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
Read More
Malaysia Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Audit Training

Malaysia Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Audit Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully held a Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) training in Malaysia, aiming to enhance the customs' PCA capabilities and promote trade facilitation. The workshop covered PCA concepts, risk management, valuation, and auditing techniques, sharing case experiences from Japan and China. This training will help Malaysian Customs provide more convenient customs clearance services for enterprises while ensuring revenue collection, thereby promoting economic development. The training emphasized practical skills and knowledge transfer to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of post-clearance controls.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Customs Agencies Boost Biodiversity Protection Efforts

Global Customs Agencies Boost Biodiversity Protection Efforts

The World Customs Organization actively responds to World Environment Day, focusing on biodiversity protection. Through combating environmental crime, capacity building, and international cooperation, it is committed to building a sustainable future. The WCO emphasizes the crucial role of customs in protecting ecosystems, combating illegal trade, and promoting sustainable development. It calls for global joint efforts to protect our planet. The organization advocates for strategies to prevent the exploitation of natural resources and the illegal trafficking of endangered species, reinforcing customs' commitment to environmental security.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
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
Read More
Global Ecommerce Declaration Signals New Growth Era

Global Ecommerce Declaration Signals New Growth Era

The inaugural Global Cross-border E-commerce Conference was held in Beijing, bringing together global experts to discuss the trends and challenges of cross-border e-commerce development. The conference adopted the 'Beijing Declaration,' providing guidance for future development. It emphasized international cooperation, standardization, and SME empowerment, aiming to build a secure, convenient, and inclusive cross-border e-commerce ecosystem and promote sustainable global trade growth. The declaration highlights the importance of collaboration in addressing regulatory hurdles and fostering consumer trust in the digital marketplace.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Panama Canal Sees Surge As Shipping Alliances Shift Asiaus Routes

Panama Canal Sees Surge As Shipping Alliances Shift Asiaus Routes

Strategic shifts in shipping alliances are making the Panama Canal the preferred route from Asia to the US East Coast, surpassing the Suez Canal. East Coast ports are actively preparing to accommodate ultra-large container ships. Smaller ports face challenges and must differentiate themselves to survive. The Panama Canal's rise is reshaping shipping patterns and driving global trade development. Its expanded capacity and strategic location provide significant advantages for carriers, impacting port investments and competition worldwide. This shift necessitates adaptation and innovation within the maritime industry.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Vietnam Warns of Risks in Marrying for Business Gains

Vietnam Warns of Risks in Marrying for Business Gains

This article analyzes the phenomenon of using marriage to circumvent foreign trade costs and nominee risks in Vietnam, highlighting the hidden dangers of this seemingly convenient "marriage business." These risks include asset misappropriation, family disputes, and legal loopholes. The article emphasizes that cross-border marriage is not a panacea and requires a rational assessment of legal, economic, and emotional risks. It cautions against viewing marriage as a shortcut for investment purposes, stressing the importance of due diligence and professional advice before entering into such arrangements.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Mercado Libre Targets Chinese Sellers for Latin America Growth

Mercado Libre Targets Chinese Sellers for Latin America Growth

Mercado Libre will attend the China Cross-border E-commerce Trade Fair in Fuzhou to explore new opportunities in Latin American e-commerce with Chinese sellers. Official recruitment managers will be present to discuss market opportunities, onboarding policies, and product selection strategies. Mercado Libre will also host special forums and presentations to help Chinese companies expand into the Latin American market. This event aims to facilitate connections and provide valuable insights for businesses looking to tap into the growing Latin American e-commerce landscape through Mercado Libre.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
AI Enhances Customs Fraud Detection Curbing Tax Evasion

AI Enhances Customs Fraud Detection Curbing Tax Evasion

The DATE neural network model, developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), leverages a dual attention mechanism and tree-aware embedding techniques to effectively identify potential customs fraud transactions and improve inspection efficiency. Successfully piloted in Nigeria and open-sourced for use by customs administrations worldwide, this model has the potential to become a new tool in combating cross-border tax evasion. It offers a data-driven approach to detecting irregularities and enhancing risk assessment in international trade, ultimately contributing to fairer and more secure global commerce.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Strengthens Zambias Crackdown on Wildlife Trafficking

WCO Strengthens Zambias Crackdown on Wildlife Trafficking

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WCO-INAMA project, supports Zambia Customs in enhancing its intelligence capabilities to combat the illegal trade in endangered species. Expert teams provide strategic guidance covering intelligence gathering, analysis, dissemination, risk management, and international cooperation. The project also promotes technology empowerment, aiming to promote Zambia's sustainable development and safeguard its green future. This initiative strengthens Zambia's ability to protect its natural resources and combat wildlife crime, contributing to global conservation efforts and fostering a more secure and sustainable environment.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More