote global economic prosperity. The speech underscored the critical role of customs in ensuring secure and efficient global supply chains.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Liberia in Boosting Customs Revenue

WCO Aids Liberia in Boosting Customs Revenue

At the request of the Liberia Revenue Authority, the World Customs Organization sent an expert mission to Liberia to strengthen its customs valuation and classification infrastructure. Through assessments, workshops, and recommendations, the mission assisted Liberia in implementing relevant World Trade Organization agreements and developing a strategy to terminate private sector inspection contracts. The goal was to enhance revenue collection, promote trade facilitation, and foster economic development within the country. The mission's work focused on building sustainable capacity and ensuring compliance with international standards.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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